The results are in on the first four samples of diesel engine oil PQIA observed in the market labeled with the new API CK-4 performance specification. Each of the samples examined meet the SAE J300 specification for an SAE 15W-40 along with the phosphorus and Noack volatility requirements needed to meet the new API CK-4 specification. The results of other tests conducted on the samples are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
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| Chevron Delo 400 SDE CK-4/SN |
Mobil Delvac 1300 Super CK-4/SN |
Shell Rotella T4 CK-4 |
Valvoline Premium Blue CK-4/SN |
For those unfamiliar with CK-4 and FA-4, take note, these heavy duty engine oils (HDEO) were approved for first use by the API on December 1, 2016 and they are now on the street.
With enhanced oxidation and high temperature high shear (HTHS) stability, and superior aeration resistance, CK-4 offers an opportunity to further extend drain intervals and improve engine durability. Building on these advantages, FA-4 HDEO offers improved fuel economy (up to 0.5 to 0.7% higher for the same viscosity grade, 10W-30 FA-4 vs. 10W-30 CK-4) and reduced greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions.
As expected, since the specifications are new, the list of questions and concerns the market has about CK-4 and FA-4 is long. Answers to some of the questions are addressed in an article written by PQIA’s president Thomas Glenn that appeared in the March 2017 issue of Lubes”n”Greases magazine. The chart below is excerpted from the article. CLICK FOR THE ARTICLE.
Links to other articles related to API CK-4 and FA-4 published in Lubes’n’Greases Magazine and Lube Report are shown below:
From Lubes’n’Greases Magazine:
- It’s Always Something, Jan. 2017, p.6
- Heavy-duty drain intervals, November 2016, p. 6
- Is there Life in Universal Oils?, December 2016, p. 42
- Phillips 66 and CK-4, May 2016, p. 44
- Anybody Know What CK-4 Means?, April 2016, p. 6
From Lube Report:
