The results of the tests conducted on the samples below meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
Chevron Delo 400 SDE SAE 15W-40 Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil
The results of the tests conducted on this sample meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories
Shell Rotella T4 SAE 15W-40 Heavy Duty Engine Oil
The results of the tests conducted on this sample meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
Mobil Delvac 1300 Super SAE 15W-40 Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil
The results of the tests conducted on this sample meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
The API CK-4 Diesel Engine Oil Specification
The above reports show test results for three leading brands of heavy-duty engine oil (HDEO) with API CK-4 credentials. The CK-4 specification was approved for first use in December of 2016 and it effectively replaced the CJ-4 specification. The new specification provides significant improvements when compared to CJ-4 in the areas of oxidation and shear stability, wear protection, and deposit and aeration control. Engine oils meeting CK-4 are most commonly seen in SAE 15W-40, 10W-30, 5W-40 and 5W-30 grades and are backward compatible in most applications where CJ-4 was previously recommended.*
While API CK-4 is the current specification for HDEO, for the first time ever, the API split the HDEO category in 2016. Alongside CK-4, it also launched the FA-4 HDEO specification.
The API FA-4 specification pertains to only XW-30 (e.g.,10W-30, 5W-30, 0W-30) viscosity grades.
Heavy duty engine oils with FA-4 credentials are formulated for use in certain high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet on-highway greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards starting in 2017. In addition to offering the performance enhancements seen in CK-4, FA-4 engine oils have a lower high temperature high shear (HTHS) viscosity. The lower HTHS enables these oils to provide improved fuel efficiency (gains in fuel economy) and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Unlike API CK-4 HDEOs which are backward compatible in most applications where CJ-4, CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, and CH-4 oils were previously recommended, due to its lower high temperature high shear (HTHS) viscosity, FA-4 oils have limited or no backward compatibility.*
While the industry is currently working to develop the next HDEO specification, the current specifications will likely remain in place at least until 2026. And although it’s too soon to know what the new HDEO specifications will bring, it’s likely industry will continue to advance performance in the areas of fuel economy, emissions, and drain intervals. Industry stakeholders are meeting frequently to define the new specification, what tests will become obsolete and what new tests are needed. Two key items include the potential for more restrictive chemical limits and the introduction of even lower viscosity products.
*Note: Always consult your vehicle owner’s manual for the correct SAE viscosity grade and performance specification(s) required for your vehicle.
