OTA Issue 4 2016

Issue 4 | 2016

developed with first licensing on December 1, 2016. They will

replace the current CJ-4 heavy-duty oils.

API CK-4 oils will replace today’s CJ-4 lubricants and will be

completely backwards compatible with all current on- and

off- road vehicles. They will be designed with improved

oxidation resistance, shear stability and aeration control.

API FA-4 oils will meet these new requirements and include

lower viscosity grades designed for next-generation on-road

diesel engines to help maximize fuel economy without

sacrificing engine protection. These oils are expected to have

limited backwards compatibility because some older engines

were not designed to operate with lower viscosity grades.

These new engine oil requirements, especially for FA-4, are a

major change in the industry’s approach to heavy-duty oil

specifications. Oil producers will need to continue to deliver

excellent wear protection and cleanliness—two factors that help to

drive down customers’ maintenance costs and prolong engine life.

New and Updated Tests

A major part of designing an oil specification is defining a set of

rigorous tests that each oil formulation must pass before it goes

on sale. CK-4 and FA-4 specifications will continue to use many

of the current tests, but some of these tests will have more

stringent limits. Two new tests have been introduced to ensure

that next-generation oils can cope with the oxidation stability

and aeration control needs of modern technology. Both tests are

designed to ensure that the new oils will be able to protect new

and older engines operating under more severe conditions.

What the New Specifications May Mean

for Your Vehicles and Equipment

API licensed oils are used for on- and off-highway applications.

The same goes for the new oils as they will be valid for transport,

agriculture, construction, mining and even diesel pickup

applications. You will be able to expect improved protection and

performance, even in the tough terrain and harsh conditions your

off-highway vehicles face on a daily basis. With on-highway diesel

emission legislation generally leading off-highway requirements

by several years, on-highway engines are generally used to

develop engine tests. Engine manufacturers are still determining

whether off-highway engines will use FA-4 oils.

Joshua Boes

Real estate

503.747.8515