API CK-4 and FA-4: Next-generation diesel engine oils

It’s been 10 years since API CJ-4, the last American Petroleum Institute (API) specification change. API CK-4 and FA-4, the API heavy-duty diesel engine oil specifications of Proposed Category 11 (PC-11), represent the latest lubricant technology for heavy-duty trucks.

Tested in the lab. Proven on the road.

You can depend on our science. We’ve had a number of technical experts play key roles in the initial development and advancement of specifications and testing parameters that were part of the overall PC-11 initiative, holding chair positions on the Diesel Engine Oil Advisory Panel and the T-13 Test Development Taskforce. From scientists to engineers, collaboration is essential throughout product development, so our research approach at ExxonMobil involves results from both the laboratory and the driver’s seat.

Since 2011, we’ve been field testing low viscosity formulations in preparation for the change in oil specifications, working closely with major commercial vehicle manufacturers and engine builders. Our current field testing includes about 200 trucks, and we have accumulated more than 95 million miles of testing data on our CK-4 and FA-4 formulations as of November 2019. Plus, we continue adding more than 1.5 million miles each month with the help of select fleet partners. Every mile logged helps us further prove the benefits of Mobil Delvac™ CK-4 and FA-4 oils.

Lubricant technology at work

CK-4 and FA-4 oils both represent an upgrade to CJ-4 oils. CK-4 oils maintain traditional high temperature/high shear (HTHS) viscosity and FA-4 oils are lower HTHS viscosity. Of the two oils, FA-4 oils focus on enhanced fuel efficiency for newer engines. However, both CK-4 and FA-4 oils help:

• Reduce carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Maintain engine durability while improving oxidation resistance, shear stability and aeration control.

CK-4 or FA-4 oils will not affect every business the same way, but it’s helpful to note the success of low viscosity oils preceding them . Schneider, Lesmeister Transportation, Pride Transport, H&W Trucking, Dot Transportation and other industry leaders have relied on low viscosity oils for years to help them reach their sustainability and money-saving goals. Next-generation CK-4 and FA-4 oils can help build upon these improvements.

Still, the development of CK-4 and FA-4 wasn’t an overnight process, and, likewise, the process for choosing an oil for your fleet deserves careful consideration and planning. We recommend reaching out to your lubricant supplier and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to ensure the best results for your business.

Relying on experts

For more than 90 years, we’ve been helping companies prepare for and operate under industry regulations, earning the recognition of leading on-highway trucking fleets and off-highway companies. CK-4 and FA-4 oils represent another example of how we have successfully helped our customers manage change.

We continue to work closely with fleet managers and owners of various sized fleets on a daily basis. In addition to the educational tools we’re developing, our field experts are helping fleet managers determine the right oil choices for their business.

After choosing a CK-4 and/or FA-4 oil, it’s important for fleets to determine the best maintenance solutions to help optimize oil drain intervals and protect their vehicles’ engines. We offer a four-step process for optimizing oil drain intervals. The ExxonMobil Optimized Oil Drain Interval (ODI) Process has yielded exceptional results for fleets of various sizes; we recommend this data-driven process for fleets as they implement CK-4 and/or FA-4 oils into their operations. Once a new baseline oil drain interval is in place, maintenance personnel and ExxonMobil technical experts can help assess how the oil is performing and how they can take advantage of the performance properties offered by the advanced lubricants.