What is PC-11 | Diesel Engine Oil Specifications | AMSOIL
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What's Happening?

Driven by federal regulations that raise the bar for fuel economy while lowering emission limits, modern diesel vehicles produce more horsepower and torque than ever, run much hotter, operate under higher pressures and have the ability to burn up to 20 percent biodiesel. These advances place new demands on diesel oil, in addition to demands for increased protection from those who depend on diesel power to make a living. AMSOIL has earned the trust of diesel equipment owners and has formulated new synthetic diesel oils that meet their demands and the demands presented by the latest diesel technology.

Making Sense of new Diesel Oil Specs

Advances in Diesel Technology

Beginning Dec. 1, 2016, two new American Petroleum Institute (API) diesel oil specifications take effect, replacing the current API CJ-4 specification:

  • API CK-4 (improved performance for current model-year and older engines)
  • API FA-4 (improved performance for model-year 2017 and newer engines only)
Diesel Engine

Changes to diesel engine technology have resulted in:

  • New engine materials
  • More HP and torque than ever
  • Hotter-running engines
  • Higher boost pressures
  • Acceptability of using up to B20 biodiesel
Two Paths Going Forward

Why two new specifications?

To comply with federal mandates to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions, manufacturers are designing engines that are tougher on oil. New diesel-oil technology is needed to protect these sophisticated new engines. Compared to the diesel engine oil you’re now using, diesel oils that meet the CK-4 or FA-4 performance specifications will deliver improved protection against wear and extreme heat.

CK-4 oils offer improved protection for both current and older engines. They are backward-compatible with the API CJ-4 diesel oil you’re likely now using.

FA-4 oils, however, are different; they are not backward compatible with API CJ-4 oils. Instead, they’re designed to help increase fuel economy and reduce emissions in model-year 2017 and newer diesel engines (when called for in the owner’s manual).

How does it affect me?

Beginning Dec. 1, 2016, diesel oils that bear the API CK-4 or API FA-4 specification on their labels will start hitting store shelves. If you’re currently using an API CJ-4 diesel oil, simply begin using an API CK-4 oil of the correct viscosity.

If you own a 2017 model-year diesel, however, the manufacturer may recommend either a CK-4 or FA-4 oil it’s up to you which to use. The choice hinges on several factors, including operating conditions and the level of importance placed on fuel economy.

The new CK-4 and FA-4 formulations allow diesel owners to reduce their maintenance costs and extend the life of their equipment, allowing them to compete profitably in markets that demand peak reliability and efficiency.

New Diesel Oils Launching Feb. 6

Four Times More Wear Protection Six Times More Wear Protection
SEE ALL THE NEW DIESEL OILS

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