Changes Looming For Diesel Engine Oils In Late 2016

If you’re using a diesel-powered piece of equipment, whether it is farm related, off-road, on-road or otherwise, there are some upcoming tweaks in store for your engine oil.

Proposed Category 11 is due to take effect on December 1st, 2016, and with it comes a batch of new oil formulas aimed at meeting the government’s new emissions and fuel economy regulations. Since this puts greater demands on engine oil, the American Petroleum Institute has set standards for new classes of oil that meet increased engine demands and the increasing fuel efficiency requirements.

PC-11 oils are intended to provide significantly improved oxidation control, anti-foaming and shear stability protection versus previous offerings for the same use. Two types of PC-11 diesel engine oil will be specified: CK-4 oils, which will be backwards compatible with all on and off-road diesel engine oils, and FA-4 oils.

FA-4 oils will be for use specifically with newer engines to provide increased fuel economy and lower emissions. However, they are not backwards compatible as a rule thumb like CK-4 oils are.

“Newer engines can use lighter oils that might not be appropriate for older engines, so watching label changes will be important to make sure you are using the correct oil,” says Andrew Hamilton, CHS technical services and quality manager for Cenex lubricants. “We will still see SAE 10W-30 and SAE 15W-40 oils, but we expect API to add designations to labels that will help users differentiate between the new CK-4 and FA-4 oils. Final labeling decisions are still being made.”

Anticipating the challenges of Tier 4 diesel engines, Infineum USA, LP, which formulates engine oils for Cenex, has been working to develop oils that deliver improved fuel economy performance at lower viscosity levels without compromising engine durability or performance.

“We believe PC-11 will add complexity to the supply chain, and new products could create some confusion for vehicle and equipment owners. The benefits of the new oils will make that adjustment worthwhile, though,” says Steve Haffner, Infineum’s North American market manager for crankcase additives.

“When used properly, CK-4 and FA-4 oils will provide better engine protection than the current oils on the market. The new options should ensure drain intervals can be maintained or even increased under certain operating conditions. On-road diesel fleets moving to new FA-4 oils may see up to 2 to 3 percent fuel economy improvement versus a typical SAE 15W-40 oil, depending on the driving cycle.”

Haffner also says that the increased stresses applied to diesel engines in an off-road capacity will be addressed by these new CK-4 oils, including considerations for piston ring, cylinder liner interface, bearings and valve train components. “Cenex retailers are prepared to guide vehicle and equipment owners through the transition by answering questions about the right oil for each fleet’s trucks and tractors.”

However, Haffner also stresses that it may take a couple of years for these new low viscosity oils to be fully acceptable, due the back serviceability concerns and the number of engines that cannot use these newer lubricants. For more information on the upcoming changes, check out the Cenex site.