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Just noticed the new diesel oil API service rating CK-4

S

schiker

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I am due for an oil change and see there is a new API Service rating CK-4. How long has that been out? Saw one blurb on a bottle of conventional oil I think it was on a Chevron Delo quart bottle that advertised its suppose provide up to 50% more protection than CJ-4 oil. Not that we have much choice but haven't heard much about it either.

What's up? Is it suppose to help protect against bio fuel byproducts or something?
 
From what I read, this is similiar to the change s rated oils underwent around 06 where most of the zinc and phosphourus was removed from the oil. Zinc and phosphourus are great anti-wear additives, and are required in applications where metal to metal contact occurs(flat tappet cams was the driving reason behind it), but the epa has mandated that the levels be reduced for emissions reasons. Do some searching on it as there is some info out, but the change began 12-1-16.
 
I wouldn't run this in older engines. Further I would wait a few years for fleets to "test" the oils and the oil companies to improve the formulas to get the protection and long drain intervals in line with fleet demands. Collectively those who change their oil at 3000 miles are running a 6.5TD 500 miles past their HD use recommendation, but, not getting the full value of their oil in other diesels that can go 5000 - 15,000 miles on a change. The 3000 mile 'waste the oil' change interval may not notice problems with the oil like the early CJ-4 fleet operators experienced.

To consider the context of the new oils some quotes that clearly indicate pushing the MPG over all else including want of a "off road" oil classification for engines that work hard all day and night:

The off-road engine manufacturers have said they need the high-temperature, high shear (HT/HS) capabilities of the CK-4 formulations to help protect their engines in the high-heat, high-load conditions typical in off-road applications, says Dan Arcy, global OEM technical manager for Shell.

Due to the oil technology needed to meet low-viscosity requirements, API FA-4 oils can NOT be used in diesel engines made prior to 2017.

http://www.equipmentworld.com/new-heavy-duty-diesel-oil-standard-what-you-need-to-know/

http://blog.amsoil.com/making-sense-of-new-diesel-engine-oil-specifications-ck-4-and-fa-4/
 
You don't have much options other than the new ck-4 oil spec since as of 12-1-16 most everything switched over. I believe FORD is the only one offering a cj-4 still, but it's a 10w30 oil for the 6.7l. I'm really surprised CUMMINS isn't up in arms over this since they have used alot of flat tappet cams when others were switching to rollers.

Maybe look to marine oil since most all of them don't deal with exhaust emission equipment. The 25w40 mercury oil may be a good option since I believe it is still rich in zinc.
 
I will have to look at the new bottle Valvoline I picked up and see if that change slipped by me. Time to start supporting lubricationspecialist.com AMSOIL I guess.

"Your zinc is so high this shouldn't be on the road" was my last UOA from 2 bottles of Lucas Engine Break-in oil additive I threw at the 5.9 Cummins during Camshaft break in. Factory no cat, no EGR, no ETC so don't care... (yeah the OEM Cam grind for EGR on the replacement camshaft likely didn't make it to the drawing board.) Per UOA Lucas delivers what's advertised. I keep one bottle tossed in for each oil change. Looked at some nasty looking Cummins cams at the engine builder's shop.

On 6.5's the exhaust valve tip and rocker would be my area of concern. I see lots of wear in that area. In fact both rockers at the valve stems show wear on the last two 6.x engines I tore down.
 
I think it's time for me to switch to synthetic. Especially now that I am on pace for only about 10 to 12k per year instead of North of 30k.
 
Anyone know if the Cummins flat tappets & cams can be coated with something to protect them in the wear dept or if cryo treatment would increase their longevity?
 
Another smile moment for us 6.5'ers as its not that finicky of engine as long as temps are in control.

Yeah, I like Amsoil they use to have I think the higher TBN oil for offroad but I guess it was while supplies lasted. Marine oil might be good too especially in a synthetic formula would be best???

Synthetic blends might be good too.

The CK-4 oil doesn't look that bad if it handles the soot better than the CJ-4 oil. It might even help with some heat transfer ??? Evidently it performs well if it is suppose to provide 50% more protection than CJ-4 as stated.

The FA-4 oils I am not so sure but for those already running the lighter viscosity oils and not working that hard it may be fine. But I think I'll stick to the CK-4 oil as long as its available.

Years ago I remember something about using a bit of STP oil treatment on TheDieselPage. There are other brands too. Rislone, Lucas or add a bit of assembly lube (not the grease type the thick oil type). Will just have to figure the preferred one and dosage.
 
FellowTraveler said:
Anyone know if the Cummins flat tappets & cams can be coated with something to protect them in the wear dept or if cryo treatment would increase their longevity?
Click to expand...

Cryogenic makes everything stronger, and SLIGHTLY helps wear, but won't make up for lack of lube.

Ceramic is a question for @sctrailrider If it would hold up to the spinning lifter, reduction in friction is always a good thing.
 
Will L. said:
@sctrailrider is there anyway you could do a thread specifically on coatings of all kinds?
Click to expand...

@Will L. I can give it a go just for you LOL.... My talk concerning coating hasn't had much interest in the past here but I will attempt to bring some into the newer tech once again as this stuff does work....
 
YEARS back they used to make lifters with a small orifice drilled into the center of the lifter so as to spray oil directly onto the cam and provide a thicker oil film. They stopped doing it once the zinc and phosphourus levels were increased, looks like it might make a comeback with the new oils that we now have out.
 
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