Ameer Randolph
The American Petroleum Institute (API) has established a Service Classification System to define the performance level of a given oil. The API C-series classifications pertain to diesel engines, with the C standing for compression ignition systems. The C-Series contains API CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, and CH-4 oils. The use of these oils depends on the sulfur content of the diesel fuel. For instance, the use of CK-4 and CJ-4 oils with diesel fuel containing greater than 15 ppm (0.0015% by weight) of sulfur may impact exhaust after-treatment system durability. The FA-4 classification was introduced in 2017 to help maximize fuel economy in over-the-road trucks and meet greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards.
Characteristics and Values of Diesel Fuel API
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| API Gravity | The ratio of the density of fuel to the density of water. A good API gravity is 34 to 36 (measured at 60 degrees F). |
| Cloud Point | The temperature at which hydrocarbons in the fuel cannot be dissolved and form wax crystals. |
| Pour Point | The temperature at which diesel fuel begins to solidify or gel. |
| Cetane Index or Rating | The quality of diesel fuel ignition; how easily it ignites. A minimum rating of 45 is best for performance. |
| Service Categories | CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4, CH-4, CF-4, CI-4 PLUS, FA-4, etc. |
| Description | Oils for use in high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines. |
| Sulphur Content | Up to 500 ppm (0.05% by weight) for CK-4, CJ-4, and CI-4 oils. FA-4 oils are formulated for use with diesel fuels ranging in sulphur content up to 0.5% weight. |
| Performance | CK-4 oils exceed the performance criteria of CJ-4, CI-4, CI-4 PLUS, and CH-4. CJ-4 oils exceed the performance criteria of CI-4, CI-4 PLUS, CH-4, CG-4, and CF-4. |
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What You'll Learn
- API CK-4 diesel engine oil is designed for high-speed, four-stroke engines
- Federal regulations have raised the bar for fuel economy and lowered emission limits
- The price of crude oil is the main factor influencing diesel fuel prices
- API FA-4 diesel engine oil was introduced to maximise fuel economy in trucks
- API classifications for diesel engine oil are unrelated to oil viscosity
API CK-4 diesel engine oil is designed for high-speed, four-stroke engines
API CK-4 diesel engine oil is the latest performance category of engine oil introduced by the American Petroleum Institute (API). API CK-4 oils are designed for high-speed, four-stroke cycle diesel engines and are formulated to meet the demands of new engines while also being compatible with older engines.
The development of API CK-4 diesel engine oil involved collaboration between scientists, engineers, drivers, and fleet managers to ensure that the product meets the needs of a diverse range of users. This oil is specifically effective in aiding new diesel engines in emissions control and can be used in engines with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 500 ppm. However, using API CK-4 oils with fuel containing more than 15 ppm of sulfur may impact the exhaust after-treatment system's durability or oil drain interval.
API CK-4 diesel engine oil offers several benefits, including improved oxidation resistance, enhanced shear stability, and better aeration control. These oils are designed to help reduce carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions, making them a more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, API CK-4 oils maintain traditional high-temperature/high-shear (HTHS) viscosity, which is important for engine performance and protection.
API CK-4 diesel engine oil is also known for its high performance and ability to excel in extended drains under tough operating conditions. The use of premium additives and base oils with low volatility contributes to reduced consumption, decreased wear, and improved oxidation stability. These oils are designed to minimize friction and provide a cleaner service, resulting in improved engine efficiency and longevity.
When compared to its predecessor, CJ-4 oils, API CK-4 diesel engine oil offers significant advancements. It is important to note that while CK-4 oils focus on maintaining traditional HTHS viscosity, the next-generation FA-4 oils offer enhanced fuel efficiency for newer engines with lower HTHS viscosity. Fleets adopting CK-4 and/or FA-4 oils should carefully consider maintenance solutions to optimize oil drain intervals and protect their vehicles' engines.
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Federal regulations have raised the bar for fuel economy and lowered emission limits
API, short for American Petroleum Institute, has categorized engine lubricating oils for diesel engines. The latest category usually includes the performance properties of the previous category. However, this is not always the case, as API FA-4 oils, for instance, are not interchangeable with API CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, and CH-4 oils. Federal regulations have been tightening over the years to raise the bar for fuel economy and lower emission limits.
In 2009, President Barack Obama proposed a new national fuel economy program to adopt uniform federal standards to regulate fuel. This was followed by Obama's initial 2025 goal of achieving 54.5 miles per gallon (mpg), which was a miles per gallon version of the carbon dioxide (CO2) standard. The EPA estimated that the gas mileage was closer to 40 mpg, assuming all improvements came from fuel economy, which was unlikely.
The EPA and NHTSA have been working together to set standards for fuel economy and emissions. In 2019, they issued a final action that enabled federal vehicle standards to preempt state action and withdrew California's ability to set its own standards. This was challenged in court by California and other states. However, in 2021, the Biden administration started the process of dropping these limitations, and California's waiver was reinstated, along with the ability for other states to adopt California's standards.
The EPA and NHTSA have also set standards for nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from heavy-duty trucks and fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicles for model years 2024-2026. President Biden signed an executive order in 2021 to make 50% of passenger cars and light-duty trucks zero-emission vehicles by 2030. This order also directed the EPA and NHTSA to develop standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, strengthening America's leadership in clean cars and trucks.
The federal regulations are expected to result in significant benefits. By 2050, it is projected to avoid 3.1 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions and reduce gasoline use by 360 billion gallons. It will also provide net economic benefits of $120-$190 billion, including public health benefits due to lower tailpipe emissions of pollutants responsible for smog and soot. These regulations are pushing automakers to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles, thereby reducing gasoline consumption and pollution.
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The price of crude oil is the main factor influencing diesel fuel prices
The price of crude oil is the most significant factor in determining diesel fuel prices. Crude oil prices have been the primary driver of gasoline prices, accounting for over 90% of the variation in prices since 2020. Similarly, the price of crude oil has a direct relationship with diesel fuel prices, with fluctuations in the crude oil market influencing changes in diesel prices.
The cost of crude oil is influenced by the balance between supply and demand. When supply lags, scarcity occurs, leading to increased import dependence and higher costs. Additionally, the cost of refining crude oil into diesel fuel and other petroleum products also impacts diesel fuel prices. Refining costs vary seasonally and by region, influenced by factors such as production costs for different blends and the need to reduce air emissions.
Seasonal variations in demand for heating oil and diesel fuel can also affect diesel fuel prices. During the fall and winter, an increase in heating oil demand can put pressure on the diesel fuel market. Regional differences in supply and demand dynamics, transportation costs, and local market conditions further influence diesel fuel prices. For example, areas farther from production sources, like the Gulf Coast, tend to have higher diesel fuel prices due to increased transportation costs.
Taxes and fees also contribute significantly to diesel fuel prices. While federal excise taxes are consistent across the country, state and local taxes can vary significantly, leading to higher fuel prices in certain regions. Additionally, the number and location of local competitors can impact pricing strategies, with high-volume truck stops typically offering lower diesel fuel prices than smaller-volume service stations.
Overall, the price of crude oil is the predominant factor in diesel fuel prices, but it is essential to consider the various other factors that contribute to the complex dynamics of the diesel fuel market.
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API FA-4 diesel engine oil was introduced to maximise fuel economy in trucks
FA-4 oils are specifically formulated for use in select high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2017 model year on-highway greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards. These oils help to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions when compared to conventional oils or synthetic blends. They are also long-lasting and provide maximum wear protection to prolong the life of the engine.
FA-4 oils are not interchangeable or backward compatible with other API oils such as CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, and CH-4. Vehicle owners should refer to their owner's manuals and engine manufacturer recommendations to determine if FA-4 oils are suitable for their engines.
While FA-4 oils have been approved for use in some 2017 and newer diesel engines, mostly in over-the-road trucks, it is important to note that not all engine manufacturers recommend their use. For example, Volvo Trucks North America does not currently recommend using FA-4 oil in any of its current production engines, but plans to expand FA-4 availability in the future.
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API classifications for diesel engine oil are unrelated to oil viscosity
API stands for the American Petroleum Institute. In 1970, the API Service Classification System was established along with the SAE and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) to define the performance level of a given oil. Notably, these API classifications are unrelated to oil viscosity.
The API requirements are S for Spark Ignition (petrol) and C for Compression Ignition (diesel). The latest API S and C classifications are backward compatible and can be used in place of earlier classifications. For automotive gasoline engines, the latest API Service Category includes the performance properties of each earlier category. This means that if an automotive owner's manual calls for an API SN oil, an API SP oil will provide full protection.
For diesel engines, the latest category usually includes the performance properties of an earlier category, but not always. For instance, API FA-4 oils are specifically formulated for use in select high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2017 model year on-highway greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards. API FA-4 oils are not interchangeable or backward compatible with API CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, and CH-4 oils.
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Frequently asked questions
API stands for American Petroleum Institute.
API categories are engine lubricating oil service categories that define the performance level of a given oil.
CK-4 is for high-speed four-stroke diesel engines designed to meet 2017 model year on-highway and Tier 4 non-road exhaust emission standards. FA-4 is for select high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2017 model year on-highway greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards.
CK-4 oils are designed to provide enhanced protection against oil oxidation, viscosity loss due to shear, and oil aeration. They also protect against catalyst poisoning, particulate filter blocking, engine wear, piston deposits, and degradation of low- and high-temperature properties.
FA-4 oils are designed to provide enhanced protection against oil oxidation, viscosity loss due to shear, and oil aeration. They also help protect against catalyst poisoning, particulate filter blocking, engine wear, piston deposits, and degradation of low- and high-temperature properties, and soot-related viscosity increase.
