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MaxxForce™ API CJ-4 OIL FAQs
The new American Petroleum Institute (API) CJ-4 oils are made for high-performance diesel engines in order to meet the 2007 on-highway exhaust emissions standards. API CJ-4 oils exceed previous performance requirements and are specifically designed to protect emissions control systems, help comply with emissions standards, reduce engine wear and control piston deposits and oil consumption.
API CJ-4 oils are also engineered for use in previous model-year engines and intended to maintain oil drain intervals when used in conjunction with ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD), which has a maximum sulfur content of 15 parts per million. As always, it is best to follow the engine manufacturers' recommendations for specific application guidelines for all engine oil products.
Q: Why was the new API CJ-4 oil performance category developed?
A: New emissions standards for heavy-duty diesel engines will be phased-in between 2007 and 2010. Engines meeting these new standards will be equipped with advanced emissions control technologies including diesel particulate filters (DPF), and in most cases, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The new API CJ-4 performance category was developed to address the unique needs of these advanced engines and enhance the life of the emissions control systems they utilize as required for regulatory compliance as well as provide proper protection for older engines.
Q: Do engine manufacturers recommend the use of API CJ-4 oils to protect 2007 emissions-controlled engines?
A: Yes. API CJ-4 oils are critical for the durability and performance of 2007 and newer engines that utilize advanced emissions control technologies and run on ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel. They have been subjected to the most severe qualification testing requirements of any API engine lubricant category and are designed to meet the engine performance and maintenance interval expectations of the engine manufacturer and the customer.
Q: How does the performance of API CJ-4 oils differ from previous categories like API CI-4 or API CI-4 PLUS?
A: Compared to previous API performance categories, API CJ-4 oils have specially designed additive systems that are necessary for the proper protection of the engine power system and advanced emissions control systems. Use of these new oils helps maintain the life of the emissions control system as required for regulatory compliance. API CJ-4 oils are formulated to improve wear protection, limit deposit and oil consumption, control soot-related viscosity, prevent viscosity loss from shearing, increase the pumpability of low-temperature used oil and protect against thermal and oxidative breakdown.
Q: How does the use of API CJ-4 oils impact my oil drain intervals?
A: Specific oil drain recommendations vary widely depending on engine type, duty cycle, fuel type and other factors. As always, it is best to follow the engine or vehicle manufacturers' recommendations for specific service guidelines.
Q: Do I need to adjust my used oil analysis program for API CJ-4 oils?
A: Yes. Due to the maximum limits the new category sets on phosphorus, sulfur and sulfated ash content, API CJ-4 oils may have a different fresh oil chemical profile than previous oils thus requiring an adjustment of your used oil analysis program. Users should seek guidance from their oil supplier and/or engine or vehicle manufacturer when making any changes to used oil analysis programs for API CJ-4 oils.
Q: Do API CJ-4 oils protect older engines as well as API CI-4 or API CI-4 PLUS oils?
A: Yes. API CJ-4 oils are designed for use in 2007 emissions compliant engines as well as existing on-highway engines. Certified utilizing several new engine tests that are more severe than those previously used, API CJ-4 oils offer more robust performance than API CI-4 and CI-4 Plus. API CJ-4 oils are also formulated to improve wear protection, limit deposit and oil consumption, control soot-related viscosity, prevent viscosity loss from shearing, increase the pumpability of low-temperature used oil and protect against thermal and oxidative breakdown. As always, users should seek guidance from their engine or vehicle manufacturer regarding specific service recommendations.
Q: Do API CJ-4 oils protect older engines if they are operated with low sulfur diesel fuel which has a maximum sulfur content of 500 parts per million?
A: Yes. API CJ-4 oils are designed to protect and perform better than API CI-4 and API CI-4 PLUS oils when using diesel fuel with a sulfur content of either 15 ppm or 500 ppm. As a reminder though, 2008 model year on-highway engines with advanced emissions systems must use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, which contains 15 ppm of sulfur or less. As always, users should seek guidance from their engine or vehicle manufacturer regarding specific service recommendations.
Q: Can API CJ-4 oils be used in off-highway applications?
A: Yes. API CJ-4 oils can be used in off-highway applications. However, use of API CJ-4 oils with higher sulfur fuels, like those generally utilized for off-highway applications that may contain up to 5,000 ppm of sulfur, may require revised oil drain intervals and other maintenance recommendations. As non-road fuel sulfur levels are reduced, first to 500 ppm in June 2007 and then to 15 ppm in June 2010, manufacturer recommendations may be revised.
Q: When will API-licensed CJ-4 oils be available?
A: Oil marketers may begin licensing diesel engine oils meeting API CJ-4 requirements on October 15, 2006. These licensed oils can be identified by looking for API Service CJ-4 at the top of the API Donut or by asking your bulk oil supplier. If you need API CJ-4 oils before October 15, 2006, contact your oil supplier. For a complete list of API-licensed CJ-4 oils visit www.api.org/eolcs.
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