What is PC-11? What You Need to Know About PC-11, CK-4, and FA-4 Diesel Engine Oil
What is PC-11? What You Need to Know About PC-11, CK-4, and FA-4 Diesel Engine Oil
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and major engine manufacturers have agreed on ambitious new goals for fuel economy and emissions in future medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. To meet these goals without any compromise in engine protection, a new generation of diesel engine oils is required. First licensing is December 1, 2016.
What is PC-11?
PC-11 stands for Proposed Category 11. The new PC-11 Heavy Duty Engine Oils (HDEO), now called CK-4 and FA-4, due in December of 2016, will surpass current CJ-4 oil technology.
Why do we need a new oil standard?
Oil technology and engine technology go hand in hand. Changing regulatory limits challenge engine manufacturers to reduce emissions. As engine manufacturers begin to create a new generation of cleaner, more fuel-efficient diesel engines, they need a new generation of higher-performing diesel engine oils to protect them. And they need to know those oils will be available throughout the country to every diesel engine owner.
What’s the difference between CK-4/FA-4 heavy duty engine oils and current engine oils?
In order to meet goals for more fuel-efficient engines and fewer emissions, many next-generation engines will run at higher operating temperatures. This will require changes in engine oil composition, so they can withstand more heat without sacrificing engine protection.
It will also mean that instead of one category of engine oils, we’ll have two – CK-4 and FA-4. CK-4 engine oils will be a direct replacement for the engine oils you’re using now. You’ll be able to buy the same viscosity grades and oil types (conventional, full synthetic, synthetic blend) you’re using now, and they’ll be “backwards compatible” to ALL current vehicles. They’ll just also conform to the new PC-11 standards.
The new FA-4 engine oils will be offered in lower viscosity grades and are designed primarily for next-generation engines to help maximize fuel economy without sacrificing engine protection. These FA-4 oils may have limited backwards compatibility2 and would be labeled as such. Oil companies and OEMs are currently testing these products in a range of applications to demonstrate without sacrificing engine protection.
Here are other major differences you can expect to see in CK-4 and FA-4 oils.
Fuel Economy
As PC-11 engine oils get closer to arriving, you may hear the term High Temperature High Shear (HTHS) viscosity. CK4 oils are being referred to inside the industry as “High HTHS” engine oils, and FA-4 oils are being referred to as “Low HTHS” oils. These Low HTHS FA-4 oils are being designed to provide fuel economy above and beyond current CJ-4 and FA-4 oils through the use of thinner viscosity fluids.
Shear Stability
Shear stability is the ability of the oil molecules to resist shearing under severe stress inside the engine. Oil shearing results in a lower viscosity, and excessive viscosity loss could impact the ability of the oil to protect vital engine parts. The new PC-11 standards call for improvements in shear stability versus CJ-4 oils. New, more stringent shear stability test limits are being developed to validate that each oil’s shear stability meets the new guidelines.
Oxidation Stability
Oxidation is one of the primary causes of oil breakdown and is accelerated by higher operating temperatures. The next generation of engines are being designed to run hotter. So, PC-11 standards call for improved oxidation stability versus CJ-4 oils.
Download these materials to help you better understand the new category of heavy duty engine oils and what it can mean for your trucks and your business.
What Does PC-11 Mean For My Truck?
Let’s cut to the chase: What’s in it for me?
Anticipated benefits from PC-11 engine oils could be different for every type of user. Pick what best describes your use and see how you may benefit:
Fleet Owner: What CK-4/FA-4 means for fleet owners.
Fleet Owner: What CK-4/FA-4 means for fleet owners.
In a word, the opportunity to reduce fuel consumption and cut operating expenses. There are other potential benefits to CK-4 oils, including reduced engine wear and deposits, which could help reduce maintenance costs and downtime. Fleets who move from current 15W-40 (or even existing high HTHS 10W-30 oils) could see even greater fuel economy savings from future FA-4 (low HTHS) category oils.
Owner/Operator: What CK-4/FA-4 means for owner/operators.
Owner/Operator: What CK-4/FA-4 means for owner/operators.
Peace of mind. The confidence that as an owner/operator you’re using oil that has passed strict tests for engine protection and performance.
Off-highway vehicles: What CK-4/FA-4 means for off-highway/construction vehicles.
Off-highway vehicles: What CK-4/FA-4 means for off-highway/construction vehicles.
Improved protection and performance, even in the harsh conditions your vehicles operate in on a daily basis. To meet PC-11 requirements, these new oils will have to pass strict industry tests. So you can have confidence you’re getting the best protection you can buy.
Diesel Pickup Trucks: What CK-4/FA-4 means for diesel pickups.
Diesel Pickup Trucks: What CK-4/FA-4 means for diesel pickups.
Peace of mind. The confidence that you’re using diesel engine oil that has passed strict tests for engine protection and performance, especially when you’re hauling heavy loads. Protection you’ll appreciate now and in the years to come.
Technology Behind PC-11
Developing a new engine oil technology
The Shell Approach
Developing new engine oils to meet the requirements of a new category like PC-11 is a major undertaking. Which is why Shell has put the full resources of its global research centers at the disposal of the scientists and engineers responsible for these next generation diesel engine oils. In the years since PC-11 was initially proposed, Shell has actively explored and prototyped numerous formulations. This has meant running thousands of laboratory tests to identify new technologies for PC-11, and then stress testing the most promising ones through millions of miles of real-world field-testing across fleet, construction, agriculture and DPU applications. All to ensure that by the time you can buy them, the new engine oils will do everything you expect of them. Here’s a window into what Shell is doing to develop its new Rotella® PC-11 Heavy Duty Engine Oils (HDEOs).
Viscosity Facts
In severe conditions, such as extreme hot or cold, your engine oil plays a role in protecting your engine and delivering fuel economy.
Engine Oil viscosity is modified by temperature. If viscosity is too thick there can be a reduction in fuel economy due to increased effort to pump the oil. If viscosity is too thin there can be an increase in wear. The best way to protect an engine from these events is to follow OEM recommendations for fill and oil drain interval.
The table below illustrates the accepted OEM recommendations for heavy duty applications.
| OEM | 15W-40* | 10W-30* |
5W-40* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cummins | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Detroit Diesel | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| John Deere | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Navistar | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PACCAR | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Volvo | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions:
I’ve heard you can’t switch from conventional to synthetic oils. True?
I’ve heard you can’t switch from conventional to synthetic oils. True?
The reality is that you can switch from conventional to synthetic oil and back again. Synthetic blend is a mixture of conventional and synthetic oil. Ensure you’re using your OEM’s recommended viscosity grade. Synthetic oil can have superior performance and protection characteristics.
What are the guidelines that a motor oil must meet in order to be called a synthetic?
What are the guidelines that a motor oil must meet in order to be called a synthetic?
The term synthetic generally refers to Group III+, Group IV, and certain Group V base oils. However, because the term ‘synthetic’ is based on performance rather than chemistry, there is no all-encompassing group of base oil that is called synthetic.
When is PC-11 going to be officially in the marketplace?
When is PC-11 going to be officially in the marketplace?
The official licensing date is December 1, 2016.
Will the introduction of the CK-4/FA-4 products change oil drain intervals?
Will the introduction of the CK-4/FA-4 products change oil drain intervals?
The best advice is to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s oil drain recommendation. It’s possible some manufacturers may change the recommended oil drain intervals with the introduction of the new specification.
What is Shell doing to educate consumers about the upcoming changes?
What is Shell doing to educate consumers about the upcoming changes?
Shell was the first to introduce a comprehensive industry wide website dedicated to the education of users on the PC-11 journey. This will continue to be a recommended tool for education. Additionally, 2016 will mark the largest brand investment in Shell Rotella® history; with the launch of a new communications campaign to drive awareness of the new CK-4/FA-4 specifications.
What is the industry doing to educate consumers about the upcoming changes?
What is the industry doing to educate consumers about the upcoming changes?
All lubricant marketers and OEMs are engaged in some form of consumer education geared towards meeting the expectations of their specific customers.
Have the PC-11 formulations really been proven?
Have the PC-11 formulations really been proven?
There are a number of tests that each oil must pass in order to meet new category requirements. For PC-11, the list has been expanded to include new or revised tests for high-temperature oxidation. In addition Shell does millions of miles of real-world field-testing every year. When PC-11 arrives in market, Shell will have invested millions of dollars in testing and development.
What does FA-4 stand for?
What does FA-4 stand for?
The “F” doesn’t really have a specific meaning. The API committee was foremost, looking for a naming convention that didn’t sound like “C” to reduce complications with phone ordering. However, the “A” denotes the first chapter/iteration of “F” designations, and “4” is the designation for diesel engine oils.
Will CK-4 replace current CJ-4 motor oils?
Will CK-4 replace current CJ-4 motor oils?
Yes, CK-4 engine oils will replace CJ-4 engine oils. There are two specifications; CK-4 and FA-4. CK-4 will be a direct replacement for the oils you’re using now. You’ll be able to buy the same viscosity grades and oil types (conventional, full synthetic, synthetic blend) you’re using now, and they’ll be completely “backwards compatible” to all current vehicles. The new FA-4 oils will be offered in lower viscosity grades and are designed primarily for the next generation of diesel engines, to help maximize fuel economy without sacrificing engine protection. FA-4 oils will have limited backwards compatibility.
What is the industry doing to educate consumers about the upcoming changes?
What is the industry doing to educate consumers about the upcoming changes?
All lubricant marketers and OEMs are engaged in some form of consumer education geared towards meeting the expectations of their specific customers.
Have the PC-11 formulations really been proven?
Have the PC-11 formulations really been proven?
There are a number of tests that each oil must pass in order to meet new category requirements. For PC-11, the list has been expanded to include new or revised tests for high-temperature oxidation. In addition Shell does millions of miles of real-world field-testing every year. When PC-11 arrives in market, Shell will have invested millions of dollars in testing and development
What does FA-4 stand for?
What does FA-4 stand for?
The “F” doesn’t really have a specific meaning. The API committee was foremost, looking for a naming convention that didn’t sound like “C” to reduce complications with phone ordering. However, the “A” denotes the first chapter/iteration of “F” designations, and “4” is the designation for diesel engine oils.
Can I use CK-4/FA-4 in my current vehicle(s), even if they’re older?
Can I use CK-4/FA-4 in my current vehicle(s), even if they’re older?
Yes. CK-4 engine oils will be a direct replacement for the diesel engine oils you’re using now. You’ll be able to buy the same viscosity grades and oil types (conventional, full synthetic, synthetic blend) you’re using now. The new FA-4 engine oils will be offered in lower viscosity grades and may have limited backwards compatibility, depending upon the engine manufacturer.*
Can I use the new lower viscosity FA-4 oils in my current vehicles?
Can I use the new lower viscosity FA-4 oils in my current vehicles?
It’s possible some manufacturers may approve the use of new grades of PC-11 retroactively, but always use a viscosity grade specifically approved for your vehicle by its manufacturer.*
Will OEMs be putting the new FA-4 oils (5W-30L/10W-30L) in as factory fill for 2017 trucks?
Will OEMs be putting the new FA-4 oils (5W-30L/10W-30L) in as factory fill for 2017 trucks?
Currently, OEMs are still evaluating the options. Our plan is to make 10W-30L available for Factory Fill if/ when required.
If it will be factory fill for 2017 truck models, which oems will requiring it?
If it will be factory fill for 2017 truck models, which oems will requiring it?
All OEMs are still evaluating the options so this is unknown at this time.
What will the API mandate to differentiate CK-4 from FA-4 on the bottles?
What will the API mandate to differentiate CK-4 from FA-4 on the bottles?
At this time, the industry has looked at differentiating the products through the use of “L” (designation on viscosity for low HTHS fluids) and has aligned on a separate designation of “FA-4” on the donut.**
What will Shell do to differentiate CK-4 from FA-4 on the bottles?
What will Shell do to differentiate CK-4 from FA-4 on the bottles?
We’ve just completed first round of consumer insights work on potential naming options. Initial results indicate that there is a need for us to clearly communicate the difference. We will continue this research and share more as we land on a direction.
Will the new FA-4 specification only apply to T5 and T6?
Will the new FA-4 specification only apply to T5 and T6?
The FA-4 specification will only apply to Shell Rotella® T5 Synthetic Blend Technology heavy duty engine oil and Shell Rotella® T6 Full Synthetic heavy duty engine.
Will FA-4 products be full synthetic?
Will FA-4 products be full synthetic?
There is currently no API requirement for FA-4 to be a synthetic product. Rather, the specification is performance based. However, in order to achieve the appropriate performance there will likely be some synthetic content.
Will CK-4 products only be synthetic blend and full synthetic?
Will CK-4 products only be synthetic blend and full synthetic?
No. There will be CK-4 products offered that will be conventional, synthetic blend and full synthetic.
Is the current thinking that there will be two 10W- 30 products available in the market?
Is the current thinking that there will be two 10W- 30 products available in the market?
That is the current belief – more will be known as we near the date of first license.
What would happen if a consumer accidentally uses the wrong 10W-30 (h instead of l or l instead of h) in their truck?
What would happen if a consumer accidentally uses the wrong 10W-30 (h instead of l or l instead of h) in their truck?
OEMs are currently in process of determining what impact, if any, would be seen by using low HTHS in older engines. We will continue working with OEMs to understand backwards compatibility as well as impact for newer technology fluids as part of these new specifications.
Will PC-11 products support natural gas and biodiesel specifications?
Will PC-11 products support natural gas and biodiesel specifications?
Spark ignited natural gas engines are not covered under the new specifications, and have their own specifications set by the OEMs. We will continue to provide updated information on changes associated with the new category. Please go to periodically to familiarize yourself and customers with any changes that take place.
* Always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the oil type and viscosity grade.
** Still pending finalization.
