Shell Rotella API CK-4, FA-4 Portfolio of Diesel Engine Oils

July 21, 2016

Shell Lubricants has introduced a new portfolio of Shell Rotella heavy-duty diesel engine oils.

Shell says its Rotella T4 Triple Protection 15W-40 and 10W-30, along with Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend 10W-30, are formulated to meet the specification criteria for the new API CK-4 service category for diesel engine oil. (Rotella API FA-4 oils will be available later this year.)

The new API CK-4 and FA-4 categories are driven by changes in engine technology to meet emissions, renewable fuel and fuel economy standards for reduced CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the new specification refreshes test limits in response to changes in engine hardware and operating condition. The last heavy-duty engine oil category, CJ-4, was introduced in 2006, and since that time, several engine tests need upgrading and older test hardware has become unavailable.

Shell recommendations for Rotella product selection: If the truck or piece of equipment was built prior to 2016, whether it is on- or off-highway, choose CK-4 oil, which directly replaces CJ-4 oils. For a 2017 on-highway vehicle, check with the manufacturer before changing the oil for the first time, and if they allow an FA-4 oil, choose Shell Rotella T5 Ultra 10W-30. Shell will also be introducing a Shell Rotella T6 Multi-Vehicle 5W-30, which will meet API CK-4 and API SN standards, allowing its use in both diesel and gasoline engines.