FAQs

PC-11 stands for Proposed Category 11 and includes a series of heavy-duty engine oil improvements that represent the next generation in engine oil technology. PC-11 will give rise to two new API categories, CK-4 (formerly PC-11A) and FA-4 (formerly PC-11B).

Diesel engine developments over recent years include engine hardware and engine operational changes. Heavy duty diesel engine oils must maintain engine durability by meeting the demands of newer engines while also contributing to improving fuel efficiency.

One of the most significant changes to engines includes continuous operation at higher internal temperatures caused by higher horsepower and torque, creating more stress on the engine and engine oil.

The industry is focused on getting the best fuel efficiency without compromising engine durability. CK-4 (formerly PC-11A) will provide improved oxidation stability, aeration control and shear stability and will be backwards compatible for older engines. FA-4 (formerly PC-11B) oils will be designed to provide enhanced fuel economy but will only be recommended for 2017 engines and later.

PC-11A will become API CK-4 and will apply to multi-grade oils including 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, 15W-30, 5W-40 and 5W-30 viscosity grades. API CK-4 oils will have a minimum High Temperature-High Shear (HTHS) viscosity (the viscosity as the oil flows at high temperature and under load in various engine components) of 3.5 or greater. API CK-4 oils will also be backward service fill capable for older engines and meet new engine requirements.

PC-11B will become API FA-4 and will only apply to XW-30 viscosity grades such as 10W-30 and 5W-30. API FA-4 oils will only be recommended for 2017 model year engines and later. These oils will have a HTHS of less than 3.5 and will not be backward service compatible.

Both API CK-4 and API FA-4 will provide significant improvements in wear protection, deposit control, shear stability and oil aeration control. These engines oils will also have 60% better oxidation resistance compared to API CJ-4, which aids in extended service intervals.

Yes, a modest price differential is expected; however, this price increase may be offset by fuel savings and longer drain intervals compared with CJ-4 oils.

Yes, some equipment operators will likely choose to stay with API CJ-4 oils for a period of time, particularly in older equipment. In addition, some operators will need to know more about the advantages of CK-4 and FA-4 engine oils before making a change. FA-4 oils will likely take longer to move into the market because the oils may not have backward service capability with older engines.

The first licensed PC-11 engine oils are available as of December 1, 2016.

Mystik^® JT-8^® Synthetic Blend SAE 15W-40 and 10W-30 and Mystik JT-8 Synthetic SAE 5W-40 will transition to the new high performance API CK-4 category. The new Mystik engine oils will also offer superior performance compared to the previous API CJ-4 category and ensure engine durability while improving fuel efficiency.