The types of motor oil approved for use in diesel engines have gone through several evolutions over the past 50 years as a result of improvements in technology. Understanding diesel lubrication grades is essential both to prevent damage to the engine and to maintain compliance with environmental standards. When choosing a diesel oil, it is important to consider the relevant environmental statutes and the specific specifications for your engine.
CF-grade oil is intended for engines that use fuel containing over 0.5 percent sulfur content. It came into use in 1994 and is approved to be used in older vehicles that require CD oil.
CF-2 oil replaced CD-II oil in 1994. It is used in two-stroke engines in severe-duty applications.
CF-4 oil was created to meet the exhaust standards created in 1998 for four-stroke engines in high-speed applications. It is appropriate for use with fuels of up to 0.5 percent sulfur content. It may be used in older engines for which CD, CE, CF-4 or CG-4 oil is recommended.
CI-4 oil was released in 2002 for compliance with the emission standards set in 2004. CI-4 oil was designed for use in engines with an EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system and fuel with up to 0.5 percent sulfur content. For older engines, it is approved to replace CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4 and CH-4 oil.
CJ-4 oil was designed as a high-performance lubricant to accommodate the 2007 emission standards in four-stroke engines with very low (up to 500 ppm) sulfur content. It may be interchanged with CI-4/CI-4 PLUS, CH-4, CG-4 and CF-4.
The following grades are considered obsolete and should only be used upon confirmation that they comply with current regulations for use in your specific engine: CA, CB, CC, CD, CD-II, CE, CF-4 and CG-4. Consult the engine manufacturer when in doubt regarding use of any of these oils.
