Although not all of the details have been ironed out for PC-11, it's important to know what is being said about the new oil class.  Photo courtesy of Peak C&I

Although not all of the details have been ironed out for PC-11, it's important to know what is being said about the new oil class. Photo courtesy of Peak C&I

To meet the greenhouse gas/fuel efficiency standards proposed by the federal government, oil companies and engine manufacturers have been developing a new standard for engine oils that will provide low viscosity and improve fuel efficiency.

In order to meet the regulations that not only call for lower GHG emissions but also a decrease in fuel consumption, it’s likely that engine operating temperatures will be higher. This means the oils used in the new trucks will have to withstand even higher under-hood temperatures than they are dealing with in today’s engines.

The current CJ-4 oil specification has been the standard since October 2006. However, with newer engine designs and materials introduced since then, this resulted in the need for a new lubricant category.

The new oils will need to offer improvements in oxidation stability, aeration performance, scuffing/adhesive wear and shear stability.

Initially dubbed PC-11 (proposed category), the oil has now been split, per request of the Engine Manufacturers Association, into two categories: PC-11A and PC11-B.     

PC-11A oils are direct replacements for oils currently in use and will be available in the same viscosity grades as the current CJ-4 oils. In addition, they are backwards-compatible so they can be used on all existing vehicles. PC-11A will have a High-Temperature High-Shear viscosity of at least 3.5 cPa.

On the other hand, PC-11B oils are designed to help the next generation of engines meet the fuel efficiency mandates. They need to do so while still protecting the engine. These oils have lower viscosity ratings, usually between 2.9 and 3.2 cPa. Viscosity is a measure of how things flow and lower viscosity oils flow faster, so this new oil is expected to provide fuel economy reductions since it will take less energy to move.

The oils designed to meet the new standards are currently being tested. In fact, new tests have been developed to address the concern that the higher temperatures will lead to increased corrosions and varnish and sludge deposits. New tests such as the Volvo/Mack T-13 Oxidation Test, the Caterpillar aeration test, and a test to measure shear stability have been developed and the oil complete these test to ensure the oil can perform as needed and offer the engines the proper protection.

Originally slated to be in place by last January, it looks like it will be late 2016before the oils are ready to be licensed.

No official announcement has been made about what these new oils will be called but the general consensus is that that PC-11A will be given an American Petroleum Institute designation of CK-4, while PC-11B will become FA-4.

Originally posted on Work Truck Online