Guideline

Gasoline Engines

Category

Status

Service

SN

Current

Introduced in October 2010, designed to provide improved high temperature deposit protection for pistons, more stringent sludge control, and seal compatibility. API SN with Resource Conserving matches ILSAC GF-5 by combining API SN performance with improved fuel economy, turbocharger protection, emission control system compatibility, and protection of engines operating on ethanol-containing fuels up to E85.

SM

Current

For 2010 and older automotive engines.

SL

Current

For 2004 and older automotive engines.

SJ

Current

For 2001 and older automotive engines.

SH

Obsolete

CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1996. May not provide adequate protection against build-up of engine sludge, oxidation, or wear.

SG

Obsolete

CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1993. May not provide adequate protection against build-up of engine sludge, oxidation, or wear.

SF

Obsolete

CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1988. May not provide adequate protection against build-up of engine sludge.

SE

Obsolete

CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1979.

SD

Obsolete

CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1971. Use in more modern engines may cause unsatisfactory performance or equipment harm.

SC

Obsolete

CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1967. Use in more modern engines may cause unsatisfactory performance or equipment harm.

SB

Obsolete

CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1951. Use in more modern engines may cause unsatisfactory performance or equipment harm.

SA

Obsolete

CAUTION: Contains no additives. Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1930. Use in modern engines may cause unsatisfactory performance or equipment harm.

Diesel Engines

Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations on oil performance levels

Category

Status

Service

CK-4

Current

API Service Category CK-4 describes oils for use in high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2017 model year on-highway and Tier 4 non-road exhaust emission standards as well as for previous model year diesel engines. These oils are formulated for use in all applications with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 500 ppm (0.05% by weight). However, the use of these oils with greater than 15 ppm (0.0015% by weight) sulfur fuel may impact exhaust after treatment system durability and/or oil drain interval. These oils are especially effective at sustaining emission control system durability where particulate filters and other advanced after treatment systems are used.

CJ-4

Current

For high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2010 model year on-highway and Tier 4 non-road exhaust emission standards as well as for previous model year diesel engines. These oils are formulated for use in all applications with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 500 ppm (0.05% by weight).

CI-4 

Current

Introduced in 2002. For high-speed, four-stroke engines designed to meet 2004 exhaust emission standards implemented in 2002. CI-4 oils are formulated to sustain engine durability where exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is used and are intended for use with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 0.5% weight. Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4, and CH-4 oils. Some CI-4 oils may also qualify for the CI-4 PLUS designation.

CH-4

Current

Introduced in 1998. For high-speed, four-stroke engines designed to meet 1998 exhaust emission standards. CH-4 oils are specifically compounded for use with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 0.5% weight. Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, and CG-4 oils.

CG-4

Obsolete

CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most diesel-powered automotive engines built after 2009.

CF-4

Obsolete

CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most diesel-powered automotive engines built after 2009.

CF-2

Obsolete

CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most diesel-powered automotive engines built after 2009. Two-stroke cycle engines may have different lubrication requirements than four-stroke engines, so the manufacturer should be contacted for current lubrication recommendations.

CF

Obsolete

OBSOLETE: Introduced in 1994. For off-road, indirect-injected and other diesel engines including those using fuel with over 0.5% weight sulfur. Can be used in place of CD oils.

CE

Obsolete

CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most diesel-powered automotive engines built after 1994.

CD-II

Obsolete

CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most diesel-powered automotive engines built after 1994.

CD

Obsolete

CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most diesel-powered automotive engines built after 1994.

CC

Obsolete

CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most diesel-powered engines built after 1990.

CB

Obsolete

CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most diesel-powered engines built after 1961.

CA

Obsolete 

CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most diesel-powered engines built after 1959.

Motor Oil Has Mattered For 70 YEARS