What’s the difference between choosing a CJ-4 vs. a CK-4?

With the development of industry, oil products are used more and more widely, and different oil products have different properties and uses.

CJ-4 and CK-4 are two different categories of diesel engine oils. Here are the main differences between the two:

1. Performance level: CJ-4 is an older API (American Petroleum Institute) diesel engine oil category, developed in 2006 and mainly used in diesel engines before 2007. CK-4 is a newer API class introduced in 2016 and is designed for high-performance engines, including those with advanced emission control systems.
2. Emission Regulations: CJ-4 oil was developed to meet the requirements of EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Tier 4 emission standards, which were enacted in 2007. CK-4 oils are formulated to meet the stricter emissions standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA’s 2010 and subsequent regulations.
3. Sulfated Ash Content: CJ-4 oils generally have a higher sulfated ash content compared to CK-4 oils. Sulfated ash is a byproduct of the combustion of certain additives in oil. Higher sulfated ash levels may cause the formation of engine deposits and catalyst fouling in engines equipped with advanced emission control systems.
4. Soot Control: CK-4 oil has improved soot control compared to CJ-4 oil. Soot is a byproduct of incomplete combustion in diesel engines and can lead to increased engine deposits and wear. CK-4 oil is designed to provide better soot dispersion, reducing the risk of harmful deposits forming in the engine.
5. Fuel Efficiency: CK-4 oil is formulated to improve fuel efficiency compared to CJ-4 oil. This is accomplished by using lower viscosity oil to reduce friction and increase engine efficiency. Improved fuel efficiency helps lower operating costs and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Compatibility: CK-4 oils are backwards compatible, meaning they can be used in older engines that normally require CJ-4 oils. However, CJ-4 oil may not be suitable for use in newer engines that require CK-4 oil because they have different performance characteristics.

When selecting CJ-4 and CK-4 motor oils, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your diesel engine, including year of manufacture, emissions regulations adhered to, and the manufacturer’s oil recommendations. Consulting your engine manufacturer or referring to your owner’s manual can help ensure you choose the right oil for your engine.

In short, although CJ-4 and CK-4 are both oil products, they have different uses, viscosity, high temperature resistance, anti-wear performance and cleanliness. Therefore, when choosing to use oil, you need to choose the appropriate oil based on actual needs.

Finally, it should be noted that since different oil products have different chemical compositions and usage methods, relevant usage specifications and precautions need to be strictly followed during use to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the oil products. At the same time, the equipment also needs to be maintained and maintained regularly to ensure the normal operation and service life of the equipment.