Understanding CJ-4

Truck and engine manufacturers are developing new engines and exhaust technologies to meet the EPA requirements. The main challenge they face is reducing levels of NOx (Oxides of Nitrogen) and particulates by 90%.

Diesel-Exhaust Particulate Filters (DPF)

In order to meet the new emissions targets, engine manufacturers are proposing to use exhaust emission control devices such as diesel-exhaust particulate filters (DPF) in addition to directly modifying the emissions performance of the engines.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), Clean Gas Induction (CGI) and/or a Diesel Particulate Filter/Oxidation Catalyst

Based on information published to date and discussion with the manufacturers, it appears that OEMs will use heavy Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), Clean Gas Induction (CGI) and/or a Diesel Particulate Filter/Oxidation Catalyst.

The addition of these devices is likely to affect you in four ways:

• Cost - New trucks will likely be more expensive due to the addition of a DPF or other exhaust after-treatment system
• Maintenance - Periodic maintenance will be required on DPFs (exact interval will depend on specific engine type and service)
• Fuel Consumption - New engines are likely to have higher fuel consumption
• Lubrication - New trucks will be required to use oils meeting the new API CJ-4 quality requirements to ensure adequate protection and performance of both the engine and the exhaust after-treatment systems

In order to reduce emissions even further, the EPA has developed new rules regarding diesel fuel. They require an Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel to minimize the harmful effects of diesel exhaust particulates on human health. This means diesel fuel sulfur must be reduced to a maximum of 15 ppm (parts per million).

Mandated Reduction

In parallel to the changes in on-highway diesel fuel, the EPA has also mandated a reduction of at least 80% in fuel sulfur for off-highway equipment. This will reduce the amounts of NOx and PM emissions from all diesel engines. Without this fuel, 2007 model trucks cannot meet emissions requirements.

Shipping From Refineries by June 1, 2006

These fuels are required to begin shipping from refineries by June 1, 2006 and must be widely available by October 15.

Additionally, we are developing ULSD Quality Assurance procedures to maintain the high quality of our fuel.

Due to the requirements of the new engines, lubricant requirements and operating conditions will significantly change in three ways:

Change #1
Higher operating temperatures as a result of increased use of EGR

Change #2
High soot levels as a result of EGR

Change #3
Compositional limits on oil (limits on sulfated ash, phosphorous, sulfur)

To account for this, CJ-4 oils will be significantly better in:

• Wear control
• Deposit control
• Oxidation stability (resistance to breakdown at high temperatures)

In September 2004, Shell started the research and development process for CJ-4 motor oils and is now well advanced in the development of oil formulations that not only meet the formal specifications, but also deliver value and customer benefits for all users - including those with older engines.

Hundred of Thousands of Test Miles

We already have hundreds of thousands of miles of testing with our new formulation technology in on-highway 2007 model and current engine technologies. Additionally, Shell has significant experience in developing oil products for use in other parts of the world that have similar requirements.

Real World Testing

And, as can be expected, we're testing our new formulations not only in the lab but also in real-world situations to make sure our products meet your needs. You can rest easy that Shell will have the appropriate products available as soon as possible so your operations will continue running smoothly. In fact, we fully expect to have our formulation readily available ahead of the anticipated October effective date.

The Shell Difference

At Shell we have a team of highly skilled, knowledgeable professionals dedicated to developing the highest quality products with the new specifications and getting them out to you as quickly as possible. We are working in conjunction with the API, ASTM, EMA and the leading OEMs so our understanding of all the requirements is complete.

Shell Protection and Performance

So no matter if you'll continue to run your current engine or one of the new 2007 models you can rest assured that Shell products will provide you with the protection and performance you've come to depend on.
 

1. Are engines changing in 2007?

Specific changes differ by individual engine manufacturers. However, in general, all 2007 heavy-duty diesel engines will incorporate exhaust after treatments devices which include a Diesel Particulate Filter, and some engines will also include an oxidation catalyst. 2007 diesel engines will require the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel as well.

Depending on the engine manufacturer and vehicle design, some engines will run hotter than current engines. Additionally, some engines will utilize higher levels of EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) or CGI (clean gas induction) to help meet exhaust emission requirements.

2. What happens if I put 2006 oil in a 2007 engine?

If an API CI-4 PLUS oil is used in a 2007 engine, the service interval for the diesel particulate filter (DPF) could be compromised as the higher ash-containing API CI-4 PLUS oil will result in more rapid blocking of the DPF.

In addition, the CI-4 PLUS oils may not be able to withstand the more severe environment within the 2007 engines (higher temperatures, more EGR) which may result in premature thickening of the oil, sludge formation and resultant wear and corrosion.
API CJ-4 oils are designed to provide improvements in wear protection, high temperature oxidation control and soot handling required by the new engines.

3. Are API CI-4 PLUS and API CJ-4 oils compatible?

Yes. API CI-4 PLUS and API CJ-4 oils are compatible, (i.e., they can be mixed without fear of adverse chemical reactions causing deposits or additive fall out). However, mixing in API CI-4 PLUS oils, (e.g., for top-off) can result in reduction of performance of the oil as API CJ-4 oils offer higher levels of protection than API CI-4 PLUS oils.

4. Can I mix the two oils?

API CJ-4 and API CI-4 PLUS oils are compatible with each other. However, we don’t recommend actively mixing the two products, as there are differences that will be evident in the used oil analysis and potential reduction in levels of protection compared to API CJ-4 oils.

5. Can I top-off API CJ-4 oils with API CI-4 PLUS products?

Yes and No. Typically, topping-off an API CJ-4 product with an API CI-4 PLUS oil is not recommended. There are some exceptions, depending on the model year of the engine. To further explain, if you are using API CJ-4 oil in pre-2007 engines, if necessary, you can top-off with an API CI-4 PLUS oil. API CI-4 PLUS oil meets all the requirements for pre-2007 engines.

In 2007 model year engines, API CJ-4 oils must be used and you cannot top-off with an API CI-4 PLUS oil. However, if the choice is low oil level or using API CI-4 PLUS oil, add the API CI-4 PLUS oil, but change the oil as soon as possible.

6. Will my warranty be affected if I don’t use API CJ-4 oils?

These new oils were designed for use in 2007 on-highway emission controlled engines. Engine oil recommendations and warranty policies vary by manufacturer. Consult your operations and maintenance manuals for guidance for your specific hardware and application.

7. When changing my engine from API CI-4 PLUS oil to API CJ-4 oil, how many flushes do I need to do when changing over?

When changing your oil from API CI-4 PLUS to API CJ-4, it is not necessary to flush your engine. Shell has designed the two oils to be compatible with each other. Additionally, Shell Rotella T API CJ-4 engine oil can be used for top-off in your truck if you are using Shell Rotella T API CI-4 PLUS engine oil.

8. When switching my bulk tank from API CI-4 PLUS oil to API CJ-4 oil, how far down do I have to drain before it can be considered API CJ-4?

When switching from API CI-4 PLUS oil to API CJ-4 oil, we recommend draining your tank to 10%.

9. Are there any special HSSE or used oil disposal procedures needed for the new oils?

The disposal of the new Shell Rotella T oil is the same as the older version. Check with your local authorities on the proper disposal of used engine oil in your area.

10. What will the differences be and the advantage in switching to the new API CJ-4 oil?

In 2007 model year engines, API CJ-4 oil will be required to protect the engine and allow for maximum durability of the exhaust after-treatment system.

In pre-2007 engines, API CJ-4 oil will provide the latest in protection, including improved wear protection, high temperature oxidation control and soot handling which will enhance engine durability and cleanliness of the engine.

11. Will I see any difference in oil consumption in my equipment?

We do not anticipate any difference in oil consumption with Shell Rotella T API CJ-4 engine oil. Shell Rotella T oil uses and has used 100% group II base oil for years. Group II base oils have very good volatility. Our new API CJ-4 Shell Rotella T oil will use 100% group II base oil.

12. Will the customer see any differences when they change to API CJ-4 oils?

If you are conducting used oil analysis, you will see a difference in the concentration of the additive metals.

13. Will it look or smell any different?

Yes. Colour is slightly different and there is a distinct non-offensive odour in the new API CJ-4 oil.

14. When will I be able to buy the new Shell API CJ-4 motor oils?

Shell will begin to market API CJ-4 oils beginning September 1, 2006, in bulk and drums for those customers who have an early need for these products. Full availability will be in time for the official API license date of October 15, 2006.

15. Will mineral oil based and synthetic oils switch at the same time?

Shell will introduce our API CJ-4 mineral oil based formulations in late 2006. Our synthetic products will not be introduced until 2007.

16. Which packages will I be able to buy Shell Rotella  API CJ-4 motor oil?

Shell Rotella T API CJ-4 engine oil will be available in bulk, tote, drum, quart, gallon packages.

17. Where will I be able to buy Shell Rotella  API CJ-4 motor oil?

Shell Rotella T API CJ-4 engine oil will be available through your Shell distributor or at your local retail outlet where you currently purchase Shell Rotella T products. Visit Where to Buy for more information.

18. How much more is the new oil going to cost?

The market drives product cost. Shell distributors and retailers are free to manage pricing for market conditions.
It is true that API CJ-4 oils are more costly to produce, in part, due to their higher performance in the areas of wear protection, oxidation control and soot handling capabilities. In addition, these oils also offer additional value in the form of increased durability of 2007 exhaust after-treatment systems.

It is estimated that the industry will spend millions of dollars on the development and oil qualification of the API CJ-4 category. This being said, it could be expected that versus today’s prices, API CJ-4 oils could be 10-15% higher in cost.

19. Will you have API CJ-4 and API CI-4 PLUS products available?

Rotella T heavy-duty engine oil will only be available as an API CJ-4 product. Shell will have products available at the performance levels required by our customers. That being the case, Shell will continue produce API CI-4 PLUS products under the Rimula brand if there is sufficient demand from our customers. It is important to note that API CJ-4 oils provide improved performance versus API CI-4 PLUS oils.

20. Is Shell Rotella T engine oil going to have less zinc in 2007?

Yes. The API CJ-4 (next generation) Shell Rotella T multigrade engine oil will have a slightly lower level of zinc than the current API CI-4 PLUS Shell Rotella T oil.

Zinc is typically used as part of the anti-wear system within the oil. However, less zinc in API CJ-4 oils compared with API CI-4 PLUS oils does not mean increased wear.

In fact, wear protection is one of the key areas where the API CJ-4 category provides improvements over API CI-4 PLUS. (Other areas include; oxidation stability and soot control).

The new API CJ-4 Shell Rotella T multigrade engine oil also meets the requirements of earlier API performance categories such as API CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, as well as others, and can be used in engines specifying any of these performance categories.

21. Can I use Shell’s API CJ-4 engine oils for my off-highway equipment?

Yes. Shell’s API CJ-4 heavy-duty engine oils have been designed to be suitable for use in off-highway equipment of all ages.
Some concern has been voiced that the higher fuel sulfur levels encountered in off-highway applications may require the continued use of API CI-4 PLUS oils.

This is not true - in 2007 the fuel sulfur levels for off-highway are being reduced to 500 part per million (ppm) - the same as today’s on-highway standard - and Shell has demonstrated the performance and suitability of our API CJ-4 oils in millions of miles of testing using conventional <500 ppm sulfur fuel.

Operators of off-highway equipment who also have on-highway trucks can benefit from the convenience of one oil for virtually all applications.

Some marketers will be converting all of their diesel production and distribution to ULSD <15 ppm sulfur, so the availability of >500 ppm sulfur fuel for off-highway may be more limited as the industry protects the integrity of the road transport pool and prepares for the off-highway conversion in mid 2007.

The use of API CJ-4 oils and/or lower sulfur diesel fuels present the opportunity to re-evaluate off-highway maintenance practices for optimized oil drain intervals.