The American Petroleum Institute (API) has been outstanding in keeping engine oil quality at a level that is capable of handling the ever-evolving needs of today's heavy-duty diesel engines. Four API licensing categories, just in the last ten years, have been introduced to the marketplace, as upgrades needed for engine design changes.
As the diesel engines continue to change to minimize pollution and improve fuel economy without losing performance, more stresses are placed upon the oil. The current API CJ-4 oils have demonstrated improved protection from engine wear and piston deposits, low- and high-temperature stability, soot handling properties, reduced oxidative thickening, foaming, and viscosity loss due to shear. These oils exceed the performance criteria of their predecessors. Due to these years of improvement, most engine manufacturers will recommend using a multi-weight engine oil.
Now comes the rub. The improvements to these oils have only been focused upon the multi-weighted oils. Only 15W40's, and to a lesser extent 10W30's and other multi-grades, have been the benefactor of all the performance testing, encompassing many hours and millions of dollars, accomplished over the last 20 years.
Straight weight oils have been somewhat neglected. They have not received nearly the attention the multi-weights have. Their API categories have certainly lagged because of the lack of field and bench testing their higher quality counterparts have received. Regardless of the amount of additive content or performance enhancers, the straight weights do not have the testing required to support upper API categories. Currently, like other engine oil manufacturers, Universal Lubricants' heavy-duty straight weights are API CF-2, which meet all of the requirements for straight weights.
When selecting engine oils for an application, make sure the proper API Category and viscosity grade is utilized. The package containers of the selected product will be properly labeled with the fluid's API Category. Please contact your Universal Lubricants' Salesperson or Technical Services Department, or visit API's website, for your required product.
As always, if you have any questions about our lubricants or your equipment applications, please feel free to callTechnical Services Dept. at 1-800-444-6457.
