We have already discussed some of the organizations that classify lubricants.  Now that we are familiar with them, lets look at some of their standards and classifications.  Remember, always check your user’s manual to determine what lubricant you should consider.

API Classifications, Gasoline

SA – Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 1930.

SB – Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 1951.

SC - Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 1967.

SD - Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 1971.

(WARNING: Lubricants in these classifications may cause damage to modern engines)

SE - Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 1979.

SF - Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 1988.

SG -Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 1993.

SH - Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 1996.

(WARNING: Lubricants in these classifications may not provide adequate sludge protection)

SJ – Current, for engines 2001 and older

SL– Current, for engines 2004 and older

SM  - Current, for engines 2010 and older

SN – Current, introduced in 2010.

API Classifications, Commercial Diesel

CA – Obsolete, Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 1959.

CB - Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 1961.

CC - Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 1990.

CD - Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 1994.

CD II - Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 1994.

CE - Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 1994.

CF - Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 1994.

CF -2 - Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 2009.  Consult manufacturer for two-stroke recommendations 

CF-4 - Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 2009.

CG – 4 - Obsolete, not suitable for engines built after 2009.

CH-4 – Current, for high speed, four stroke engines designed to meet exhaust emission standards

CI-4 – Current, Introduced in 2002.  For high speed, four stroke engines designed to meet 2002 emission standards.  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. May also qualify as CI-4 PLUS.

CJ – 4 – Current, For high speed four-stroke diesel engines designed to meet 2010 on-highway and tier 4 non-road exhaust emission standards.  Formulated for use in all applications with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 500 ppm (0.05% by weight). Use of these oils with greater than 15 ppm (0.0015% by weight) sulfur fuel may impact exhaust aftertreatment system durability and drain interval.  Consult manufacturer if using oil with higher than 15 ppm.

CK – 4 – Current, For high speed four-stroke diesel engines designed to meet 2017 on-highway and tier 4 non-road exhaust emission standards.    Formulated for use in all applications with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 500 ppm (0.05% by weight). Use of these oils with greater than 15 ppm (0.0015% by weight) sulfur fuel may impact exhaust aftertreatment system durability and drain interval.  Consult manufacturer if using oil with higher than 15 ppm.

API, Diesel

FA – 4 – Current, API Service Category FA-4 describes certain XW-30 oils specifically formulated for use in select high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2017 model year on-highway greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards. These oils are formulated for use in on-highway applications with diesel fuel sulfur content up to 15 ppm (0.0015% by weight). Refer to individual engine manufacturer recommendations regarding compatibility with API FA-4 oils. These oils are blended to a high temperature high shear (HTHS) viscosity range of 2.9cP–3.2cP to assist in reducing GHG emissions.

ILSAC Categories

ILSAC GF 1 – Oil meets both API SH and Energy Conserving II (EC-II) requirements, the minimum requirement for oils. 

ILSAC GF 2 – Oil must meet both API SJ and EC-II requirements.  Oils must meet requirements for phosphorous content, low temperature operation and high temperature foam control.

ILSAC GF 3 – Oil must meet API SL and EC – II standards.  This standard has more stringent parameters regarding long term effects on vehicle emission systems and improved fuel economy and volatility.  It also requires less additive degeneration and reduced oil consumption rates.

ILSAC GF 4 – Similar to API SM, but requires additional fuel economy testing

ILSAC GF 5 –  Current, Additional protection against deposits at high temperatures in pistons and turbochargers.  Also meets stricter requirements for sludge control, emissions control compatibility, seal compatibility and fuel economy.