Ask the Expert: What is PC-11 and the new API oil category for heavy duty diesel engines?

June 3, 2013
The new API service category or categories will replace CJ-4 for heavy duty diesel engines.

Q: What is PC-11 and the coming new API oil category for heavy duty diesel engines?

A: You know how important CJ-4 has been to protecting fleet engines and the environment. The new API service category or categories will replace CJ-4 for heavy duty diesel engines. The process started out as PC-11. PC-11 was developed with help from the American Petroleum Institute (API), Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) and American Chemistry Council (ACC). Safety-Kleen is part of this development and serves on many of the committees, performing various category design tasks.

A new API service category or categories for heavy duty diesel engine oil is scheduled to take effect in 2016. The goal is to provide improvements in oxidation stability, aeration, sheer stability, as well as compatibility with biodiesel engines.

Information provided by: Safety-Kleen / EcoPower

About the Author

Rodney Walker | Technical Director, Safety-Kleen Systems

Engine Oil Expert for Ask the Expert on VehicleServicePros.com.

Technical Director, Safety-Kleen Systems and producer of EcoPower, the eco-friendly engine oil.

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