Understanding API CJ-4

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Whats new with 2007 engines?

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

Specific changes differ by individual engine manufacturers.

However in general, all 2007 heavy-duty diesel engines will
incorporate exhaust after-treatment devices which include a
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), and some engines will include
an oxidation catalyst. 2007 diesel engines will also require
the use of Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) fuel.

Yes and No. Typically, topping-off an API CJ-4 product with

an API CI-4 PLUS oil is not recommended. However, there
are some exceptions depending on the model year of the
engine. For example, if you are using API CJ-4 oil in pre2007 engines, you can top off with an API CI-4 PLUS oil if
necessary. API CI-4 PLUS oils meet all the requirements for
pre-2007 engines. In 2007 model year engines, API CJ-4 oils
must be used and you should not top off with an API CI-4
PLUS oil. However, if the choice is low oil level or using API
CI-4 PLUS oil, then add the API CI-4 PLUS oil, but change the
oil as soon as possible.

Depending on the engine manufacturer and vehicle design,

some new engines will run hotter than current engines. As
well, some engines will utilize higher levels of EGR (Exhaust
Gas Recirculation) or CGI (Clean Gas Induction) to help meet
exhaust emission requirements.
What happens if I put an API CI-4 Plus oil in a
2007 engine?
If an API CI-4 PLUS oil is used in a 2007 engine, the service
interval for the DPF could be compromised as the higher
ash-containing API CI-4 PLUS oil will result in more rapid
blocking of the filter. The CI-4 PLUS oils may also not be able
to withstand the more severe environment within the 2007
engines (higher temperatures, more EGR), which could result
in premature oil thickening, sludge formation and resultant
wear and corrosion. API CJ-4 oils are designed to provide the
improved wear protection, high temperature oxidation control
and soot handling required by the new engines.
Are API CI-4 PLUS and API CJ-4 oils compatible?
Yes. API CI-4 PLUS and API CJ-4 oils are compatible, so 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 reduced
performance of the oil, as API CJ-4 oils offer higher levels of
protection than API CI-4 PLUS oils.
Can I mix the two oils?
API CJ-4 and API CI-4 PLUS oils are compatible with each
other. However, Shell does not recommend actively mixing
the two products, as there are differences that will be evident
in the used oil analysis and a potential reduction in levels of
protection compared to API CJ-4 oils.
TM

Will my warranty be affected if I dont 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.
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. As well, Shell
RotellaT 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
in pre-2007 engines.
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%.
Are there any special HSSE or used oil disposal
procedures needed for the new oils?
The disposal of the new Shell Rotella T engine oil is the same
as the older version. Check with your local authorities on the
proper disposal of used engine oil in your area.

Trademarks of Shell Canada Limited. Used under license by Shell Canada products.

Shell Lubricants

Understanding API CJ-4 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What differences and advantages will I find 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.
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 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 engine oil
continues to use 100% group II base oil.
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.
Does the new oil look or smell any different?
Colour is slightly different and there is a distinct, non-offensive
odour in the new API CJ-4 oil.
Have mineral oil based and synthetic oils
changed at the same time?
Shell introduced its API CJ-4 mineral oil based formulations in
2006. Our synthetic products will be introduced in 2007.
In what package sizes will I be able to purchase
Shell API CJ-4 engine oils?
Shell Rotella T API CJ-4 engine oil is available in bulk, tote,
drum, pail, 4L and 946 ml packages. Shell Rimula SuperCJ-4
oil is available in drum and pail packages only.

275-S-001043

Where can I purchase Shell Rotella API CJ-4

engine oil?
Shell Rotella T API CJ-4 engine oils are available through
your Shell distributor or at your local retail outlet where you
currently purchase Shell Rotella T products. Visit our website,
www.shell.ca/rotella, for more information.
Will API CI-4 PLUS products still be available?
Rotella T heavy-duty engine oil will only be available as an
API CJ-4 product Shell is committed to providing products

and solutions required by our customers. However, Shell

will continue to 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.
Does the Shell Rotella T API CJ-4 engine oil
contain less zinc?
Yes. The API CJ-4 (next generation) Shell Rotella T multigrade
engine oil has a slightly lower level of zinc than the 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 oils.
(Other areas of improvement include oxidation stability
and soot control). The new Shell Rotella T API CJ-4 engine
oil also meets the requirements of earlier API performance
categories, including 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.
Can I use Shells API CJ-4 engine oils for my offhighway equipment?
Yes. Shells API CJ-4 heavy-duty engine oils are designed to
be suitable for use in off-highway equipment of all ages.
Some concern has been voiced that the higher fuel sulphur
levels encountered in off-highway applications may require
the continued use of API CI-4 PLUS oils. This is not true:
In2007, the fuel sulphur levels for off-highway equipment
will be reduced to 500 parts per million (ppm) the same
as todays on-highway standard. Shell has demonstrated the
performance and suitability of our API CJ-4 oils in millions of
miles of testing using conventional <500 ppm sulphur 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 sulphur), so the availability of >500 ppm
sulphur fuel for off-highway equipment 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 sulphur diesel fuels presents
the opportunity to re-evaluate off-highway maintenance
practices for optimized oil drain intervals.

For more information, visit our website at www.shell.ca/rotella