New oil ratings might not be backwards compatible?

treefarmer49 · Jul 13, 2018

I have purchased the newest Shell Rotella T synthetic 5-40. I see that it no longer has the CG-4 rating. I知 also reading that the newer ratings are for the latest emission motors and might not be backwards compatible. I think that means that I should not be using it in my 2008 Kubota B3030! The new emission oils are lacking some of the additives that the older motors need. I have been using this oil for years, and have thought it was the very best. This might no longer be the case. Would be interested in all of your thoughts, and comments.

number two · Jul 13, 2018

CK4 is the current spec for our engines and is backward compatible.
PA4 is for the newest diesels which are most likely not in tractors yet.
You most likely have the right stuff.
Good Luck!

treefarmer49 · Jul 14, 2018

After a more complete review, this old man can see that the new ratings are backwards compatible. I will therefore continue to use Shell Rotella synthetic 15-40 in my diesel Kubotas. A brand that I have used for years with no complaints. Sorry for any confusion I might have caused regarding the suitability of the oil!

Paystar · Jul 15, 2018

Right off the Shell web site.

It will also mean that instead of one category of engine oils, we’ll have two – CK-4 and FA-4. CK-4 engine oils will be a direct replacement for the engine oils you’re using now. You’ll be able to buy the same viscosity grades and oil types (conventional, full synthetic, synthetic blend) you’re using now, and they’ll be “backwards compatible” to ALL current vehicles. They’ll just also conform to the new PC-11 standards.

The new FA-4 engine oils will be offered in lower viscosity grades and are designed primarily for next-generation engines to help maximize fuel economy without sacrificing engine protection. These FA-4 oils may have limited backwards compatibility2 and would be labeled as such. Oil companies and OEMs are currently testing these products in a range of applications to demonstrate without sacrificing engine protection.

What is PC-11? Now Called CK-4 & FA-4 | Shell ROTELLA(R)

Texasmark · Jul 15, 2018

Paystar said:
Right off the Shell web site.

It will also mean that instead of one category of engine oils, we’ll have two – CK-4 and FA-4. CK-4 engine oils will be a direct replacement for the engine oils you’re using now. You’ll be able to buy the same viscosity grades and oil types (conventional, full synthetic, synthetic blend) you’re using now, and they’ll be “backwards compatible” to ALL current vehicles. They’ll just also conform to the new PC-11 standards.

The new FA-4 engine oils will be offered in lower viscosity grades and are designed primarily for next-generation engines to help maximize fuel economy without sacrificing engine protection. These FA-4 oils may have limited backwards compatibility2 and would be labeled as such. Oil companies and OEMs are currently testing these products in a range of applications to demonstrate without sacrificing engine protection.

What is PC-11? Now Called CK-4 & FA-4 | Shell ROTELLA(R)

Thank you sir for that entry. Being a Rot T 5-40 user, I appreciate it.