Table 19
API Classifications for the Industrial Engine
Oil Specification
CH-4 minimum specification
CI-4
Terminology
Certain abbreviations follow the nomenclature of
“SAE J754”. Some classifications follow “SAE J183”
abbreviations. In addition to Perkins definitions, there
are other definitions that will be of assistance in
purchasing lubricants. Recommended oil viscosities
can be found in this publication, “Fluid
Recommendations/Engine Oil” topic (Maintenance
Section).
Engine Oil
Commercial Oils
The performance of commercial diesel engine oils is
based on American Petroleum Institute (API)
classifications. These API classifications are
developed in order to provide commercial lubricants
for a broad range of diesel engines that operate at
various conditions.
Only use commercial oils that meet the following
classifications:
• API CH-4 minimum multigrade oil
• API CI-4
• ACEAE3
In order to make the correct choice of a commercial
oil, refer to the following explanations:
API CH-4 – API CH-4 oils were developed in order to
meet the requirements of the new high performance
diesel engines. Also, the oil was designed to meet the
requirements of the low emissions diesel engines.
API CH-4 oils are also acceptable for use in older
diesel engines and in diesel engines that use high
sulfur diesel fuel.
Three new engine tests were developed for the API
CH-4 oil. The first test specifically evaluates deposits
on pistons for engines with the two-piece steel piston.
This test (piston deposit) also measures the control of
oil consumption. A second test is conducted with
moderate oil soot. The second test measures the
following criteria: wear of piston rings, wear of
cylinder liners and resistance to corrosion. A third
new test measures the following characteristics with
high levels of soot in the oil: wear of the valve train,
resistance of the oil in plugging the oil filter and
control of sludge.
In addition to the new tests, API CH-4 oils have
tougher limits for viscosity control in applications that
generate high soot. The oils also have improved
oxidation resistance. API CH-4 oils must pass an
additional test (piston deposit) for engines that use
aluminum pistons (single piece). Oil performance is
also established for engines that operate in areas
with high sulfur diesel fuel.
All of these improvements allow the API CH-4 oil to
achieve optimum oil change intervals. API CH-4 oils
are recommended for use in extended oil change
intervals. API CH-4 oils are recommended for
conditions that demand a premium oil. Your Perkins
distributor has specific guidelines for optimizing oil
change intervals.
Some commercial oils that meet the API
classifications may require reduced oil change
intervals. To determine the oil change interval, closely
monitor the condition of the oil and perform a wear
metal analysis.
An oil specification that is above CH-4 is acceptable
for use in Perkins engines.
NOTICE
Failure to follow these oil recommendations can
cause shortened engine service life due to deposits
and/or excessive wear.
Total Base Number (TBN) and Fuel Sulfur
Levels for Direct Injection (DI) Diesel
Engines
The Total Base Number (TBN) for an oil depends on
the fuel sulfur level. For direct injection engines that
use distillate fuel, the minimum TBN of the new oil
must be ten times the fuel sulfur level. The TBN is
defined by “ASTM D2896”. The minimum TBN of the
oil is 5 regardless of fuel sulfur level. Illustration 27
demonstrates the TBN.
SEBU7833 41
Refill Capacities
Fluid Recommendations
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