Ford Offers CK-4 Alternative Oil for Super Duty Diesels
Ford is recommending the use of a new Motorcraft diesel engine oil for its Super Duty trucks and warning fleet and commercial customers to avoid using most new CK-4 or FA-4 oils because they may cause damage to the engine, the company told AutomotiveFleet.com.
Paul Clinton・Former Senior Web Editor
March 20, 2017
Screenshot via Ford.
2 min to read
Screenshot via Ford.
Ford is recommending the use of a new Motorcraft diesel engine oil for its Super Duty trucks and warning fleet and commercial customers to avoid using most new CK-4 or FA-4 oils because they may cause damage to the engine, the company told AutomotiveFleet.com.
Motocraft's WSS-M2C171-F1 formulation should be used in all Power Stroke diesels, especially the 6.7L that powers the F-250, F-350, and F-450, because it better protects the engine against high-mileage wear, according to the company. Ford had previously recommended CJ-4 formulations for its Super Duty trucks. On Dec. 1, the American Petroleum Institute began licensing the new CK-4 and FA-4 oils. CJ-4 oils will eventually be phased out.
Ad Loading...
Commercial users should avoid the FA-4 formulation due to its low viscosity. CK-4 motor oils should be avoided because they provide "inadequate wear protection," according to a statement. The oil drain intervals remain unaffected, said Sherrice Gilsbach, a Ford spokesperson.
The oil certification information is located on the back of the oil pouch in a circle known as the API donut.
Customers shouldn't use oils labeled CK-4/SN unless they have been approved by Ford to meet WSS-M2C171-F1. This is possible with SAE 10W-40, 15W-40, 5W-40 and 0W-40 oils. SAE 10W-30 oils showing CK-4/SN cannot meet WSS-M2C171-F1.
Motorcraft Super Duty diesel motor oil is formulated with premium hydroprocessed base oils and additive technology necessary to meet WSS-M2C171-F1. This new oil also meets the requirements of Cummins CES20086, Detroit Diesel 93K222, Volvo VDS-4.5 and Mack EOS-4.5, according to Ford.
Cesar Ayala of O’Connell Landscape Maintenance shares how he transitioned from the Marine Corps to managing a 460-vehicle fleet—and the real-world challenges of maintenance, compliance, and driver management in California.
The repair crisis gets blamed on technician shortages and parts delays. But a big part of the problem is what's happening before the vehicle even reaches the shop, and that's within your control.
Fleet managers are under pressure to reduce accidents, control costs, and improve operational efficiency. See how advanced vehicle safety technologies are helping fleets operate smarter and safer.
The deal brings Uptake's fleet diagnostics platform into Bosch's ecosystem, combining predictive analytics with Bosch's telematics infrastructure to help fleets reduce downtime and anticipate component failures.
AI is rapidly transforming fleet and field service operations, from predictive maintenance and intelligent scheduling to customer self-service and real-time diagnostics. But while organizations are seeing measurable gains in uptime, productivity, and efficiency, many are still navigating workforce adoption, cybersecurity concerns, and data readiness challenges. Explore the latest trends, investment priorities, and emerging AI use cases shaping the future of fleet operations.
Within the next six to 12 months, artificial intelligence programs designed specifically for smaller operations will become more affordable, intuitive, and integrated.
Fleet Services has more than doubled in size with 1,500+ technicians nationwide, and FleetNet America has had record-breaking volume at 2.5 million calls.