Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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
Paul ClintonFormer Senior Web Editor
March 20, 2017
Ford Offers CK-4 Alternative Oil for Super Duty Diesels

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.

View a video from Ford here:

More Maintenance

Chris Brown and O'Connell Landscape Maintenance rep sit across from each other during an interview at Geotab Connect 2026.
Maintenanceby Chris BrownApril 2, 2026

From Marine Corps Motor Pool to Managing 460 Fleet Vehicles

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.

Read More →
Graphic with text and a border of mechanics tools and car parts.
Maintenanceby Chris BrownApril 1, 2026

If Repair Delays Are the New Normal, How Should Fleets Respond?

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.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 30, 2026

Safety by Design: Power and Protection in the Freightliner 114SD Plus

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.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Man using tablet to monitor connected fleet vehicles and EV chargers near highway, representing Bosch’s AI-driven predictive maintenance and Uptake acquisition.
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseMarch 19, 2026

Bosch to Acquire AI Predictive Maintenance Startup Uptake Technologies

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.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

Report: How AI Is Reshaping Fleet and Field Service Operations

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.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 14, 2026

It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report

What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Blue-themed digital circuitry board to suggest AI connectivity.
Operationsby Martin RomjueDecember 17, 2025

AI Emerging As Must-Have Fleet Technology

Within the next six to 12 months, artificial intelligence programs designed specifically for smaller operations will become more affordable, intuitive, and integrated.

Read More →
A fleet maintenance graphic with a man on the right side holding a clipboard.
Maintenanceby Chris BrownOctober 23, 2025

Labor, Parts, and Price: What’s Powering Fleet Maintenance Costs in 2025

Five quarters of data on the six most common maintenance activities reveal how cost composition and labor intensity influence fleet service trends.

Read More →
A fleet manager uses a digital tablet displaying telematics data and repair analytics in front of parked commercial vans. Modern fleet management technology helps reduce downtime, control repair costs
MaintenanceOctober 13, 2025

How Fleet Managers Are Finding New Ways to Control Maintenance Costs & Downtime

By standardizing repair workflows and building trusted vendor networks, fleets are cutting costs and keeping vehicles on the road.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo montage of a courteous, friendly call service rep and a field fleet technician replacing a flat tire on a fleet truck.
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 20, 2025

Cox Automotive Unites Fleet Services, FleetNet America

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.

Read More →