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

Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.

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

One University Cut Motor Pool Costs by $45K. Here's the Playbook.

Still managing your motor pool with spreadsheets and manual approvals? Loyola University replaced outdated processes with automated fleet management, eliminating overtime and saving up to $50,000 annually. See how they did it.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

Artificial Intelligence in Field Service: North America

48% of field service leaders are investing in AI to manage customer communication and self-service. Get the latest on how fleets are using AI and thinking about the future.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
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 →
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 →
Ad Loading...
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 →