Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Engine oil; CF-4 vs CF-2?

[RTregre]

I know to use oil with an API Service CH-4/SJ, but what does the CF number mean, which is also on the API symbol? My manual suggest I use CF-4, but what if I use a CF-2?

 

[Pit Bull]

CF came before CH, just like the CH is now replaced with the CI. I have no idea about the CF-2 but I would not put it in my truck.

 

[redram]

Here is a link to the API which explains this nomenclature



http://api-ep.api.org/filelibrary/ACF1E1.pdf



The CF-4 is a formulations to be used in a four cycle diesel as opposed to a CF-2 which is for a two cycle diesel.

The CF-4 specification came out in 1990 and was replaced / superceded by the CG-4 in 1995 which was superceded by the CH-4 in 1998 which is currently being slowly replaced by a CI-4 as we speak (write).



CF-2 was added in 1994.



Depending on what year truck you have, a 15W40 with a CF-4 with an SH or SJ would be fine in all but the newer trucks from 1998 and up for example. Could you run the CF-4 in a 2002 truck? Sure. Would it do any harm? Probably not. Question is, Why would you want to use 1990 technology in your 2002 truck!



Good luck