Designates the type of service characteristics of automotive spiral-bevel and worm-gear axles and some manually operated transmissions operating under mild to moderate conditions of pressures and sliding velocities

Designates the type of service characteristics of gears, particularly hypoid in passenger cars and other automotive type equipment operating under high-speed, low torque conditions.

Similar to GL-4 but designed to protect automotive equipment operated under high-speed shock-load.

Obsolete

Recently adopted standard. Designates use in non-synchronized manual transmissions.

(Corresponds to API SH)

Introduced in 2001 (corresponds to API SL), it upgraded requirements for long term emission system durability and improved fuel economy as well as improved performance in the areas of volatility and deposit control, viscosity retention, additive depletion over the oils service life and reduced oil consumption rates.

Introduced in 1997 (corresponds to API SJ), it upgraded requirements for phosphorous content, as well as improved low temperature operation, high temperature deposits and foam control.

Introduced in 2005 (corresponds to API SM), it upgraded requirements for improvement in emission system durability, low temperature oil pumpability, robustness in high temperature high load performance, as well as fuel economy and fuel economy retention.

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. and the representatives from Daimler Chrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation, through an organization called the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) jointly develop and approve Lubricants to ILSAC specifications. Development and the use of ILSAC specifications began in the 1990’s. Oils conforming to ILSAC specifications display the API Certification mark, also known as the ILSAC Starburst. While the Starburst remains the same for oils complying with ILSAC, the specification upgrades are identified by GF-? Codes. These codes are often referred to in product label text or in printed product data sheets in order to communicate the version of ILSAC specification with which a product conforms. Older ILSAC specifications become obsolete as newer ones are developed and the performance defined by newer specifications is acceptable for applications where older versions are specified.

Many ILSAC members only specify engine oil requirements by ILSAC specifications or the starburst. API specifications are often no longer even quoted in owner’s manuals. Another unique feature of the ILSAC system is that its performance requirements are limited to 0W-XX, 5W-XX, and 10W-XX oil viscosity grades that actually pass the ILSAC requirements. So there can never be an ILSAC approved 15W-40 as this grade is not included in the ILSAC definition. So where a manufacturer recommends an ILSAC approved engine oil they are not only specifying engine performance, but also restricting the viscosity grades of oil to those specified by the latest ILSAC definition. “Similar” performance to an ILSAC Specification can be found in heavier viscosity grades identified with the API Service Symbol Classification (the API “S” classification) corresponding to the ILSAC “GF-X” version.

These greases are known for their outstanding water resistance and corrosion protection as well as being excellent high temperature greases.

Obsolete. These service designations are an alphabetical evolution of protection levels originated back in the early 1960’s. As gasoline engines became more severe, better motor oils were developed.

Category for 1994 model (and later) warranty requirements.

Category for 1996 model (and later) warranty requirements.

Category for 2001 model (and later) warranty requirements. The current service level that ensures optimum gasoline engine life.

Enhanced protection for high speed 4-cycle diesel engines to meet 1998 exhaust emission standards.

CI-4 oils are formulated to sustain engine durability where exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is used and are intended for use with diesel fuels ranging in sulphur content up to 0.5% weight. Introduced in September 2002 for high speed 4-cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2004 emission standards, implemented in 2002.

Oils conforming to this specification have been upgraded from API CI-4 with additional viscosity retention and soot control for EGR equipped high speed 4-cycle diesel engines. Introduced in September 2004.

API Service Category CJ-4 describes oils for use in high speed four-stroke cycle engines designed to meet 2007 model year on-highway exhaust emission standards as well as for previous model years. These oils are specifically effective at sustained emission control system durability where particulate filters and other advanced after treatment systems are used.

API CJ-4 engine oils can be used in all applications with diesel fuels ranging in sulphur content up to 500 ppm (0.05% by weight). Use of greater than 15 ppm (0.0015% by weight) sulphur fuel in 2007 engines may impact exhaust after treatment system durability. When using CJ-4 oil with higher than 15 ppm sulphur fuel, consult the engine manufacturer for the recommended service interval.

API CJ-4 oils exceed the performance criteria of API CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, CH-4, CG-4 and CF-4 and can effectively lubricate engines calling for those API Service Categories. Introduced in October 2006.

“S” categories define minimum industry performance for gasoline powered engines. Since 1996 more and more gasoline manufacturers have been recommending ILSAC specification engine oils.

Obsolete. Similar to “S” service designations is protection level evolution but pertaining mainly to diesel engines.

1994 severe duty 2-cycle diesel engines.

Severe duty turbocharged 4-cycle diesel engines: highest protection against high and low temperature deposits, wear, corrosion, especially late model (since 1988) lower emission engines: MACK EO-K/2, Cummins NTC 400 and Caterpillar 1-K.

Enhanced protection for high speed 4=cycle diesel engines to meet 1994 exhaust emission standards.

These greases have better water resistance and mechanical stability than lithium greases, but are not suitable for high temperatures.

Greases generally consist of a base oil with additives plus a thickening agent to create the semi-solid nature of grease. The thickeners may contain lithium, calcium, aluminum or barium components or be made of polyuria or clay etc. “Complex” greases are a newer type of thickener technology (than ‘Simple Soap’) and tend to improve the high temperature capability of grease.

These greases have been around for many years and their multipurpose nature allows them to satisfy over 80% of all applications. However, for severe applications, other technologies may have advantages.

These greases maintain most of the multipurpose nature of lithium greases but perform better at higher temperatures and can have better mechanical stability. In general, “Complex” greases tend to have greater compatibility problems with other greases than conventional soap greases.

These greases combine the advantage of both technologies, with excellent high temperature and mechanical stability properties.

These greases are excellent multipurpose products with extreme high temperature and mechanical stability capabilities.

These greases have excellent long life and natural antiwear properties but are better suited to some specialized applications rather than multipurpose use.

Different greases may not be compatible with each other. Incompatibility may be caused by the different thickening agents used or by the different additives used in greases. Thickener incompatibility usually results in the mixture becoming thinner than anticipated. Other detrimental effects are possible.

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to assume that all different types and brands of greases are NOT COMPATIBLE with each other. When changing from one grease to another it is best to completely clean the grease cavity and lubricated surfaces. If this is not possible, a thorough purge of the system should be performed.

Incompatibility problems are more critical in equipment operating at higher temperatures, speeds and loads.

The Lithium, Calcium and mixed Lithium-Calcium greases, as manufactured by Shell Canada, are compatible with each other and their “Microgel” clay based greases. Clay based greases can be incompatible with a wide range of thickeners and additive technologies but Shell Canada’s Research has improved the technology beyond that of other clay based greases, such that compatibility problems are much less of an issue.

SRS 2000 greases based on calcium Sulfonate technology are known to have compatibility issues with lithium complex and aluminum complex type greases.

For further information on specific grease compatibility, contact the Customer Service Centre at 1.800.661.1711.