Current Low Ash Oil News Status

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
Exhaust gasses that are not kidnapped by the EGR system are sent into everyone's new friend: the Diesel Particulate Filter. DPFs will become a familiar sight in the exhaust systems of diesel trucks sold in '07 and later. They work by allowing exhaust gasses to pass through while trapping soot particles in catalyzing surfaces, then burns off the bits in a chemical reaction that creates environmentally friendly carbon dioxide and water.

This soot trap is the main reason low ash oil in the CJ-4 service category is needed. As you can see in the photos (previous page), high ash oil significantly clogs these emissions devices and makes them ineffective. DPFs are fragile and cannot simply be tapped on the ground to remove ash deposits and other clogs, so the CJ-4 standard was designed to maximize the maintenance intervals. Oil experts estimate properly running engines will be able to rack-up 200,000-400,000 miles before the DPF will need service.

You
Unless you are driving a diesel truck made before 1993, your engine will definitely benefit from the use of low ash CJ-4 oil. It's better than conventional oil in almost every way. It protects against engine wear, piston deposits, oil foaming and aeration, soot, sludge, and high temperatures. It is compatible with the oil currently in your diesel engine, but manufacturers suggest ditching your old oil to reap the benefits of the technology built into the new blend.

Experts estimate the new CJ-4 oil will cost about 10-15 percent more than motor oil currently being sold due to manufacturing and development costs. That's not bad for a product that offers better wear protection, oxidation control, and soot-handling capabilities than the oil that's in your truck right now. You'll be able to buy the new low ash CJ-4 oils about the same time that ULSD becomes available at the pump, and it will be widely available next year.