I don't know how many of you subscribe to the Cummins TDR Register, but the Nov/Dec/Jan
issue had an indepth articles on both from industry leading sources. The main point I learned
was that from CI-4 to CJ-4 the EPA forced the adoption of low-sulfate ash, phosphorus, and sulfur
oil technology which has not been proven in the field. One of the best and least costly oxidation inhibitors
and anti wear agents are now limited and more costly agents must be used.
Both oils are required to be on the shelf till 2009 according to the article, and one major trucking customer
was not switching and keeping as much as possible of the other oil. If you do have the particulate trap then
you could use the CI-4 oil. If you don't have a trap, then the old oil spec is more than adequate, till
more field information is available. Of course the oil companies say the new oil is backward compatible, but
it appears some will not switch till they have to.
I present this only as the TDR is an excellent resource regardless if you own a Cummins or not. And if you
gather information from many resources to come as close to what is really happening out there--then this
is a must read and one of the best sources of diesel chatter. www.turbodieselregister.com
Plus my goal is to own a cummins one day, whether or not I have a use for it.
I plan on using my current oil type till it is not available anymore. I have nothing in my CAC
hoses and credit my current oil with that, but I have no real evidence to prove that. I may just
have a good one.