What type of oil is recommended for Cummins engines?
1 Answers
Cummins recommends using engine oil with specifications of 15W-40 CF4, CG4, CF4/SG, or CG4/SH. The type of oil should also be determined based on the engine's operating environment. If the ambient temperature is above -5°C, it is recommended to use 15W-40 CF4, CG4, CF4/SG, or CG4/SH-grade oil. If the ambient temperature is below -5°C, it is advised to use 10W-30 CF4, CG4, CF4/SG, or CG4/SH-grade oil. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so special attention should be paid to its performance under both low and high-temperature conditions. For example, in 5W-30 oil, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity—5W means it can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, ensuring smoother cold starts for the engine. The second number represents the oil's kinematic viscosity at 100°C. A higher number indicates better viscosity retention under high temperatures, which can be understood as better lubrication performance in high-temperature conditions. When selecting engine oil, keep the following considerations in mind: Choose oil based on the engine's requirements. There is no need to use overly advanced oil in engines with lower requirements, nor should lower-grade oil be used in engines with higher demands. It is advisable to opt for multi-grade oil whenever possible. Multi-grade oil offers benefits such as cost savings, extended lifespan, and high efficiency, providing better protection for the engine. Due to its characteristics, multi-grade oil may appear darker prematurely and exhibit lower oil pressure compared to conventional oil, both of which are normal phenomena.