API Invokes Provisional Licensing for API CK-4 and FA-4

The ASTM Caterpillar C13 Oil Aeration Test (COAT) Surveillance Panel Chair has informed API that there are currently no referenced ASTM D8047 (COAT) test stands that can be used to qualify oils against the API CK-4 and FA-4 standards.

The COAT measures a diesel oil’s ability to prevent aeration.

In response to this notification, API’s Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS) has invoked Provisional Licensing in accordance with paragraph 6.7 of API 1509, API’s Senior Manager for Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System Kevin Ferrick announced in a letter last Tuesday.. Provisional Licensing may be requested by oil marketers that need to run the COAT test (but no other tests) to qualify a formulation against the API CK-4 or API FA-4 standard. Engine oils granted an API Provisional License will be listed in API’s Directory of Licensees without any special designation. The licensee is still responsible for the satisfactory performance of all engine oils granted an API Provisional License.

The requirements and application instructions for Provisional Licensing are provided below:

1. A request for Provisional Licensing of an oil formulation is made by checking the Provisional License box found on the Formulation Information screen of the EOLCS online application system. Note that this box should only be checked if an ASTM D8047 (COAT) test has not been completed on the formulation.

2. Once API has received notification from ASTM that the COAT test is available for candidate testing, a licensee with a provisionally licensed formulation will be notified by API that Provisional Licensing has ended and will be given 6 months from the date of notification to obtain a passing COAT result for each provisionally licensed formulation.

3. The licensee will receive instructions from API at the time of the above notification that will outline the necessary documentation and steps that will be required to reconcile the provisionally licensed formulations.

4. If a provisionally licensed oil fails to pass the COAT, the licensee must notify API immediately. The licensee agrees to take whatever corrective action (including product recall) that is deemed necessary by API to protect consumers or API in a time frame specified by API.

5. If a new oil formulation or confirmation of testing is not received by API by the end of the 6-month period, API will cancel the Provisional License for that formulation.