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Sarah relies on CITGO to keep her family on the go.Sarah relies on CITGO to keep her family on the go.
   Lubricants Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about CITGO lubricants? We've provided some of the questions we're asked most often by consumers below! If you still need some answers when you're done, please e-mail any questions to lubeshelp@citgo.com.

Automotive 
Will changing my oil more often than the recommended interval outlined by my auto manufacturer prolong the life of my engine?
Which CITGO Supergard oils meet GF-4, API SM?
Do CITGO Supergard Motor Oils contain detergents?
Can I use CITGO heavy duty engine oil like the CITGARD 600 15w40 or Syndurance 5W-40 in my gasoline powered automobile and truck?
Can CITGO heavy duty diesel oil be used in motorcycles?
Which CITGO 2-cycle oil is rated TC-W3?
Can CITGO Quatrasyn be used to replace Dexron III?
Can CITGO Transgard Multi-Purpose ATF be used as a "multi-vehicle" ATF??
How do I obtain an MSDS document from CITGO?
Who do I contact for fuel related questions?

Heavy Duty
Can Supergard Motor Oil be used in automobiles that use diesel fuel?
What type of engine oil does CITGO recommend for Detroit Diesel Two Stroke Engines?
What is meant by API CJ-4?
Is CITGO CITGARD 600 15W-40 rated API CJ-4?
What CITGO product meets this new heavy duty oil standard?
I have a mixed fleet of older and new equipment. Do I have to stock two different grades of oil, one for new engines and one for older unites?
What would happen if older CI-4 or CI-4 Plus oil was used in new 2007 EPA compliant engines?
Does CJ-4 apply to off-high-way equipment?
Can I use CJ-4 oil in off road equipment that is not burning ultra-low sulfur diesel?
What is meant by the TBN of oil?
Will a single viscosity grade oil like the CITGO CITGARD 600 40 provide better protection than a multi-grade 15W40?
Does CITGO Heavy Duty Engine Oils contain Moly?
Are CITGO A/W Hydraulic Oils recommended for hydraulic applications in Caterpillar equipment?
Can CITGO THF be used as hydraulic oil in CAT equipment?
Does CITGO Transgard Tractor Hydraulic Fluid meet the requirements of CAT specification TO-4?
Is it OK to use CITGO Heavy Duty Engine Oil in the transmission of my old1965 CAT dozer and grader?
Is Supergard Sea and Snow 2-Cycle Engine Oil recommended for use in outboard engines?
What CITGO synthetic gear oil do I need that has OEM approvals for extended drain intervals?
Does CITGO offer a synthetic automatic transmission fluid for use in applications calling for Allison TES 295 specification?
How do I obtain an MSDS document from CITGO?
Who do I call when I have questions concerning the CITGO Heavy Duty LubeAlert Program or Glycol Monitoring Program?
Who do I contact for fuel related questions?

Grease
Does CITGO offer a full synthetic grease or non-melt bentone grease?
Which CITGO grease has dual NLGI Certification and can be used as a high temperature wheel bearing grease (GC) and can also serve as a chassis lubricant (LB)?
What makes the CITGO OverDrive HD grease one of the best greases for the trucking industry?
How do I obtain an MSDS document from CITGO?

Industrial
What is meant by the term "ash content" in natural gas engine oils?
What would CITGO recommend if my owner's manual calls for a non-detergent 30 weight oil?
What does zinc do in oil?
What is Moly?
What is the viscosity of CITGO Transgard Tractor Hydraulic Fluid (THF)?
What level of gear protection does the CITGO Tractor Hydraulic Fluid have?
Are there detergents and anti-foam additives in CITGO hydraulic oils?
I have a log splitter that is calling for a HVI 32 Hydraulic Oil; does CITGO offer HVI oil?
What does HVI mean?
What is meant by dielectric strength of oil?
Is CITGO FR-40XD compatible with mineral oil?
What is the proper water content when using FR-40XD?
What should be considered when choosing between FR-40XD and FR-5046HP?
What CITGO synthetic gear oil do I need that has OEM approvals for extended drain intervals?
Are Citgear Synthetic HD Gear Lubricants approved by DANA, Mack and ArvinMeritor for extended drain service?
Are CITGO Industrial Synthetic oils packaged in quart containers?
Can North Star Refrigeration Oil be used in refrigeration systems where the refrigerant gas is ammonia?
How do I obtain an MSDS document from CITGO?
Who do I call when I have questions concerning the CITGO Heavy Duty LubeAlert Program or Glycol Monitoring Program?
Who do I contact for wax related questions?

Automotive

Q: Will changing my oil more often than the recommended interval outlined by my auto manufacturer prolong the life of my engine?
A: It is important to understand the severity of your operating conditions. Under normal driving conditions the OEM has set a recommended oil change interval based on many hours of testing and research into the desired amount of time needed to get optimum life from the engine, changing oil more often wastes oil, your time, and money. CITGO Supergard Motor Oils are formulated to the highest standards and offer the best possible protection for your engine.

Q: Which CITGO Supergard oils meet GF-4, API SM?
A: Supergard 5W-20 and 5W-30, Supergard Synthetic 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30 are licensed with API and meet the latest ILSAC GF-4 / API SM quality.

Q: Do CITGO Supergard Motor Oils contain detergents?
A: Yes, CITGO Supergard motor oils are designed to meet the highest standards of engine cleanliness and deposit control.

Q: Can I use CITGO heavy duty engine oil like the CITGARD 600 15w40 or Syndurance 5W-40 in my gasoline powered automobile and truck?
A: Yes, providing you follow the proper viscosity and oil quality outlined by the OEM engine manufacturer (API SL or SM). These oils can be used for both gasoline and diesel applications.

Q: Can CITGO heavy duty diesel oil be used in motorcycles?
A: Yes, CITGARD 600 15W-40, CITGARD 700 15W40, CITGARD 700 Plus 15W40 or SynDurance 5W-40 Full Synthetic perform very well in the crankcase of most motorcycles. The robust additive package and high amount of anti-wear additive makes these heavy duty oils well suited for this service. Care must be taken that the proper viscosity as recommended by the manufacturer be used.

Q: Which CITGO 2-cycle oil is rated TC-W3?
A: CITGO Supergard Marine Plus is rated TC-W3 and highly recommend for most 2-cycle outboard engines.

Q: Can CITGO Quatrasyn be used to replace Dexron III?
A: Yes, in most applications the full synthetic Quatrasyn ATF is an excellent upgrade to meet the Dexron III / Mercon ATF requirements.

Q: Can CITGO Transgard Multi-Purpose ATF be used as a "multi-vehicle" ATF?
A: No, Transgard Multi-Purpose ATF is specifically used in GM transmissions calling for Dexron III performance and Ford Mercon performance. CITGO recommends CITGO multi-vehicle ATF.

Q: How do I obtain an MSDS document from CITGO?
A: All CITGO MSDS documents are available on the CITGO web site. The path is http://www.citgo.com/Products/MSDS.jsp

Q: Who do I contact for fuel related questions?
A: For Light Oils and Payment Card information please contact 1-800-423-8434.

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Heavy Duty

Q: Can Supergard Motor Oil be used in automobiles that use diesel fuel?
A: It is not recommended. Supergard motor oils are designed to give maximum protection in gasoline engines or engines that have been converted to compressed natural gas (CNG) or engines that burn gasohol. CITGO offers a complete line of Diesel Engine Oils that offer optimum performance for diesel fuel. CITGARD and SynDurance are recommended for diesel fuel powered engines.

Q: What type of engine oil does CITGO recommend for Detroit Diesel Two Stroke Engines?
A: CITGO CITGARD 500 40 would be recommended for this application. Detroit's primary recommendation for 2-strokes is API CF-2; SAE 40 weight; and sulfated ash of 1.0% maximum. It is important to refer to the Detroit Diesel lubrication Guide for the proper viscosity and temperature range recommendations.

Q: What is meant by API CJ-4?
A: This is the newest heavy duty oil specification that is required for 2007 model year trucks in conjunction with the EPA's On-Highway 2007 Exhaust Emission Standards that require a reduction in nitrogen oxide and particulate matter CITGO offers a family of high performance diesel engine oils for both new and older diesel engines, CITGARD 700, CITGARD 700 Plus, and SynDurance that meet CJ-4 performance category. SynDurance also offers additional fuel economy and improved cold weather lubrication.

Q: Is CITGO CITGARD 600 15W-40 rated API CJ-4?
A: While CITGARD 600 15w40 is CJ-4 capable it is rated and approved as CI-4 Plus. CITGARD 700, CITGARD 700 Plus, and SynDurance meet the CJ-4 performance category. SynDurance also offers additional fuel economy and improved cold weather lubrication.

Q: What CITGO product meets this new heavy duty oil standard?
A: CITGARD 700, CITGARD 700 Plus, and SynDurance meet the CJ-4 performance category. SynDurance also offers additional fuel economy and improved cold weather lubrication.

Q: I have a mixed fleet of older and new equipment. Do I have to stock two different grades of oil, one for new engines and one for older unites?
A: No, the new CITGO CITGARD C700, CITGARD 700 Plus, and SynDurance are designed to be backwards compatible. Meaning, if your older units call for API CH-4, CI-4 or CI-Plus then the only crankcase oil you would need to stock are one of CITGOs CJ-4 approved oils.

Q: What would happen if older CI-4 or CI-4 Plus oil was used in new 2007 EPA compliant engines?
A: Because of the higher levels of sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur used to formulate these previous types of oil, there is a risk of plugging the diesel particulate filters (DPF) and could cause more frequent maintenance of the low emission exhaust system. In addition, the older chemistries may not be able to handle the higher temperatures and increase in exhaust gas being pumped back into the crankcase on the new 2007 EPA complaint engines. CITGARD 700, CITGARD 700 Plus, and SynDurance meet the CJ-4 performance category. SynDurance also offers additional fuel economy and improved cold weather lubrication

Q: Does CJ-4 apply to off-high-way equipment?
A: At this time it only applies to on-highway vehicles beginning with model year 2007. Customers who want one oil for both on and off highway or have new 2007 engines should use CITGARD 700, CITGARD 700 Plus, and SynDurance that meet the CJ-4 performance category as well as all previous categories. SynDurance also offers additional fuel economy and improved cold weather lubrication. Additionally emission requirement in certain areas of the country have mandated that the off road equipment meet tier 3 emission requirements which require CJ-4 oils.

Q: Can I use CJ-4 oil in off road equipment that is not burning ultra-low sulfur diesel?
A: Yes, the CITGO C700 15W-40, CITGARD 700 Plus, and SynDurance can be used. These oils have proven to offer excellent protection when using high sulfur diesel fuels. However, because of the higher sulfur content of the fuel being used extending drain intervals would be discouraged unless proper oil analysis testing is being performed on the used crankcase oil. CITGO offers its patented LubeAlert Oil analysis to provide the information for proper drain interval recommendations.

Q: What is meant by the TBN of oil?
A: TBN stands for Total Base Number, which is a measure of how well the oil can neutralize acidic combustion by-products. The higher the TBN of new oil is not always a good indicator of how well the TBN will last when the oil is subject to extreme heat and corrosive exhaust gases. (TBN retention) Some oils with high starting TBNs are used up very quickly leaving little protection against corrosive by-products that form in the used oil towards the end of the drain cycle. CITGARD and SynDurance heavy duty diesel engine oils have proven to offer excellent TBN retention and corrosive wear protection under severe operating conditions and extended service intervals.

Q: Will a single viscosity grade oil like the CITGO CITGARD 600 40 provide better protection than a multi-grade 15W40?
A: Multi-grade oils have the advantage of providing quick start-up protection when the engine is cold. In a cold engine the 5W or 15W multi-grades will start to flow and circulate much quicker providing better protection in a cold starting engine. During initial start up and during the first few minutes of operation is a very critical time when the majority of engine wear is often experienced. In addition to initial start up advantages, engine builders have proven that multi-grade engine oils reduce oil consumption and critical engine area deposits when compared to monogrades. For maximum protection in modern diesel engines use: CITGARD 700, CITGARD 700 Plus, and SynDurance. SynDurance also offers additional fuel economy and improved cold weather lubrication.

Q: Does CITGO Heavy Duty Engine Oils contain Moly?
A: CITGO uses a form of moly as an additional antioxidant to offer optimum protection in higher temperature operating conditions.

Q: Are CITGO A/W Hydraulic Oils recommended for hydraulic applications in Caterpillar equipment?
A: CITGO AW's are formulated with the newest technology which utilizes a lower zinc level. CAT requires a minimum of 900 ppm Zinc (anti-wear agent) along with emulsifiers to disperse small amounts of water throughout the hydraulic system. Most industrial hydraulic oils do not meet these specifications. CITGO offers a combination of products including CITGARD engine Oils for this application

Q: Can CITGO THF be used as hydraulic oil in CAT equipment?
A: Yes, the viscosity and additive system in CITGO Tractor Fluid allows its use in CAT hydraulic systems.

Q: Does CITGO Transgard Tractor Hydraulic Fluid meet the requirements of CAT specification TO-4?
A: CITGO Transgard Tractor Hydraulic Fluid meets the requirements of CAT TO-2 but not CAT TO-4. CITGO recommends Transgard HD 10, 30, or 50 for TO-4 depending on application and temperature ranges.

Q: Is it OK to use CITGO Heavy Duty Engine Oil in the transmission of my old1965 CAT dozer and grader?
A: Most likely yes, you can use HD engine oil of the proper viscosity in most older CAT transmissions, however, while Caterpillar once approved engine oil for this service, the materials now used in newer CATs and other  similar transmissions designed for off-road use have changed and require a higher degree of friction for proper performance. Engine oils contain higher levels of friction modifiers causing clutch slipping.

Q: Is Supergard Sea and Snow 2-Cycle Engine Oil recommended for use in outboard engines?
A: No, Supergard Sea and Snow is not recommended for marine outboard engines. The low ash, synthetic blend Sea and Snow 2-cycle oil is primarily used in air cooled two-stroke engines like weed eaters, lawn mowers, snowmobiles and jet skies that do not require NMMA TC-W3 performance.

Q: What CITGO synthetic gear oil do I need that has OEM approvals for extended drain intervals?
A: The CITGO Synthetic Gear Lubricants have been approved by DANA, Mack, and ArvinMeritor for extended drain service.

Q: Does CITGO offer a synthetic automatic transmission fluid for use in applications calling for Allison TES 295 specification?
A: Yes, the CITGO Quatrasyn meets and surpasses many of the performance specifications outline by Allison and is recommended for applications requiring Allison TES 295 performance.

Q: How do I obtain an MSDS document from CITGO?
A: All CITGO MSDS documents are available on the CITGO web site. The path is http://www.citgo.com/Products/MSDS.jsp

Q: Who do I call when I have questions concerning the CITGO Heavy Duty LubeAlert Program or Glycol Monitoring Program?
A: For administrative assistance please call 1-888-443-5708.

Q: Who do I contact for fuel related questions?
A: For Light Oils and Payment Card information please contact 1-800-423-8434.

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Grease

Q: Does CITGO offer a full synthetic grease or non-melt bentone grease?
A: The vast majority of grease applications in todays trucking, automotive, industrial and construction industry can be satisfied with one of the high quality grease products offered by CITGO. In the rare occasion when specialty grease is needed it is recommend that the CITGO Lubricant Answer Line be contacted for application assistance. CITGO does not manufacture non-melt clay based bentone grease.

Q: Which CITGO grease has dual NLGI Certification and can be used as a high temperature wheel bearing grease (GC) and can also serve as a chassis lubricant (LB)?
A: Lithoplex MP 1, MP 2, RT 1 and RT 2 are certified as NLGI GC-LB and can be used in high temperature disk brake wheel bearing applications.

Q: What makes the CITGO OverDrive HD grease one of the best greases for the trucking industry?
A: There are several reasons which make this grease an excellent choice. The two main performance qualities are the use of high viscosity base oil and a premium quality, highly water resistant polymer that makes the OverDrive "stay put" and protect against salt water corrosion. Grease has been identified as the weak link in truck lubrication service intervals. Overdrive has proven to safely extend the service intervals while significantly improving chassis and 5th wheel component life.

Q: How do I obtain an MSDS document from CITGO?
A: All CITGO MSDS documents are available on the CITGO web site. The path is http://www.citgo.com/Products/MSDS.jsp

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Industrial

Q: What is meant by the term "ash content" in natural gas engine oils?
A: The ash deposits are the residue remaining after the oil is burned during operation. The ash is made up of metallic detergent additives, such as calcium, barium and magnesium compounds. Lack of ash deposits can cause valve recession, which is the gradual wearing of the valve into the head, and if the ash level is too high, unwanted and harmful deposits can occur. CITGO offers Pacemaker Gas Engine Oils that are specifically formulated for all natural Gas applications including ashless, low ash, and high ash applications.

Q: What would CITGO recommend if my owner's manual calls for a non-detergent 30 weight oil?
A: Non-detergent engine oil is banned in several states. CITGO offers Pacemaker 100 or A/W 100 Hydraulic Oil for these applications.

Q: What does zinc do in oil?
A: Zinc or ZDDP is widely used as an anti-wear additive used in many types of hydraulic and engine oils to protect heavily loaded parts from wear. ZDDP is a last resort against metal-to-metal contact.

Q: What is Moly?
A: The word Moly is short for molybdenum disulfide which is a chemical compound used in many oils and greases to minimize metal-to-metal contact by adhering to the metal surface thus reducing friction. There are many compounds of moly used in the lubrication industry both for wear protection and or oxidation control.

Q: What is the viscosity of CITGO Transgard Tractor Hydraulic Fluid (THF)?
A: CITGO Transgard Tractor Hydraulic Fluid is a multigrade fluid with a viscosity similar to a SAE crankcase 10W20, ISO 68, and SAE gear oil 80W.

Q: What level of gear protection does the CITGO Tractor Hydraulic Fluid have?
A: For gear applications CITGO Tractor Hydraulic Fluid offers the highest protection at the API GL-4 service level.

Q: Are there detergents and anti-foam additives in CITGO hydraulic oils?
A: CITGO A/W Hydraulic Oil are formulated with a very effective anti-foam agent that permits the very rapid release of entrained air. CITGO hydraulic oils are classified as non-detergent lubricants.

Q: I have a log splitter that is calling for a HVI 32 Hydraulic Oil; does CITGO offer HVI oil?
A: Yes, the CITGO All Temp Hydraulic Oil is an ISO 32 viscosity and has a High Viscosity Index (HVI) of 155.

Q: What does HVI mean?
A: A hydraulic oil with a High Viscosity Index (HVI) is recommended primarily for mobile construction equipment and other hydraulic systems that are subject to wide ambient and system operating temperatures. With the use of HVI oils hydraulic pumps can safely be started at low ambient temperatures. CITGO products such as Super MV (VI of 202) and All Temp Hydraulic Oil (VI of 155) are HVI Hydraulic oils.

Q: What is meant by dielectric strength of oil?
A: Dielectric Strength is an indication of the electrical insulating properties of a lubricant. Water and other contaminates are the most likely cause of a low insulting number. The CITGO CP Hydraulic Fluid has a dielectric strength of 35KV making it an excellent choice for aerial lift buckets and other mobile hydraulic systems operating near electrical power lines.

Q: Is CITGO FR-40XD compatible with mineral oil?
A: No, when converting from conventional petroleum mineral oil to FR-40XD there is a specific changeover procedure outlined by CITGO. Please consult with your CITGO Technical Representative for proper changeover procedures.

Q: What is the proper water content when using FR-40XD?
A: A range between 37-43% water is needed to achieve optimum performance. The water used should be deionized. CITGO offers the Water Glycol Monitoring program to assist with proper fluid maintenance

Q: What should be considered when choosing between FR-40XD and FR-5046HP?
A: The operating pressure of the system needs to be considered, FR-5046HP is a high pressure fluid which provides protection when system pressures are in excess of 5,000 psi.

Q: What CITGO synthetic gear oil do I need that has OEM approvals for extended drain intervals?
A: The CITGO Synthetic Gear Lubricants have been approved by DANA, Mack, and ArvinMeritor for extended drain service.

Q: Are Citgear Synthetic HD Gear Lubricants approved by DANA, Mack and ArvinMeritor for extended drain service?
A: Citgear Synthetic HD Gear Lubricants are highly recommended by CITGO for drive axles and manual transmissions and are suitable for use when maintaining extended drain intervals up to and including the 500,000 mile requirement as outlined by Dana in SHAES 256 revision C. All CITGO products are warranted by CITGO on specifications outlined in our product information sheets.

Q: Are CITGO Industrial Synthetic oils packaged in quart containers?
A: CITGO packages in pails, drums, and bulk in certain product offerings. CITGO offers a wide selection of  industrial synthetic lubricants.

Q: Can North Star Refrigeration Oil be used in refrigeration systems where the refrigerant gas is ammonia?
A: Yes, North Star Refrigeration Oils are naphthenic base and can be used in most industrial refrigeration systems that use R-12, R-22 and ammonia as refrigerant gas.

Q: How do I obtain an MSDS document from CITGO?
A: All CITGO MSDS documents are available on the CITGO web site. The path is http://www.citgo.com/Products/MSDS.jsp

Q: Who do I call when I have questions concerning the CITGO Heavy Duty LubeAlert Program or Glycol Monitoring Program?
A: For administrative assistance please call 1-888-443-5708.

Q: Who do I contact for wax related questions?
A: For Wax Technical information please phone 1-337-708-7350, for Wax Customer Service phone 1-866-248-4699.

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