Detroit Fluids Specification · Engine Oil
DFS 93K222: Detroit's CK-4 Engine Oil Spec Explained
DFS 93K222 is Detroit Diesel's own heavy-duty engine oil specification, built on API CK-4. It isn't a GHG17-only spec: Detroit's approved list for 93K222 covers every Detroit four-stroke from EPA07 through Gen 5, including the DD13, DD15 and DD16 in Class 8 tractor-trailers. Its FA-4 sister spec, DFS 93K223, covers EPA10 and newer only.
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Based on Detroit Diesel (DTNA) Lubricants, Fuels & Coolants approved-list titles, the DTNA DD operator manual and AMSOIL data sheet G3467
DFS 93K222 is Detroit's API CK-4 engine oil spec, with a minimum HTHS of 3.7 cP. It applies to every Detroit four-stroke from EPA07 through Gen 5, including the DD13, DD15 and DD16. DFS 93K223 is the FA-4 version (minimum HTHS 2.9 cP) for EPA10 and newer engines only. EPA07 engines must stay on 93K222. AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty is formulated to meet DFS 93K222.
Category
HTHS
Covered
EPA10+ Only
DFS 93K222 vs 93K223: Which Does Your Detroit Need?
Every Detroit four-stroke from EPA07 on can run DFS 93K222 (CK-4). EPA10 and newer engines can also run DFS 93K223 (FA-4), which Detroit recommends on those engines. EPA07 engines are 93K222 only.
- API BaseCK-4
- Minimum HTHS3.7 cP
- EnginesEPA07, EPA10, GHG14, GHG17, Gen 5
- Older SpecDFS 93K218 (CJ-4 era)
- AMSOILDME, DHD, DTT, DEO
- API BaseFA-4
- Minimum HTHS2.9 cP
- EnginesEPA10, GHG14, GHG17, Gen 5
- EPA07 Engines?No — 93K222 only
- AMSOILNone — AMSOIL has no FA-4 oil
⚠ "93K222 is GHG17-only" is wrong. Detroit's own approved list for DFS 93K222 is titled for Gen 5, GHG17, GHG14, EPA10 and EPA07 engines. Any Detroit DD-platform engine can run a 93K222 oil.
What Does DFS 93K222 Require?
DFS 93K222 starts with API CK-4 and adds Detroit's own engine testing, including the DD13 scuffing test, which checks liner and ring protection in a running Detroit engine. The minimum high-temperature high-shear viscosity is 3.7 cP, which keeps a thicker oil film than the FA-4 sister spec.
| Detroit Spec | API Base | Min HTHS | Engines |
|---|---|---|---|
| DFS 93K222 | API CK-4 | 3.7 cP | EPA07, EPA10, GHG14, GHG17, Gen 5 |
| DFS 93K223 | API FA-4 | 2.9 cP | EPA10, GHG14, GHG17, Gen 5 |
| DFS 93K218 | API CJ-4 era | — | Older spec, superseded by 93K222 |
Detroit publishes its approved-oil lists for both specs under Lubricants, Fuels & Coolants on the Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) portal.
Detroit Oil Change Intervals on 93K222 Oil
Detroit gives the same drain intervals for DFS 93K222 and 93K223 oils, set by fuel economy: efficient long haul (7+ mpg), long haul (6–6.9), short haul (5.1–5.9) and severe (5 mpg or less). The DD15 reaches 75,000 miles and the DD13 65,000 miles in efficient long haul.
| Engine | Efficient Long Haul | Long Haul | Short Haul | Severe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DD13 | 65,000 mi | 55,000 mi | 40,000 mi / 1,000 hr | 35,000 mi / 750 hr |
| DD15 | 75,000 mi | 60,000 mi | 45,000 mi / 1,000 hr | 35,000 mi / 750 hr |
| DD16 | Not applicable | 55,000 mi | 40,000 mi / 1,000 hr | 35,000 mi / 750 hr |
AMSOIL Oils That Meet DFS 93K222
AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty is formulated to meet Detroit DFS 93K222 in its 15W-40, 5W-30, 10W-30 and 5W-40 grades, along with Cummins CES 20086, Mack EOS-4.5 and Volvo VDS-4.5. The Red Seal tech pick for every Detroit is Max-Duty 15W-40 (DME).
- Formulated to meet DFS 93K222
- 6X more wear protection than the DD13 scuffing test requires
- HTHS 4.5, well above the 3.7 minimum
- Formulated to meet DFS 93K222
- The grade AMSOIL ran in the DD13 scuffing test
- Cold cranking to −30°C (−22°F)
- Formulated to meet DFS 93K222
- Cold cranking to −30°C vs −20°C for 15W-40
"Meets" vs "approved": AMSOIL's wording is that its oils are for engines requiring DFS 93K222. If a warranty or lease requires a product on Detroit's own approved list, check that list for the exact product.
DFS 93K222 — Common Questions
From owner-operators, fleet managers and shop techs running Detroit-powered Class 8 trucks and transport trucks across North America.