api 1509 [2002] engine oil licensing and certification system [fifteenth edition]

Engine Oil Licensingand Certification System

API 1509FIFTEENTH EDITION, APRIL 2002

Copyright American Petroleum Institute Provided by IHS under license with API

Not for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS

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Engine Oil Licensingand Certification System

Downstream Segment

API 1509FIFTEENTH EDITION, APRIL 2002



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SPECIAL NOTES

API publications necessarily address problems of a general nature. With respect to partic-ular circumstances, local, state, and federal laws and regulations should be reviewed.

API is not undertaking to meet the duties of employers, manufacturers, or suppliers towarn and properly train and equip their employees, and others exposed, concerning healthand safety risks and precautions, nor undertaking their obligations under local, state, or fed-eral laws.

Information concerning safety and health risks and proper precautions with respect to par-ticular materials and conditions should be obtained from the employer, the manufacturer orsupplier of that material, or the material safety data sheet.

Nothing contained in any API publication is to be construed as granting any right, byimplication or otherwise, for the manufacture, sale, or use of any method, apparatus, or prod-uct covered by letters patent. Neither should anything contained in the publication be con-strued as insuring anyone against liability for infringement of letters patent.

Generally, API standards are reviewed and revised, reafÞrmed, or withdrawn at least everyÞve years. Sometimes a one-time extension of up to two years will be added to this reviewcycle. This publication will no longer be in effect Þve years after its publication date as anoperative API standard or, where an extension has been granted, upon republication. Statusof the publication can be ascertained from the API Downstream Segment [telephone (202)682-8000]. A catalog of API publications and materials is published annually and updatedquarterly by API, 1220 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005.

This document was produced under API standardization procedures that ensure appropri-ate notiÞcation and participation in the developmental process and is designated as an APIstandard. Questions concerning the interpretation of the content of this standard or com-ments and questions concerning the procedures under which this standard was developedshould be directed in writing to the standardization manager, American Petroleum Institute,1220 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005. Requests for permission to reproduce ortranslate all or any part of the material published herein should also be addressed to the gen-eral manager.

API standards are published to facilitate the broad availability of proven, sound engineer-ing and operating practices. These standards are not intended to obviate the need for apply-ing sound engineering judgment regarding when and where these standards should beutilized. The formulation and publication of API standards is not intended in any way toinhibit anyone from using any other practices.

Any manufacturer marking equipment or materials in conformance with the markingrequirements of an API standard is solely responsible for complying with all the applicablerequirements of that standard. API does not represent, warrant, or guarantee that such prod-ucts do in fact conform to the applicable API standard.

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise,

without prior written permission from the publisher. Contact the Publisher, API Publishing Services, 1220 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005.

Copyright © 2002 American Petroleum Institute



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FOREWORD

This publication describes the voluntary API Engine Oil Licensing and CertiÞcation Sys-tem (EOLCS) and is intended to explain to marketers how different API Marks are licensedand displayed for the consumer. The publication describes methods for developing newengine oil performance requirements and provides the marketer with a description of the APIMarks and their use, licensing requirements, aftermarket conformance, and enforcementprocedures. It also explains the interaction and roles of the various independent organiza-tions that are part of the API EOLCS.

API publications may be used by anyone desiring to do so. Every effort has been made bythe Institute to assure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in them; however, theInstitute makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee in connection with this publicationand hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resultingfrom its use or for the violation of any federal, state, or municipal regulation with which thispublication may conßict.

Suggested revisions are invited and should be submitted to the standardization manager,American Petroleum Institute, 1220 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005.

iii



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CONTENTS

Page

1 GENERAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

1.2 EOLCS Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

2 DESCRIPTION OF API MARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

2.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

2.2 API CertiÞcation Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

2.3 API Service Symbol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

2.4 SAE Viscosity Grades Eligible for Use with API Marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

3 LICENSE SYSTEM FOR API MARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

3.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

3.2 Royalty Fees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

3.3 Responsibility of Marketers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

3.4 Licensing Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

3.5 Renewals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

3.6 System Monitoring and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

3.7 Provisional License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

4 USE AND LABELING REQUIREMENTS FOR API MARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

4.1 API Engine Oil Quality Marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

4.2 API CertiÞcation Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

4.3 API Service Symbol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

4.4 Product Traceability Coding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

5 SYSTEM MONITORING, ENFORCEMENT, AND CONFORMANCE. . . . . . . . . 5-1

5.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

5.2 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

6 REFERENCED PUBLICATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

APPENDIX A EVOLUTION OF ENGINE OIL CLASSIFICATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

APPENDIX B INTERINDUSTRY ADVISORY GROUP TO THE API/AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS ADMINISTRATIVEGUIDANCE PANEL ON THE API EOLCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

APPENDIX C DEVELOPING NEW MINIMUM OIL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR API MARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

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Page

APPENDIX D DEVELOPING NEW DIESEL OIL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR API C SERVICE CATEGORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

APPENDIX E API BASE OIL INTERCHANGEABILITY GUIDELINES FOR PASSENGER CAR MOTOR OILS AND DIESEL ENGINE OILS. . .E-1

APPENDIX F API GUIDELINES FOR SAE VISCOSITY-GRADE ENGINE TESTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-1

APPENDIX G REQUIREMENTS FOR API SERVICE CATEGORIES SH, SJ, AND SL BY VISCOSITY GRADE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-1

APPENDIX H AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE (ORDER INFORMATION) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-1

APPENDIX I GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-1

APPENDIX J ACC PETROLEUM ADDITIVES PANEL PRODUCT APPROVAL CODE OF PRACTICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-1

APPENDIX K TOLERANCE LIMITS FOR PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES (FOR AUDITING) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-1

APPENDIX L GUIDELINES FOR THE SELECTION OF PRODUCT AND ENGINE TEST AUDITS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L-1

APPENDIX M API MARK CONFORMANCE AUDIT: ENGINE TESTS . . . . . . . . M-1

APPENDIX N MULTIPLE TEST EVALUATION PROCEDURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N-1

APPENDIX O TECHNICAL INTERPRETATIONS OF API 1509. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O-1

APPENDIX P EOLCS LICENSING CLARIFICATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P-1

APPENDIX Q ILSAC MINIMUM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FORPASSENGER CAR ENGINE OILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Q-1

Figures

1 API CertiÞcation Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

2 API Service Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

3 API CertiÞcation Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

4 Placement of Notations Within the API Service Symbol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

5 Representative Examples of the API Service Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

D-1 Heavy Duty Category Request/Approval Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2

D-2 Phase 1: Category Request/Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3

D-3 Phase 2: Category Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5

D-4 Phase 3: Category Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-7

O-1 Incorrect API ILSAC Mark Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O-1

O-2 Correct API Mark Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O-1

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Page

Tables

1 Sequence VIB Primary Performance Criteria with API Service Category SL . . . 2-3

2 Sequence VIA Primary Performance Criteria with API Service Category SJ. . . . 2-3

3 Sequence VIB Primary Performance Criteria with API Service Category SJ . . . . 2-3

4 SAE Viscosity Grades Eligible for Use of API Marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

A-1 Summary of Obsolete Service Categories and Related Military and Industrial Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

G-1 Requirements for API Service Category SH by Viscosity Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . G-1

G-2 Requirements for API Service Category SJ by Viscosity Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-2

G-3 Requirements for API Service Category SL by Viscosity Grade. . . . . . . . . . . . . G-3

K-1 Tolerance Limits for Standard Audit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-1

K-2 Tolerance Limits for Expanded Audit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-1

L-1 Marketing-Company Pot: Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L-1

L-2 Sequence-Test Pot: Example. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L-1

L-3 Viscosity-Grade Pot: Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L-1

M-1 Example. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M-1

N-1 Parameter Values to Be Averaged for PCMO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N-1

N-2 Parameter Values to be Averaged for Diesel Engine Oils. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N-2

Q-1 ILSAC GF-1 Passenger Car Engine Oil Minimum Performance Standard. . . . . Q-2



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1-1

Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System

Section 1—General

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This publication describes the API Engine Oil Licensingand CertiÞcation System (EOLCS), a voluntary licensing andcertiÞcation program designed to deÞne, certify, and monitorengine oil performance deemed necessary for satisfactoryequipment life and performance by vehicle and engine manu-facturers. Engine oil marketers that meet EOLCS require-ments may be licensed to display two Marks, the API ServiceSymbol and the API CertiÞcation Mark.

Sections 2 through 6 of this publication deÞne the currentAPI engine oil service categories and explain the EOLCSlicensing requirements, the API Marks and their use, and theEOLCS Aftermarket Audit Program. Appendices A throughQ provide a brief history of engine oil classiÞcations,describe methods for developing new engine oil performancerequirements, and explain the interaction and roles of the vari-ous independent organizations that are part of the API EOLCS.

1.2 EOLCS OVERVIEW

1.2.1

The API EOLCS is designed to deÞne, certify, andmonitor engine oil performance that vehicle and engine man-ufacturers and the oil and additive industries deem necessaryfor satisfactory equipment life and performance. The systemincludes a formal license agreement executed by the marketerwith API. The programÕs Marks are intended to help the con-sumer identify products that have satisÞed the requirementsfor licensing and certiÞcation. The system includes an auditprocess to verify that licensed products in the marketplacecomply with the terms of the API Licensing Agreement.

1.2.2

API issues a license to an oil marketer after the mar-keter conÞrms it has met all the requirements spelled out inthis publication and the EOLCS Application Package. Themarketer must execute the API Licensing Agreement as acondition of licensure.

Note: An

oil marketer

is deÞned as the marketing organizationresponsible for the integrity of the brand name and the representa-tion of the branded product in the marketplace.

1.2.3

Performance requirements, test methods, and limitsare cooperatively established by vehicle and/or engine manu-facturers [namely, Ford, General Motors, and Daimler-Chrysler; Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association(JAMA)

1

; and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA)

2

]and technical societies, such as ASTM

3

and SAE

4

.

1.2.4

API licenses two types of Marks: the API ServiceSymbol and the API CertiÞcation Mark. The Service Symboldenotes a licensed oilÕs performance properties through theuse of the API Service Categories and, if applicable, theEnergy Conserving designation; the API CertiÞcation MarkidentiÞes oils meeting International Lubricant Standardiza-tion and Approval Committee (ILSAC)

5

minimum perfor-mance standards.

1.2.5

API uses an alphanumeric system known collectivelyas API Service Categories to deÞne speciÞc engine oil perfor-mance levels. These categories are commonly used by vehicleand equipment manufacturers to identify the engine oil per-formance levels required by gasoline and diesel engines. TheAPI Service Symbol displays current API Service Categories.

The API CertiÞcation Mark does not change. Annuallicenses for the API CertiÞcation Mark are issued only forengine oils that meet the current ILSAC performance require-ments speciÞed in Appendix Q.

1.2.6

Engine oils licensed to use API Service CategoriesSL, SJ, SH, CF, CF-2, CF-4, CG-4, CH-4, CI-4 (beginningSeptember 5, 2002), Energy Conserving, and/or the API Cer-tiÞcation Mark, or both must be engine tested using the latestedition of the American Chemistry Council (ACC)

6

Petro-leum Additives Panel Product Approval Code of Practice

(ACC Code). The ACC Code requires advance registration ofall engine tests, along with criteria for handling results frommultiple tests on an oil formulation to improve the measure-ment of the oilÕs performance (see Appendix N). Materialupdates to the ACC Code will be distributed to ILSAC, EMA,and API sufÞciently in advance of formal publication to per-mit consideration of any comments the three stakeholdersmay have. Adherence to the ACC Code as a requirement forthe API EOLCS will be periodically reviewed for continuedsuitability and enhancement.

1.2.7

The ACC Code currently includes only certain enginetests. For engine oils that use the API S and C Service Cate-gories and/or the Energy Conserving designation, the engine

1

Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Otemachi Building6-1, Otemachi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan.

2

Engine Manufacturers Association, 2 North LaSalle Street, Suite2200, Chicago, IL 60602.

3

ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

4

SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

5

International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee.See Appendix Q.

6

American Chemistry Council, 1300 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA22209.



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1-2 API 1509

tests covered by the ACC Code shall be conducted in accor-dance with the ACC Code.

1.2.8

The test data that support product claims are theresponsibility of the individual marketer. Marketers maychoose to use the API Base Oil Interchangeability Guidelines,the API Guidelines for SAE Viscosity-Grade Engine Testing,or both in lieu of speciÞed engine testing. However, the deci-sion to use such guidelines does not absolve the marketer ofthe responsibility to ensure that each licensed engine oil satis-Þes all engine and bench testing performance requirements.

1.2.9

All engine oils licensed to use the API Marks are sub-ject to conformance audits. Conformance is determined bycomparing measured physical and chemical properties of theoil with licensing data on Þle at API. In addition, a limitednumber of products will be randomly selected for engine andbench testing.

1.2.10

An Administrative Guidance Panel (AGP) has beenestablished in accordance with the terms of a Memorandumof Understanding between API and Ford, General Motors,and DaimlerChrysler for the purpose of providing guidanceto the EOLCS. An Interindustry Advisory Group (IAG; seeAppendix B) consisting of representatives from organizationssuch as API, ASTM, ACC, EMA, Independent LubricantManufacturers Association (ILMA)

7

, Ford, General Motors,DaimlerChrysler, SAE, and the U.S. Army has been formedto advise the AGP on enhancements and improvements to theAPI EOLCS. Recommendations by the IAG will be consid-ered for inclusion in the program.

7

Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association, 651 S. Wash-ington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.



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2-1

Section 2—Description of API Marks

2.1 GENERAL

2.1.1

API licenses two types of Marks: the API CertiÞca-tion Mark ÒStarburstÓ and the API Service Symbol ÒDonut.ÓCertain oils may meet the technical and licensing require-ments of both (a) the API CertiÞcation Mark, and (b) APIService Category SL and Energy Conserving (as deÞned in2.3.2.4.2) or, until March 31, 2002, SJ and Energy Conserv-ing (as deÞned in 2.3.2.4.3). If properly licensed, these engineoils may be labeled with either or both API Marks. Examplesof these two types of Marks are shown in Figures 1 and 2.

2.1.2

APIÕs licensing of an engine oil does not imply thatoils with the API Marks are appropriate for all vehicles orengines in the Þeld. The consumer must refer to the ownerÕsor operatorÕs manual for speciÞc vehicle or engine manufac-turerÕs engine oil recommendations.

2.2 API CERTIFICATION MARK

2.2.1

Each API CertiÞcation Mark is designed for the iden-tiÞcation of engine oils recommended for a general applica-tion (for example, gasoline, fuel-ßexible, light-duty diesel).The API CertiÞcation Mark may be licensed only if an oil sat-isÞes the requirements of the most recent and applicableILSAC minimum performance standards speciÞed in Appen-dix Q. The API CertiÞcation Mark remains the same for agiven application even if a new minimum engine oil perfor-mance standard is developed for the application (see Appen-dix C). Engine oils that meet the criteria of ILSAC GF-3 and,until March 31, 2002, ILSAC GF-2, currently meet thisrequirement for gasoline-powered vehicles.

2.2.2

The ILSAC GF-3 minimum performance standardfor passenger car engine oils (see Appendix Q, paragraphQ.3) provides the current basis for issuance of a license to usethe API CertiÞcation Mark. (See 2.4 for a list of viscositygrades eligible to obtain a license to use the API CertiÞcationMark.) Until March 31, 2002, ILSAC GF-2 (See Appendix Q,paragraph Q.2) also provides the basis for issuance of alicense to use the API CertiÞcation Mark. After March 31,2002, the ILSAC GF-3 minimum performance standardbecomes the only basis for issuance of a license to use theAPI CertiÞcation Mark. Standards for fuel-ßexible vehicleengine oils, light-duty diesel engine oils, and others may bedeveloped and will form the basis for future API CertiÞcationMarks.

2.3 API SERVICE SYMBOL

2.3.1 General

Service Categories are used in the upper portion of the APIService Symbol to identify speciÞc engine oil performancelevels. The API Service Symbol may be licensed for use withpassenger car motor oils, diesel engine oils, or both as long asthe oils meet the performance requirements of an appropriateAPI Service Category or Categories. Currently, the API Ser-vice Categories that may be included in the API Service Sym-bol are SL, SJ, SH, CF, CF-2, CF-4, CG-4, CH-4, and CI-4beginning September 5, 2002. Oils that meet CH-4 licensingrequirements are also authorized to display CF-4 and/or CG-4in the API Service Symbol. Effective January 15, 2002, mar-keters may license products meeting API CI-4 requirementsas CH-4, CG-4, and CF-4.

Note: The letters ÒSIÓ and ÒSKÓ have been omitted from thesequence of letter designators for API Service Categories because oftheir common association with other organizations or systems.

Use of more than one API S Service Category at a time inthe API Service Symbol is prohibited. Service Category SH

FORGASOLINEENGINESA

MERICAN

PETROLEUM

INSTITUTE

CERTIFIE

D

API SERVICE SL

SAE5W-30E

NE

R

GY CONSERVIN

G

Figure 1ÑAPI CertiÞcation Mark

Figure 2ÑAPI Service Symbol



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2-2 API 1509

can be displayed in the API Service Symbol only when pre-ceded by CF and/or CF-2 and/or CF-4 and/or CG-4 and/orCH-4 and/or CI-4 beginning September 5, 2002. These alpha-numeric Service Categories may change as new oil perfor-mance standards are developed and approved for use (seeAppendices C and D).

For an oil that is formulated for diesel engine applicationsand meets both C and S Categories, it is suggested that the CCategory be put Þrst so that the consumer can recognize thatthe oil is primarily a diesel engine oil but also meets S Cate-gory requirements. For an oil that is formulated for passengercar motor oil applications and meets both S and C Categories,it is suggested that the S Category be put Þrst so that the con-sumer can recognize that the oil is primarily a passenger carmotor oil but also meets C Category requirements.

2.3.2 Service Categories for Passenger Car Motor Oils

2.3.2.1 SL—2001 Gasoline Engine Warranty Maintenance Service

API Service Category SL was adopted for use in describ-ing engine oils available in 2001. These oils are for use in ser-vice typical of gasoline engines in current and earlierpassenger cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light-dutytrucks operating under vehicle manufacturersÕ recommendedmaintenance procedures.

Engine oils that meet the API Service Category SL desig-nation (see Appendix G) may be used where API Service Cat-egory SJ and earlier S Categories have been recommended.

Engine oils that meet the API Service Category SL desig-nation have been tested in accordance with the ACC Codeand may use the API Base Oil Interchangeability Guidelinesand the API Guidelines for SAE Viscosity-Grade EngineTesting (see Appendices E and F).

Engine oils that meet these requirements may display APIService Category SL in the upper portion of the API ServiceSymbol.

2.3.2.2 SJ—1997 Gasoline Engine Warranty Maintenance Service

API Service Category SJ was adopted for use in describingengine oils available in 1996. These oils are for use in servicetypical of gasoline engines in passenger cars, sport utilityvehicles, vans, and light-duty trucks operating under vehiclemanufacturersÕ recommended maintenance procedures.

Engine oils that meet the API Service Category SJ designa-tion (see Appendix G) may be used where API Service Cate-gory SH and earlier Categories have been recommended.

Engine oils that meet the API Service Category SJ designa-tion have been tested in accordance with the ACC Code andmay use the API Base Oil Interchangeability Guidelines and

the API Guidelines for SAE Viscosity-Grade Engine Testing(see Appendices E and F).

Engine oils that meet these requirements may display APIService Category SJ in the upper portion of the API ServiceSymbol.

2.3.2.3 SH—1994 Gasoline Engine Warranty Maintenance Service

API Service Category SH was adopted in 1992 for use indescribing engine oils available in 1993. These oils are foruse in service typical of gasoline engines in passenger cars,vans, and light-duty trucks operating under vehicle manufac-turersÕ recommended maintenance procedures.

Engine oils developed for this Service Category provideperformance exceeding the minimum requirements for APIService Category SG, which Service Category SH wasintended to replace, in the areas of controlling deposits, oiloxidation, wear, rust, and corrosion and must meet theengine-protection sequence test requirements of DOD CID-A-A-52039A (document obsolete) and ILSAC GF-1. In addi-tion, all viscosity grades designated in DOD CID A-A-52039A (SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, and 15W-40) must meet thebench test requirements described in DOD CID A-A-52039Aand ILSAC GF-1. (SAE 15W-40 does not have a phosphoruslimitation and does not have to meet the GM Þlterability test.)

Engine oils that meet the API Service Category SH desig-nation (see Appendix G) have been tested in accordance withthe ACC Code, may use the API Base Oil InterchangeabilityGuidelines and the API Guidelines for SAE Viscosity-GradeEngine Testing (see Appendices E and F), and may be usedwhere API Service Category SG and earlier S Categorieshave been recommended.

Engine oils that meet these requirements may not displayAPI Service Category SH in the upper portion of the API Ser-vice Symbol unless SH is preceded by a C Category.

2.3.2.4 Energy Conserving Oil Classification for Gasoline-Powered Passenger Cars, Sport Utility Vehicles, Vans, and Light-Duty Trucks

2.3.2.4.1 General

The Energy Conserving oil classiÞcation for gasoline-pow-ered passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light-duty trucks is a supplementary classiÞcation for engine oilsthat have energy conserving properties and is displayedÑwhen usedÑin the lower portion of the API Service Symbol.The performance requirements for this supplementary classi-Þcation are described technically in SAE J1423 and ASTM D4485 (latest version). Testing for conformance to these Cate-gories must be in accordance with the ACC Code. The APIBase Oil Interchangeability Guidelines and the API Guide-lines for SAE Viscosity-Grade Engine Testing (see Appendi-ces E and F) may be used.



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2.3.2.4.2 Energy Conserving in Conjunction with API Service Category SL

API Service Category SL engine oils categorized asEnergy Conserving are formulated to improve the fuel econ-omy of passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, andlight-duty trucks powered by gasoline engines. These oilshave produced a fuel economy improvement (FEI) both atthe start and end of the Sequence VIB test at the percentageslisted in Table 1, when compared with the standard refer-ence oil (ASTM Reference Oil BC) used in the SequenceVIB test.

Oils that meet the Sequence VIB requirement and areproperly licensed may display ÒEnergy ConservingÓ in thelower portion of the API Service Symbol in conjunctionwith API Service Category SL in the upper portion. The fueleconomy obtained by individual vehicle operators usingengine oils labeled Energy Conserving may differ becauseof many factors, including the type of vehicle and engine,engine manufacturing variables, the mechanical conditionand maintenance of the engine, oil that has been previouslyused, operating conditions, and driving habits.

2.3.2.4.3 Energy Conserving in Conjunction with API Service Category SJ

API Service Category SJ engine oils that also carry theclassiÞcation Energy Conserving are formulated to improvethe fuel economy of passenger cars, sport utility vehicles,vans, and light-duty trucks powered by gasoline engines.These oils have produced a fuel economy improvement whencompared with the standard reference oil (ASTM ReferenceOil BC) used in the Sequence VIA and VIB tests. EnergyConserving may be deÞned by meeting the primary perfor-mance criteria in either the Sequence VIA (Table 2) or theSequence VIB (Table 3) tests.

Oils that meet either of these requirements and are prop-erly licensed may display ÒEnergy ConservingÓ in the lowerportion of the API Service Symbol in conjunction with APIService Category SJ in the upper portion. The fuel economyobtained by individual vehicle operators using engine oilslabeled Energy Conserving may differ because of many fac-tors, including the type of vehicle and engine, engine manu-facturing variables, the mechanical condition andmaintenance of the engine, oil that has been previouslyused, operating conditions, and driving habits.

2.3.2.4.4 Energy Conserving in Conjunction with API Service Category SH

Energy Conserving claims are not permitted with API Ser-vice Category SH.

2.3.3 Service Categories for Diesel Engine Oils

2.3.3.1 CI-4—For 2004 Severe-Duty Diesel Engine Service

API Service Category CI-4 describes oils for use in high-speed, four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2004exhaust emission standards implemented in 2002. These oilsare intended for use in all applications with diesel fuels rang-ing in sulfur content up to 0.5% weight.

These oils are speciÞcally formulated to sustain enginedurability where Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) is used andthe impact of these oils on other supplemental exhaust emis-sion devices has not been determined. Optimum protection isprovided against corrosive and soot-related wear tendencies,piston deposits, degradation of low- and high-temperature vis-cometric properties due to soot accumulation, oxidative thick-ening, loss of oil consumption control, foaming, degradationof seal materials, and viscosity loss due to shear.

Table 1ÑSequence VIB Primary Performance Criteria with API Service Category SL

Viscosity GradeFEI 1 relative to BC, min

FEI 2 relative to BC, min

Sum of FEI 1 + FEI 2, min

0W-20 and 5W-20 2.0% 1.7% Ñ

0W-30 and 5W-30 1.6% 1.3% 3.0%

10W-30 and all other viscosity grades not listed above

0.9% 0.6% 1.6%

Table 2ÑSequence VIA Primary Performance Criteria with API Service Category SJ

SAE Viscosity Grade FEI relative to BC, min

0W-20 and 5W-20 1.4%

Other 0W- and 5W- multigrades 1.1%

All 10W- multigrades 0.5%

All others 0.5%

Table 3ÑSequence VIB Primary Performance Criteria with API Service Category SJ

SAE Viscosity Grade FEI 1 relative to BC, min

0W-20 and 5W-20 1.7%

Other 0W- and 5W- multigrades 1.3%

All 10W- multigrades 0.6%

All others 0.6%



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2-4 API 1509

Engine oils that meet the API Service Category CI-4 desig-nation have been tested in accordance with the ACC Codeand may use the API Base Oil Interchangeability Guidelinesand the API Guidelines for SAE Viscosity-Grade EngineTesting.

API CI-4 oils are superior in performance to those meetingAPI CH-4, CG-4, and CF-4 and may be used in engines call-ing for those API Service Categories.

The Þrst license date for API CI-4 will be September 5,2002.

Effective January 15, 2002, marketers may license prod-ucts meeting API CI-4 requirements as API CH-4, CG-4, andCF-4.

2.3.3.2 CH-4—For 1998 Severe-Duty Diesel Engine Service

API Service Category CH-4 describes oils for use in high-speed, four-stroke diesel engines designed to meet 1998exhaust emissions standards as well as for previous modelyears. CH-4 oils are speciÞcally compounded for use withdiesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 0.5% weight.

These oils are especially effective to sustain engine dura-bility even under adverse applications that may stress wearcontrol, high temperature stability, and soot handling proper-ties. In addition, optimum protection is provided against non-ferrous corrosion, oxidative and insoluble thickening, foam-ing, and viscosity loss due to shear.

These oils also have the performance capability to afford amore ßexible approach to oil drain intervals in accordancewith the recommendations of the individual engine buildersfor their speciÞc engines.

Engine oils that meet the API Service Category CH-4 des-ignation have been tested in accordance with the ACC Codeand may use the API Base Oil Interchangeability Guidelinesand the API Guidelines for SAE Viscosity-Grade EngineTesting (see Appendices E and F).

CH-4 oils are superior in performance to those meetingAPI CF-4 and API CG-4 and can effectively lubricate enginescalling for those API Service Categories.

2.3.3.3 CG-4—For Severe-Duty Diesel Engine Service

API Service Category CG-4 describes oils for use in high-speed, four-stroke cycle diesel engines used in highway andoff-road applications where the fuel sulfur content may varyfrom less than 0.05% wt. up to 0.5% wt. CG-4 oils provideeffective control over high temperature piston deposits, wear,corrosion, foaming, oxidation, and soot accumulation. Theseoils are especially effective in engines designed to meet 1994exhaust emission standards and may also be used in enginesrequiring API Service Category CD, CE or CF-4. Oils desig-nated for API Service Category CG-4 have been in existencesince 1995. Engine oils that meet the API Service Category

CG-4 designation have been tested in accordance with theACC Code and may use the API Base Oil InterchangeabilityGuidelines and the API Guidelines for SAE Viscosity-GradeEngine Testing (see Appendices E and F).

2.3.3.4 CF—For Off-Road Indirect-Injected Diesel Engine Service

API Service Category CF denotes service typical of off-road indirect-injected diesel engines and other diesel enginesthat use a broad range of fuel types including those usingfuel with higher sulfur content, for example over 0.5% wt.Effective control of piston deposits, wear, and corrosion ofcopper-containing bearings is essential for these engines,which may be naturally-aspirated, turbocharged, or super-charged. Oils designated for this service have been in exist-ence since 1994. Oils designated for this service may also beused when API Service Category CD is recommended.Engine oils that meet the API Service Category CF designa-tion have been tested in accordance with the ACC Code andmay use the API Base Oil Interchangeability Guidelines andthe API Guidelines for SAE Viscosity-Grade Engine Testing(see Appendices E and F).

2.3.3.5 CF-2—For Two-Stroke Cycle Diesel Engine Service

API Service Category CF-2 denotes service typical of two-stroke cycle engines requiring highly effective control overcylinder and ring-face scufÞng and deposits. Oils designatedfor this service have been in existence since 1994 and mayalso be used when API Service Category CD-II is recom-mended. These oils do not necessarily meet the requirementsof CF or CF-4 unless the oils have speciÞcally met the perfor-mance requirements of these Service Categories.

Engine oils evaluated in the two-stroke cycle DD 6V92TA engine test since January 1, 1992, may be consideredfor this Service Category provided the tests were con-ducted in accordance with the test procedure as publishedin ASTM Research Report RR:D02-1319 or as revised bythe ASTM Test Monitoring Center. All testing conductedsince January 1, 1994, must be done in accordance with themost current test procedures. Engine oils that meet the APIService Category CF-2 designation have been tested inaccordance with the ACC Code and may use the API BaseOil Interchangeability Guidelines and the API Guidelinesfor SAE Viscosity-Grade Engine Testing (see AppendicesE and F).

2.3.3.6 CF-4—For Diesel Engine Service

API Service Category CF-4 describes oils for use in high-speed, four-stroke cycle diesel engines. CF-4 oils exceed therequirements of Service Category CE, are designed to replace



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CE oils, and provide improved control of oil consumptionand piston deposits. CF-4 oils may be used in place of CCand CD oils. They are particularly suited for on-highway,heavy-duty truck applications. Oils designated for this servicehave been in existence since 1990.

2.4 SAE VISCOSITY GRADES ELIGIBLE FOR USE WITH API MARKS

The SAE viscosity grades eligible for use with the APIMarks are speciÞed in Table 4. Refer to SAE J300 for themost current SAE Viscosity ClassiÞcation requirements.

Table 4ÑSAE Viscosity Grades Eligible for Use of API Marks

Low-Temperature

Viscosity Grade

High-Temperature Viscosity Grade

Ñ 20 30 40 50 60

Ñ Y Y Y Y Y

0W XY XY XY XY XY XY



15W Y Y Y Y Y Y

20W Y Y Y Y Y Y

25W Y NA Y Y Y Y

Note: X = eligible for the API CertiÞcation Mark, provided the oil meets all license requirements outlined in this publication for the API CertiÞcation Mark; Y = eligible for the API Service Symbol, provided the oil meets all license requirements outlined in this publi-cation for the API Service Symbol; NA = not applicable.



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3-1

Section 3—License System for API Marks

3.1 GENERAL

3.1.1

The API EOLCS is a voluntary licensing and certiÞ-cation program designed to deÞne, certify, and monitorengine oil performance deemed necessary for satisfactoryequipment life and performance by vehicle and engine manu-facturers. Its purpose is to ensure that engine oils meeting theminimum performance standards of vehicle and engine man-ufacturers are easily identiÞed by consumers.

3.1.2

To use either of the two API Marks, an engine oilmarketer must obtain a license from API. Upon request, APIwill supply information to the marketer that describes report-ing requirements for physical and chemical properties, docu-mentation and veriÞcation of engine and bench testperformance, conformance and enforcement procedures,fees, trace codes, application procedures, and licensingrequirements. The procedures the marketer must follow andthe licensing forms the marketer must complete and submit toAPI to secure the right to use the API Marks are described inthe Application for Licensure (see Appendix H). A marketerdesiring to apply for a license should contact API for the mostrecent version of the Application for Licensure. Licenses arevalid for one year as long as all program requirements con-tinue to be met. Annual renewals are issued when all renewalsteps are completed.

3.2 ROYALTY FEES

3.2.1

Licensees pay API royalty fees to support EOLCS.These fees are reviewed annually. A current fee schedule maybe obtained from the API EOLCS Coordinator.

3.2.2

Licensees pay an annual minimum royalty fee and aroyalty fee for each gallon of API-licensed oil sold after theÞrst million gallons.

3.2.2.1

The minimum royalty fee is charged to all licenseesupon initial licensing and upon annual renewal.

3.2.2.2

New licensees are only assessed the minimum roy-alty fee in their initial year of licensing. The royalty fee basedon a licenseeÕs volume of API-licensed oil sold is charged tothe licensee at time of license renewal. To renew an APIlicense, the licensee must report the volume of all API-licensed oils (packaged and bulk) sold in the prior year. Vol-ume-of-sales Þgures will be held in strict conÞdence by API.

3.3 RESPONSIBILITY OF MARKETERS

3.3.1

Only engine oil marketers may apply for and beawarded a license to display an API Mark. (See the glossary[Appendix I] for a deÞnition of

marketer

.)

3.3.2

As noted in the licensing agreement, the marketer issolely responsible for ensuring that the performance charac-teristics of the oil product displaying an API Mark or Marksmeet all requirements for the Mark or Marks. If multiple Ser-vice Categories are used, the marketer must ensure that the oilmeets the minimum performance requirements for each of theService Categories designated. If, in obtaining a license foruse of an API Mark, a marketer chooses to use either the APIBase Oil Interchangeability Guidelines or API Guidelines forSAE Viscosity-Grade Engine Testing, that marketer is alsoresponsible for correctly applying those guidelines. The mostrecent version of the guidelines and license application formscan be obtained from the API EOLCS Coordinator.

3.4 LICENSING PROCEDURES

3.4.1

A valid API license permits the marketer to use theAPI Marks on its licensed oils and is that marketerÕs warrantythat its licensed oils comply with licensing requirements. Thelicense application requires applicants to certify that licensedoils meet EOLCS requirements and to abide by all therequirements of the program and the licensing agreement.

3.4.2

The license application (see Appendix H) speciÞeswhich certiÞed information is required to qualify for alicense for speciÞc Service Categories and one or both of theAPI Marks. This includes written certiÞcation by the mar-keter that each brand and viscosity grade of the engine oil forwhich licensing is requested meets the most recent version ofprescribed technical criteria as set forth in the followingstandards:

a. ASTM D 4485.

b. SAE J300.

c. SAE J183 for oils not designated Energy Conserving.

d. ILSAC GF-2 (see Appendix Q, item Q.2).

e. ILSAC GF-3 (see Appendix Q, item Q.3).

The API Application for Licensure will speciÞcally noteany additions, deletions, or other modiÞcations to the stan-dards listed above.

3.4.3

The license application includes but is not limited tothe following certiÞcation statements:

a. Any engine tests covered by the ACC Code and in the APIlicensing program must be conducted in accordance with thelatest edition of the ACC Code (see Appendix J).

b. Any Base Oil Interchangeability or Viscosity-GradeEngine Test Guidelines must be applied in accordance withAppendix E or F.



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3-2 API 1509

The license application clearly states that the use of APIBase Oil Interchangeability Guidelines and API Guidelinesfor SAE Viscosity-Grade Engine Testing does not absolve themarketer of the responsibility to meet minimum performancestandards for the licensed oils.

3.4.4

The applicant is required to submit the followinginformation (based on the Þnal engine oil formulation) foreach viscosity grade:

a. Bench test data.

b. Physical and chemical properties.

c. Product traceability code information.

The license application speciÞes that all licensed oils aresubject to monitoring and enforcement procedures, includingaudits.

3.4.5

After the marketer has completed the application pro-cess, paid the fee, and been granted the license, the marketermay display the API Marks on licensed products in accor-dance with Section 4.

3.4.6

API maintains strict conÞdentiality of all proprietarydata provided by license applicants. Information submitted isused only as speciÞed in the license agreement.

3.5 RENEWALS

A license may be renewed annually by mutual agreementof the parties, provided the licensee reports the volume oflicensed product sold the previous year, pays the annual fee,and agrees to comply with any amendments to the licenseagreement and any modiÞcations or additional speciÞcationsof the license requirements.

3.6 SYSTEM MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT

The integrity of the API EOLCS is maintained by means ofa formal monitoring and enforcement program, as deÞned inSection 5.

3.7 PROVISIONAL LICENSE

3.7.1

On rare occasions, a test speciÞed under API licens-ing requirements (API S or C Service Categories or ILSACminimum performance standards) may be declared Òout ofcontrolÓ by ASTM Subcommittee D02.B0. When this occurs,API may grant a provisional license to a license applicant ifthe candidate engine oil meets all API licensing requirementsexcept for the one test that has been declared Òout of control.ÓAPI cannot invoke provisional licensing unless it has receivedappropriate notiÞcation from ASTM.

3.7.2

API will notify all API licensees of the date on whichany test required for an API license is declared Òout of con-trolÓ and the date on which the test is declared Òno longer outof controlÓ by ASTM.

3.7.3

All applications for a provisional API license shallinclude data that support the performance of the candidateengine oil in the test not conducted. These data shall conformto Level 2 Support, as described in the ACC Code (seeAppendix J).

3.7.4

A request for provisional licensing of an oil is madeby completing the relevant sections of Part B of the licenseapplication (see Appendix H).

3.7.5

When the API Guidelines for SAE Viscosity-GradeEngine Testing are used to Òread acrossÓ from a provisionallylicensed engine oil, the licensee must indicate provisional sta-tus on Part B of the license application for that engine oil.

3.7.6

After ASTM has notiÞed API that the test is Ònolonger out of controlÓ and API has forwarded this informationto each licensee holding a provisional license, the licenseeholding the provisional license must obtain a passing resulton that test within 6 months.

3.7.6.1

Upon passing the test, the licensee will request fulllicensing of the oil by completing a revised Part B for the pro-visionally licensed oil. The Part B form requires the licenseeto conÞrm that an oil is fully tested. After receiving therevised Part B, API will respond with a notiÞcation that theoil is fully licensed.

3.7.6.2

If a revised Part B for the provisionally licensed oilis not received by API within 6 months of API notifying theholder of the provisional license that the test is again availablefor testing, API will cancel the provisional license for that oiland notify the licensee that the API S or C Service Categoryin the API Service Symbol and/or the API CertiÞcation Markshall no longer be displayed on the label of that engine oil orany engine oil that was provisionally licensed based on thatengine oil.

3.7.7

Engine oils granted an API provisional license will belisted in APIÕs Directory of Licensees on APIÕs website in thesame manner as API-licensed oils, without any special desig-nation. The licensee is still responsible for the satisfactoryperformance of all engine oils granted an API provisionallicense.

3.7.8

An API provisional license will not be granted forany candidate oil if two or more required tests have notbeen conducted on the candidate engine oil. This criterionalso applies to candidate oils for which the licensee is seek-ing multiple Service Category approval (for example, APICH-4/SJ).

3.7.9

In the event that two or more tests used to support theAPI licensing process are declared Òout of controlÓ by ASTMSubcommittee D02.B0 and API has received appropriatenotiÞcation by ASTM or if any EOLCS test becomes unavail-



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able (because of a shortage of test materials, equipment, orsimilar industry-wide test-related emergency), a joint taskforce will immediately be formed and will be composed of(a) API and automotive representatives from APIÕs Adminis-trative Guidance Panel (AGP) (for the API CertiÞcation Mark

or an API Service Category S test); (b) API and EMA (for anAPI Service Category C test); or (c) API, AGP automotiverepresentatives, and EMA (for multiple Service Categorytests). The joint task force will recommend the appropriateaction to maintain the stability of the API EOLCS.



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4-1

Section 4—Use and Labeling Requirements for API Marks

4.1 API ENGINE OIL QUALITY MARKS

4.1.1

Two types of Marks are licensed by API: the APICertiÞcation Mark ÒStarburstÓ and the API Service SymbolÒDonut.Ó The marketer may display an API Mark, asdescribed in this section, only after obtaining a license to usethe speciÞc API Mark. Under the terms of the License Agree-ment, marketers may use the Marks in a number of ways: forexample, on containers of licensed products (bottles, cans,jugs, kegs, and drums), in advertisements of licensed prod-ucts, and in materials describing licensed products.

4.1.2

API will provide API licensees with Òcamera-readyÓquality images or electronic versions (TIF, EPS, BMP) of theAPI Marks, on request, for use in producing Þnal artwork.

4.1.3

Both the API CertiÞcation Mark and the API ServiceSymbol may be used if the marketer meets all licensingrequirements for both API Marks for that viscosity grade ofengine oil. Note that a difference in viscosity grade, ServiceCategory, or brand name denotes a separate engine oil. TheAPI Marks shall be located and displayed as described in 4.2and 4.3.

4.2 API CERTIFICATION MARK

4.2.1

If the API CertiÞcation Mark is used, it shall beclearly displayed on the front of the container of those engineoils that have been properly licensed by API. Note that thisdoes not prevent the licensed marketer from displaying theAPI CertiÞcation Mark again on the back of the container.

4.2.2

The outside diameter of the API CertiÞcation MarkÒStarburstÓ (measured from the outside tips) shall be at least2.1 centimeters and shall be 1.5 (±0.1) times the inside diam-eter. The background of the outer band (containing the wordsAMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE and CERTIFIED)shall be a color that contrasts with the label background. (Forexample, if the label background is white, the outside bandcould be black, with the words in white.) The background ofthe inner circle shall be a color that contrasts with the outerband. The words AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTEand CERTIFIED in the outer band of the API CertiÞcationMark and the words FOR GASOLINE ENGINES in the cen-ter shall be all capital letters. The relationship of the letter sizeto the allocated space within the API CertiÞcation Mark mustbe consistent for all users of the API CertiÞcation Mark. Alllettering used for words in the API CertiÞcation Mark mustbe identical for all licensees.

4.2.3

API has registered the API CertiÞcation Mark only inthe English language, and it can be displayed only as regis-tered (see Figure 3). However, the purpose of the API CertiÞ-cation Mark is to assist consumers, so API encourageslicensed marketers to translate the words CERTIFIED and

FOR GASOLINE ENGINES into any appropriate languageoutside of the API CertiÞcation Mark. The translation must beliteral and provided to API as part of the licensing agreement.The location of the translations can be anywhere on the frontof the label but not within a mark or symbol of any kind.AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE is also a licensedmark and cannot be translated without permission of API.

4.3 API SERVICE SYMBOL

4.3.1

The API Service Symbol ÒDonutÓ may be locatedanywhere on the outside of the container. The outside diam-eter of the API Service Symbol shall be 1.9 times the insidediameter. The Service Category is located in the upper partof the Donut, the SAE viscosity grade is in the center, andthe optional Energy Conserving notation is in the lowerpart. The API Service Symbol shall be large enough for thelettering to be legible and shall strictly conform to thedesign (including the required information and its place-ment) shown in Figure 4.

Figure 3ÑAPI CertiÞcation Mark

FORFORGASOLINEENGINESA

MERICAN

PETROLEUM

INSTITUTE

CERTIFIE

D

API

SERVICE _/_

, _

EN

ER

GY CONSERVIN

G

SAExxW-yy

Note: Gray type indicates optional information on energy conserving.

Figure 4ÑPlacement of Notations Within the API Service Symbol



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4-2 API 1509

4.3.2

Use of the API Service Symbol is restricted to currentAPI Service Categories (namely, SL, SJ, SH, CF, CF-2, CF-4,CG-4, CH-4, and CI-4 beginning September 5, 2002). Exceptas prohibited in 4.3.3, these may appear alone or in combina-tion with other current Service Categories. The API ServiceCategories must appear in the upper part of the API ServiceSymbol, but such placement does not preclude their use else-where on the container. Use of API Service Categories SA,SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, CA, CB, CC, CD, CD-II, or CEwithin the API Service Symbol is prohibited (see Appendix A).

4.3.3

Use of more than one API S Service Category in theAPI Service Symbol is prohibited. Service Category SH can-not be used in the API Service Symbol unless preceded by CFand/or CF-2 and/or CF-4 and/or CG-4 and/or CH-4 and/orCI-4 beginning September 5, 2002.

If API C Service Category oils are licensed for more thanone current Service Category, these oils may display the Ser-vice Categories in the upper part of the API Service Symbol.Except as speciÞed above, if the engine oil marketer choosesto include API C Service Categories with a current API SCategory, a virgule (/) must be placed between the API S Ser-vice Category and the API C Service Categories, which areseparated by commas. Licensees of Service Category C oilsmay use the C Categories Þrst. Examples of acceptable nota-tions are ÒAPI Service SLÓ; ÒAPI Service SL/CH-4Ó; ÒAPIService SJ/CH-4, CG-4, CF-4Ó; ÒAPI Service CG-4/SHÓ;ÒAPI Service CFÓ; ÒAPI Service CF-2Ó; and ÒAPI Service

CF-4.Ó Figure 5 shows examples of notations for various Ser-vice Categories used within the API Service Symbol.

For an oil that is formulated for diesel engine applicationsand meets both C and S Categories, it is suggested that the CCategory be put Þrst so that the consumer can recognize thatthe oil is primarily a diesel engine oil but also meets S Cate-gory requirements. Conversely, for an oil that is formulatedfor passenger car motor oil applications and meets both S andC Categories, it is suggested that the S Category be put Þrst sothat the consumer can recognize that the oil is primarily a pas-senger car motor oil but also meets C Category requirements.

4.4 PRODUCT TRACEABILITY CODING

4.4.1

For purposes of conformance audits, the marketershall ensure that product traceability codes appear on eachcontainer and that these codes are legible and durable. Eachcontainer shall be coded to permit traceability of samples inthe marketplace by formulation, date of packaging, andsource of manufacture.

4.4.2

The marketer may use whatever coding system isappropriate or convenient. Disclosure of coding systems toAPI is required in the license application (see Appendix H).No change in coding is permitted without prior notiÞcation ofAPI. Coding information provided to API is considered conÞ-dential and will be used only as described in the API licenseagreement.

Figure 5ÑRepresentative Examples of the API Service Symbol

API SERVICE SL

SAE5W-30

EN

ER

GY C ONSERVIN

G

SAE10W-30

EN

ER

GY CONSERVIN

G

SAE15W-40-

API SERVICE CF-2

SAE40

SAE30

SAE20W-50

API

SERVICE CF, CF-2

API S

ERVICE CH-4, CG-4 /SJ

API

SERVICE SL /CF API SERVICE SL



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5-1

Section 5—System Monitoring, Enforcement, and Conformance

5.1 GENERAL

5.1.1

APIÕs Aftermarket Audit Program (AMAP) is a mon-itoring and enforcement program designed to ensure compli-ance with the API EOLCS. The integrity of this voluntarysystem depends on adherence by marketers (licensees) toindustry technical speciÞcations and compliance with theterms of the marketersÕ licensing agreements. Monitoring andenforcement efforts are directed to ensure that licensed oilsmeet industry technical speciÞcations and that the API Marksare properly displayed on containers and convey accurateinformation to consumers about the contents.

5.1.2

An attempt will be made annually to secure samplesof brands and viscosity grades of oils currently licensed byAPI. Each of the oils sampled will be analyzed according to astandard audit (see Appendix K) to determine compliancewith technical speciÞcations (physical, chemical, and benchtests). Of the oils found to meet the technical speciÞcations,some will be randomly chosen for engine testing to determinecompliance with engine performance speciÞcations (seeAppendix L).

5.1.3

Physical and chemical audit data are compared withthe information submitted through the API licensing process.Test results must meet the physical and chemical tolerancesdescribed in Appendix K. Engine test results are evaluatedusing speciÞed methodology (see Appendix M) to determinewhether an oil meets minimum performance standards.

5.1.4

Engine oils will be chosen for engine test auditsbased on a randomly generated list of API licensees, weightedby volume (see Appendix L).

5.1.5

API will contract with independent organizations tocollect samples from the Þeld and conduct all physical andchemical analyses, bench tests, and engine tests.

5.1.6

Data obtained through the Aftermarket Audit Pro-gram are considered conÞdential, are available only to theappropriate API staff and the licensee, and are used only forthe purposes stated in the inquiry. SpeciÞc data derived fromthe Aftermarket Audit Program will not be used for any rea-son other than the monitoring process without written permis-sion from the licensee. When summary data are issued byAPI, they will not be company speciÞc.

5.2 VIOLATIONS

5.2.1 General

Violations of the EOLCS are divided into two categories:(a) noncompliance with technical speciÞcations and (b)improper use of the API Marks.

5.2.1.1 Noncompliance with Technical Specifications

If an API-licensed oil does not meet technical speciÞca-tions, API will attempt to work directly with the marketer toevaluate the nonconformity and take additional correctiveaction as appropriate on a voluntary basis. In the event thatthe matter cannot be satisfactorily resolved, API will take orinitiate the actions listed below, singly or in combination, tomaintain the credibility of the API Mark and protect the con-sumer. Enforcement action will be related to the severity ofthe alleged offense, the period of time that the violating prod-uct has been in the marketplace, the efforts made by the mar-keter to correct the violation, and the possible harmful impacton the consumer. These actions include the following:

a. Temporary suspension of the authority of the licensee touse the API Mark on a product until corrective action hasbeen taken.

b. Termination of the authority of the licensee to use the APIMark on an individual product.

c. Termination of the authority of the licensee to use the APIMark on all API-licensed products marketed by the licensee.

d. Requirement for the licensee to remove noncomplyingproducts that display API Marks from the marketplace.

Note: All monitoring and enforcement actions must be resolved toAPIÕs satisfaction before an existing license will be renewed or anew license issued.

5.2.1.2 Improper Use of API Marks

If licensed or unlicensed oils display an improper label orunauthorized labeling data, API will require the marketer tocease and desist from committing the violation and willrequest veriÞcation that the violation has been corrected.

5.2.2 Verification of Compliance with API Enforcement Action

API will take steps to verify that required corrective actionhas been executed. Actions requested to verify compliancewill depend on the seriousness of the violation. The cost ofthese veriÞcation procedures will be borne by the marketer, asspeciÞed in the license agreement. VeriÞcation proceduresinclude the following:

a. Submission of copies of labels. The marketer will berequired to provide a copy of all labels reßecting the correc-tion of the API Mark violation.

b. Attestations. The marketer will be required to furnish anafÞdavit from a third party (a law Þrm or an accounting Þrm)that the speciÞed remedial action has been completed.



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5-2 API 1509

c. Retesting. The marketer will agree to undertake anyagreed-upon retesting.d. Other evidence of compliance. API can make other rea-sonable requests to verify compliance.

5.2.3 Appeals

When API suspends or revokes a license, the former lic-ensee may appeal the decision. Appeals must be submittedin writing to the General Manager, Downstream Segment.

The appeal shall include a statement of the basis for theobjection. The appeal must be Þled with API within 45days of the date of notiÞcation of the suspension or revoca-tion of the license. The API General Manager shall investi-gate the objections raised and respond to them in writingwithin 45 days of receipt. If the objections cannot beresolved by the General Manager, a hearing by a designatedappeals board shall be convened in accordance with APIPolicy 104.



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6-1

Section 6—Referenced Publications

The following standards and speciÞcations are cited inthis publication. In each case, the most recent version isapplicable.

ACC

American Chemistry Council Petroleum Additives PanelProduct Approval Code of Practice

ASTM

D 92

Standard Test Method for Flash and FirePoints by Cleveland Open Cup

D 93

Standard Test Methods for Flash Point byPensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester

D 445

Standard Test Method for Kinematic Vis-cosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids(and the Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)

D 892

Standard Test Method for Foaming Char-acteristics of Lubricating Oils

D1552

Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petro-leum Products (High-TemperatureMethod)

D 2007

Standard Test Method for CharacteristicGroups in Rubber Extender and Process-ing Oils and Other Petroleum Derived Oilsby the Clay-Gel Absorption Chromato-graphic Method

D 2270

Standard Practice for Calculating Viscos-ity Index From Kinematic Viscosity at 40and 100

¡

C

D 2622

Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petro-leum Products by Wavelength DispersiveX-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

D 2887

Standard Test Method for Boiling RangeDistribution of Petroleum Fractions by GasChromatography

D 3120

Standard Test Method for Trace Quantitiesof Sulfur in Light Liquid Petroleum Hydro-carbons by Oxidative Microcoulometry

D 3244

Standard Practice for Utilization of TestData to Determine Conformance withSpecifications

D 4057

Standard Practice for Manual Sampling ofPetroleum and Petroleum Products

D 4294

Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleumand Petroleum Products by Energy-Disper-sive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy

D 4485

Standard Specification for Performance ofEngine Oils

D 4628

Standard Test Method for Analysis of Bar-ium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc inUnused Lubricating Oils by AtomicAbsorption Spectrometry

D 4629

Standard Test Method for Trace Nitrogenin Liquid Petroleum Hydrocarbons bySyringe/Inlet Oxidative Combustion andChemiluminescence Detection

D 4683

Standard Test Method for Measuring Vis-cosity at High Shear Rate and HighTemperature by Tapered BearingSimulator

D 4684

Standard Test Method for Determination ofYield Stress and Apparent Viscosity ofEngine Oils at Low Temperature

D 4741

Standard Test Method for Measuring Vis-cosity at High Temperature and HighShear Rate by Tapered-Plug Viscometer

D 4927

Standard Test Method for Elemental Analy-sis of Lubricant and Additive Components,Barium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Sulfur, andZinc, by Wavelength-Dispersive X-Ray Flu-orescence Spectroscopy

D 4951

Standard Test Method for Determination ofAdditive Elements in Lubricating Oils byInductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emis-sion Spectrometry

D 5119

Standard Test Method for Evaluation ofAutomotive Engine Oils in CRC L-38Spark Ignition Engine

D 5133

Standard Test Method for Low Tempera-ture, Low Shear Rate, Viscosity/Temperature Dependence of LubricatingOils Using a Temperature-ScanningTechnique

D 5185

Standard Test Method for Determination ofAdditive Elements, Wear Metals, and Con-taminants in Used Lubricating Oils andDetermination of Selected Elements inBase Oils by Inductively Coupled PlasmaAtomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES)

D 5293

Standard Test Method for Apparent Viscos-ity of Engine Oils Between –5 and –30˚CUsing the Cold-Cranking Simulator

D 5302

Standard Test Method for Evaluation ofAutomotive Engine Oils for Inhibition ofDeposit Formation and Wear in a Spark-Ignition Internal Combustion Engine



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6-2 API 1509

Fueled with Gasoline and Operated UnderLow-Temperature Light-Duty Conditions

D 5480

Standard Test Method for Motor Oil Vola-tility by Gas Chromatography

D 5481

Standard Test Method for MeasuringApparent Viscosity at High-Temperatureand High-Shear Rate by Multicell Capil-lary Viscometer

D 5533

Standard Test Method for Evaluation ofAutomotive Engine Oils in the SequenceIIIE Spark Ignition Engine

D 5800

Standard Test Method for EvaporationLoss of Lubricating Oils by the NOACKMethod

D 5844

Standard Test Method for Evaluation ofAutomotive Engine Oils for Inhibition ofRusting (Sequence IID)

D 5862

Standard Test Method for Evaluation ofEngine Oils in Two-Stroke Cycle Turbo-Supercharged 6V92TA Diesel Engine

D 6082

Standard Test Method for High Tempera-ture Foaming Characteristics ofLubricating Oils

D 6202

Standard Test Method for AutomotiveEngine Oils on the Fuel Economy of Pas-senger Cars and Light-Duty Trucks in theSequence VIA Spark Ignition Engine

D 6335

Standard Test Method for Determination ofHigh Temperature Deposits by Thermo-Oxidation Engine Oil Simulation Test

D 6417

Standard Test Method for Estimation ofEngine Oil Volatility by Capillary GasChromatography

D 6557

Standard Test Method For Evaluation ofRust Preventative Characteristics of Auto-motive Engine Oils

D 6593

Standard Test Method for Evaluation ofAutomotive Engine Oils for Inhibition ofDeposit Formation in a Spark-IgnitionInternal Combustion Engine Fueled withGasoline and Operated Under Low-Tem-perature Light-Duty Conditions

RR:D02:1204

Fuel Efficient Engine Oil DynamometerTest Development Activities, Part II(Sequence VI Test)

RR:D02:1649

Sequence VIB

RR:D02:1473

Sequence IVA

RR:D02:1491

Sequence IIIF

Under Development by ASTM D02.B TEOST MHT-4

Under Development by ASTM D02.06 EOFT

Under Development by ASTM D02.06 EOWTT

CEC

8

L-36-A-90

High Temperature/High Shear Viscosity

L-40-A-93

Evaporative Loss of Lubricating Oils

DODCID A-A-52039A

Lubricating Oil, Automotive Engine,API Service SG

MIL-L-2104

Lubricating Oil, Internal CombustionEngine, Tactical Service

GM9099P

Engine Oil Filterability Test (EOFT)

9099P

Engine Oil Filterability Test (EOFT)(Modified), May 1980

GSA

Federal Test Method 791B, Method 3470,Homogeneity and Miscibility

ILSACGF-1

Minimum Performance Standard for Pas-senger Car Engine Oils

GF-2


GF-3


JPI5S-41-93

Evaporative Loss

SAEJ183

Engine Oil Performance and Engine Ser-vice Classification (Other Than “Energy-Conserving”)

J300

Engine Oil Viscosity Classification

J357

Physical and Chemical Properties ofEngine Oils

J1423

Classification of Energy-ConservingEngine Oil for Passenger Cars, Vans, andLight-Duty Trucks

8

Conseil Europeen de Coordination pour les D�velopments desEssais de Performance des LubriÞants et des Combustibles pourMoteurs (Coordinating European Council). CEC publications areavailable in the United States through SAE.



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A-1

APPENDIX A—EVOLUTION OF ENGINE OIL CLASSIFICATIONS

In 1911, SAE developed a system that classified engineoils by viscosity. This engine oil classification systemremained in place until 1947, when API designated threetypes of engine oils: regular, premium, and heavy duty. Gen-erally, the regular oils were straight mineral oils, the premiumoils contained oxidation inhibitors, and the heavy-duty oilscontained both oxidation inhibitors and detergent-dispersantadditives.

Recognizing the inadequacy of this designation system, in1952 API’s Lubricants Committee, in cooperation withASTM, developed the Engine Service Classification System(ESCS). API and ASTM revised ESCS in 1955 and again in1960. ESCS separated gasoline and diesel engine perfor-mance with Service Categories ML, MM, and MS and DG,DM, and DS, respectively.

In 1969 and 1970, API, ASTM, and SAE established anentirely new classification system that would satisfy thechanging warranty, maintenance, and lubrication require-ments of the automotive industry. SAE initially determinedthat there were eight separate Service Categories of passengercar motor oils of current substantial commercial interest to beconsidered. ASTM established the test methods and perfor-mance characteristics and technically described each of theService Categories. API prepared a user language, including

new letter designations for each of the eight Service Catego-ries. These eight engine Service Categories were tied to theASTM technical description and primary performance crite-ria. SAE then published results of the entire project and themethodology as SAE J183.

Over the years, API, ASTM, and SAE have establishednew Service Categories and declared old Service Categoriestechnically obsolete: The three organizations declared Gaso-line Engine Service Category SA technically obsolete; Ser-vice Categories SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, and SG becametechnically obsolete when test methods were no longer avail-able to verify performance; and Diesel Engine Service Cate-gories CA, CB, CC, CD, CD-II, and CE also becametechnically obsolete when test methods were no longer avail-able to verify performance. Table A-1 lists all technicallyobsolete Service Categories.

In 1992 and 1993, API, ASTM, and U.S. and Japaneseautomotive manufacturers introduced improvements in thelicensing process for engine oils to ensure the quality of prod-ucts being marketed and to enhance consumer awareness ofthe recommended lubricants for new vehicles. This improvedprocess is known today as the API Engine Oil Licensing andCertification System (EOLCS).

Table A-1—Summary of Obsolete Service Categories and Related Military and Industrial Designations

Technically Obsolete API Service Categories

Previous API Service Categories Related Military and Industrial Designations

Automotive Gasoline Engines (Passenger Car Motor Oils)

SA ML Straight mineral oil

SB MM Inhibited oil, minimum duty

SC MS (1964) 1964 MS warranty approved, M2C101-A

SD MS (1968) 1968 MS warranty approved, M2C101-B, 6041-M (before July 1970)

SE None 1972 warranty approved, M2C101-C, 6136-M (previously 6041-M Rev.), MIL-L-46152A

SF None 1980 warranty approved, M2C153-D, MIL-L-46152B/C, 6048-M, 6049-M

SG None 1989 warranty approved, MIL-L-46152D

Commercial Diesel Engines (Diesel Engine Oils)

CA DG MIL-L-2104A

CB DM Supplement 1

CC DM MIL-L-2104B, MIL-L-46152B

CD DS MIL-L-45199B, Series 3, MIL-L-2104C/D/E

CD-II None MIL-L-2104D/E

CE None None



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B-1

APPENDIX B—INTERINDUSTRY ADVISORY GROUP TO THE API/AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS ADMINISTRATIVE

GUIDANCE PANEL ON THE API EOLCS

B.1 Scope

The Interindustry Advisory Group (IAG) will provide rec-ommendations to the API/Automotive Manufacturers Admin-istrative Guidance Panel (AGP) on proposed modiÞcations tothe API EOLCS.

B.2 Function

The group will review, evaluate, and make recommenda-tions on EOLCS matters, including tolerance limits, theAftermarket Audit Program, the ACC Code, and any otherissues relevant to the licensing program.

B.3 Organization

Each of the following organizations will be invited to pro-vide one representative to the group: ACC, API, ASTM,Automotive Manufacturers, EMA, ILMA, JAMA, PAJ

9

,SAE, and the U.S. Army. Representatives from other organi-zations may be added to the group as deemed necessary bythe AGP. A group member serves at the discretion of thesponsoring organization and is charged with addressingimprovements and concerns from his or her organizationÕsperspective. Therefore, there will be no Þxed term of mem-bership for the group members.

B.4 Officers

The chair of the IAG is the API representative. The chaircalls the meetings, sets the agenda, and presides.

The vice chair of the IAG is rotated annually between anAutomotive Manufacturer and an EMA representative. Thevice chair assists the chair and presides when the chair isabsent.

The secretary of the IAG is the API EOLCS Coordinator.The secretary assists the chair, arranges meetings, drafts min-utes, and handles the groupÕs correspondence.

B.5 Meetings

The intent is to meet at the call of the chair, not to exceedtwo meetings per year. Where possible, group meetings willbe held in conjunction with other scheduled meetings that arewidely attended by industry. Meetings will be held in accor-dance with API policy.

B.6 Decision Making

The chair will attempt to achieve group consensus onissues before a formal vote. Lacking consensus, standard vot-ing procedures will be followed, with a simple majority ofvoting members present at the meeting required to carry anymotion. Each organization will have a single ballot in eachformal vote. The chair will allow dissenting voters to presenttheir views when forwarding the outcome of votes.

9

Petroleum Association of Japan, Keidanren Bldg., 9-4 1-chome,Ohtemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004.



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C-1

APPENDIX C—DEVELOPING NEW MINIMUM OIL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR API MARKS

C.1 General

Successful changes in minimum performance standardsrely on close coordination among all affected parties. Techni-cal societies, trade associations, oil and additive marketers,vehicle and engine manufacturers, and consumers may per-form different roles to deÞne the need, develop the test meth-ods, and establish oil performance limits. The process usedfor adding new API S Service Categories and new perfor-mance standards for the API CertiÞcation Mark differs fromthat used for API C Service Categories. The procedures spec-iÞed in C.2 are required.

C.2 API S Service Categories and the API Certification Mark

A new deÞnition of oil performance can be requested byany individual, company, or association, including ILSAC,API, EMA, ILMA, ACC, any individual marketer, additivesupplier, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM), theU.S. Army, or a consumer. Any request for a new deÞnitionshall be forwarded to the Chairperson of the SAE Fuels &Lubricants Division.

The Fuels & Lubricants Division will establish a task forceconsisting of three ILSAC members (users), three SAE mem-bers (oil and additive producers), and a nonvoting liaisonmember from ASTM, from API, and from other appropriatetechnical societies and trade associations to review and makea recommendation on the need for any new oil standard forautomotive spark-ignition engines or other appropriate light-duty engines.

This task force shall consider whether the request is consis-tent with the overall objectives, which include considerationof a broad user need, technical requirements, and discourage-ment of the use of obsolete Service Categories.

The SAE task force shall review data supplied by OEMs,API, ASTM, the U.S. Army, and others regarding currentproblems or anticipated future needs. The task force shall rec-ommend acceptance or rejection of the request, and the rec-ommendation shall be forwarded to API, ASTM, and ILSAC.The task force shall consider the following guidelines in theirdeliberations:

a. Criteria for justifying establishment of a new Service Cat-egory include the following:

1. A reasonable existing or potential user or consumerneed for a lubricant of the proposed Service Category.

2. A service, equipment design, or some other require-ment not covered by existing Service Categories.

3. A signiÞcant difference in performance capability(either increased or decreased) of newly developed lubri-cants compared with that of previously available products.

b. Revisions may be necessary in consumer language ofexisting Service Categories to accommodate changes in man-ufacturer recommendations and obsolescence. Changes suchas updating existing techniques may be desirable, providedthey do not result in signiÞcant performance differences.

c. Revised or new Service Categories must be describable bysuitable tests.

If the SAE task force agrees that a need exists to create anew minimum oil performance standard and if an appropriatetest method is available (from, for example, ASTM orILSAC) that meets the performance evaluation objectives,ASTM will be asked (in the case of engine tests) to recom-mend pass/fail performance limits for the test through theASTM D02.B0.01 Passenger Car Engine Oil ClassiÞcationPanel.

If an appropriate test method is not available, a new testmethod must be developed. Test procedures may be devel-oped or modiÞed by ASTM, CEC, other technical societies ortrade associations, an OEM, or a third-party contractor. Whenpossible, the test should be correlated with Þeld data.

Once a test shows appropriate discrimination of oil perfor-mance, round-robin testing is conducted to determine testprecision. The appropriate sponsoring society coordinates theround-robin testing: for example, if an engine test is beingdeveloped by ASTM, it is ASTMÕs responsibility to have afunctioning surveillance panel in place to coordinate activi-ties and analyze test data. With respect to bench tests, ASTMmust provide a system for referencing and/or calibrating thatbench test if a surveillance panel does not exist.

In the case of engine tests, the ASTM surveillance panelreviews the discrimination and precision data and passes thisinformation on to the ASTM D02.B0.01 Passenger CarEngine Oil ClassiÞcation Panel. The Oil ClassiÞcation Panelreviews the data and determines whether the scope and objec-tives are met. With concurrence by ballot of ASTM D02.B0on Automotive Lubricants, ASTM establishes the appropriatetest method and pass/fail performance criteria.

The SAE Fuels & Lubricants Division shall conduct a bal-lot to determine whether the tests and criteria developed byASTM satisfy the need expressed by SAE. An afÞrmativeballot will result in the establishment of a new minimum oilperformance standard. API shall appoint a separate task forceto develop the consumer language and recommend to API thedesignation for oils that meet the requirements of the newstandard. The new standard will become the basis for both the



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C-2 API 1509

API Service Symbol and, if ILSAC concurs, the correspond-ing API CertiÞcation Mark in the API EOLCS. The API taskforce should include at least one representative each fromSAE, ILSAC, and ASTM to reßect the viewpoint of eachorganization.

If ILSAC does not concur with the timetable, tests, or crite-ria developed through the consensus process described above,ILSAC may choose to develop a separate minimum perfor-mance standard.

Note: API, SAE, EMA, ASTM, and the U.S. Army have similaroptions for issuing a new standard including issuing a new militaryspeciÞcation or CID.

In so doing, ILSAC shall present its proposal and providean opportunity for outside input. This input may be obtainedvia ASTM symposia and committees, SAE technical sessionsand forums, API forums, the U.S. Army, ILSAC, and profes-sional societies active within the lubricant industry (e.g.,Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers [STLE]and American Society of Mechanical Engineers [ASME]).

If ILSAC wishes to proceed after receipt of outside input,the proposed new minimum performance standard shall bepublished for industry-wide circulation. Comments shall be

requested from API, ASTM, SAE, and other interested par-ties. All written comments shall be reviewed (including legalreview) and if the decision is to proceed with separate testsand/or criteria in the new minimum performance standard,ILSAC shall document and publish its responses and justiÞ-cation for a new minimum performance standard. After publi-cation, ILSAC shall provide a Þnal period of 30 days toreceive, consider, and act on any request for reconsiderationfrom anyone affected by the new standard. Before any newminimum performance standard becomes the basis for theAPI EOLCS, at least a single reference oil shall be identiÞedthat meets all physical, chemical, and bench and engine test-ing requirements speciÞed in the standard. The reference oilshall be tested in accordance with the ACC Code. The newILSAC minimum performance standard will become thebasis for the appropriate API CertiÞcation Mark in the APIEOLCS.

C.3 API C Service Categories

The process for developing API C Service Categories isexplained in Appendix D.



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D-1

APPENDIX D—DEVELOPING NEW DIESEL OIL PERFORMANCE STANDARDSFOR API C SERVICE CATEGORIES

D.1 General

One of the objectives of API's voluntary Engine OilLicensing and CertiÞcation System (EOLCS) is to help con-sumers identify lubricants that meet the needs of their vehi-cles. This is accomplished through the use of categorydesignations within the API Service Symbol. These catego-ries are based on engine oil performance speciÞcations thatrequire close coordination and consensus among the affectedparties. Technical societies, trade associations, lubricant andadditive marketers, vehicle and engine manufacturers, inde-pendent testing laboratories, and consumers play essentialroles in deÞning and developing new minimum lubricant per-formance standards. This appendix outlines the roles andresponsibilities of each organization in the heavy-duty dieseloil speciÞcation development process for API licensing.

API is responsible for licensing engine oil marketersagainst and enforcement of lubricant performance standardsadopted for use in EOLCS. The API Lubricants Committeemust grant Þnal approval to any new category and recom-mend its inclusion in EOLCS.

D.2 API C Service Categories forDiesel Oils

The C Service Category Development Process for dieseloils is designed to accomplish the following:

a. Justify and validate the need for a new category.b. Achieve stakeholder consensus early in the process.c. Establish funding sources for all necessary categorycomponents.d. Optimize the process for developing and approving newcategories.

A new C category is developed in three phases, as summa-rized in Figure D-1.

D.3 Category Development Phases

D.3.1 PHASE 1: CATEGORY REQUEST/EVALUATION

D.3.1.1 Sponsor

A new deÞnition of oil performance that may eventuallyresult in a new category can be requested by any individual,company, or association (see Figure D-2). This party isreferred to as the sponsor of the request.

D.3.1.2 Evaluation Process

The purpose of the evaluation process is to determinewhether there is a need for the proposed category. To invoke

the evaluation process, a sponsor must submit a new categoryrequest to the Chairpersons of the Joint API/EMA DieselEngine Oil Advisory Panel (DEOAP).

The DEOAP is a formally constituted committee com-posed of representatives from API and EMA member compa-nies who deal with heavy-duty lubricant matters affecting thetwo trade associations. The DEOAP will guide and facilitatethe introduction of proposed heavy-duty performance catego-ries. In addition to DEOAP members, liaison representativesfrom allied organizationsÑfor example, ACC, SAE, ASTM,ILMA, and the U.S. ArmyÑmay also participate.

The Chairpersons of the DEOAP will acknowledge thereceipt of the new category request and will work with the cat-egory sponsor to furnish the DEOAP with the informationnecessary to make a decision. The DEOAP has 6 months fromthe date that all the requested information has been presentedto make a decision to either accept or reject the request for anew category. If no decision on the request is made within 6months, it is automatically forwarded to the API LubricantsCommittee for its membersÕ information and disposition.

The sponsor must provide adequate data and justiÞcationfor the proposed category. The request must demonstrate aneed for signiÞcant oil performance changes to meet require-ments not met by existing categories. JustiÞcation shouldinclude, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:

a. Likely or impending government regulations.b. Consumer-driven needs.c. New hardware design or service requirements.

D.3.1.3 New Category Evaluation Team (NCET)

The Chairpersons of the DEOAP will ask API, EMA, andACC to appoint representatives to serve on an ad hoc reviewteam that will formally evaluate each request for a new cate-goryÑa New Category Evaluation Team (NCET).

NCET membership will be limited to the minimum num-ber needed to accomplish the work while remaining consis-tent with full technical representation. This number may varydepending on the requested category. API, EMA, and ACCmay each have up to three representatives on the NCET. Atthe Þrst meeting the NCET will develop working rules, electa chairperson, decide who to invite as liaison representatives,and request a meeting with the sponsor. The API, EMA, andACC representatives are equal participants and decision mak-ing by consensus will be strongly encouraged. However, ifthat is not possible, decision making will be assumed by APIand EMA representatives through majority vote. In the caseof a tie vote, the request will be addressed by the DEOAP. AllNCET meetings will be open to API, EMA, and ACC mem-ber company representatives and others.



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D-2 API 1509

Figure D-1ÑHeavy Duty Category Request/Approval Process

Sponsor

Requests new category

API/EMA DEOAPCo-Chairpersons

Confirm validity of request�Assemble New Category Evaluation Team

New Category Evaluation Team (NCET)(API, EMA, ACC, plus Liaison Members)

Recommends to API Lubricants Committee on�the need, language, timing and funding�mechanism for new category

API Lubricants Committee

Formally approves NCET recommendation

New Category Development Team (NCDT)

API, EMA, ACC, and Liaison Members (ILMA, SAE, ASTM) manage development of�new category by consensus process

APIDrafts user language�Develops licensing� timetable�Develops BOI and VGRA� guidelines

EMA ASTM ACCProposes tests�Provides hardware�Identifies reference oil(s)�Adjusts category targets

Coordinates test procedure� and precision development�Ensures compliance with� timetable�Establishes performance� limits

Implements template� guidelines�Revises Code of Practice

API/EMA DEOAP

Monitors whether new category timetable and�1509 guidelines are met

API

Formally approves new category

API

Revises API 1509 to include� new category�Develops licensing� requirements

EMA or Others

Submit alternate performance�requirement for API Lubricants�Committee evaluation

Timetable,�guidelines satisfied or�

alternate specification approved

Timetable,�guidelines�

not met

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

ACC� =�American Chemistry Council�ASTM� =�American Society for Testing and Materials�BOI� =�Base Oil Interchange�DEOAP� =�Diesel Engine Oil Advisory Panel

EMA� =�Engine Manufacturers Association�ILMA� =�Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association�SAE� =�Society for Automotive Engineers�VGRA� =�Viscosity Grade Read-Across



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E

NGINE

O

IL

L

ICENSING

AND

C

ERTIFICATION

S

YSTEM

D-3

Figure D-2ÑPhase 1: Category Request/Evaluation

Sponsorrequests new category

Co-Chairpersons ofDEOAP screen request

Form NCET teamfor further evaluation

NewCategory Evaluation Team

Ad hocFundingGroup

Recommends approval toAPI Lubricants Committee

for new category

API DEOAPCo-Chairperson asks for

formal approval fromAPI Lubricants

Committee

LubricantsCommittee

rejects

LubricantsCommitteeapproves

DisbandNCET

Disband NCET,move to Phase 2

NCETseeks

more data

NCET requestsbroader discussions

via SAE, API, and DAP

Rejectsrequest

Rejectsrequest

Rejectsrequest Co-Chairpersons

of the DEOAP

DAP = Detroit Advisory Panel



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D-4 API 1509

D.3.1.3.1 NCET Evaluation Responsibilities

The NCET will work to reach consensus positions on thefollowing questions:

a. What is the proposed change and why is it required?b. Does data presented support the request? c. When is it needed in the marketplace?d. What are the potential impacts on engines?e. What are the potential impacts on consumers?f. What are the potential impacts on the environment? g. How could the change affect existing API categories?h. Are performance tests available that properly evaluate theperformance needs requested?i. Do the perceived beneÞts outweigh the projected costs?

1. How much will it cost to develop test procedures anddetermine precision and deÞne, if necessary, Base OilInterchange (BOI) and Viscosity-Grade Read-Across(VGRA) Guidelines for the proposed category?2. What is the estimated total cost to carry out projectedwork for the new category if the need is approved?

Note: The DEOAP is responsible for calculating an estimated totalcost for developing the proposed category and ensuring that an agree-ment in principle is reached on category development funding beforesubmitting the request to the API Lubricants Committee. To that end,the DEOAP Co-Chairpersons will establish an ad hoc Task Force forthat speciÞc purpose. This group should include representatives fromthe principal stakeholders in the process: API, EMA, ACC, indepen-dent test laboratories, and other parties deemed appropriate.

The NCET may solicit additional industry input and data atany time to assist it in reaching a decision. Any industrygroup (e.g., SAE, API Detroit Advisory Panel [DAP], andEMA) can be asked to provide supplemental information.

The NCETÕs speciÞc charge is to evaluate the request andto make one of the decisions below:

a. Support the request for the new category and recommendto DEOAP that the request be forwarded to the API Lubri-cants Committee for consideration to proceed with categorydevelopment. This recommendation shall identify the needfor the category, recognize its feasibility, provide a timetablefor category development, suggest draft language for the cate-gory, and identify the proposed method for fundingdevelopment of the new category. The API Co-Chairperson ofthe DEOAP shall present the DEOAP recommendation,along with appropriate documentation, to the API LubricantsCommittee for consideration at its next meeting.

orb. Deny the request, explaining to the sponsor in writing thereasons for the denial. The sponsor has the option of resub-mitting the request with additional information.

orc. Not reach consensus. If the NCET cannot reach consensuson the request for a new performance category, the API Co-Chairperson shall provide the API Lubricants Committee withthe vote outcome and a summary of the reasons for the action.

D.3.1.3.2 API Lubricants Committee

The API Lubricants Committee must approve or deny therecommendation by formal vote. If denied, the API DEOAPCo-Chairperson will provide the sponsor with a writtenexplanation outlining the Lubricants CommitteeÕs reasons fordisapproval. The sponsor may then make a new request withmodiÞcations based on the Lubricants Committee actions.

If the API Lubricants Committee approves the NCET rec-ommendation for the new category, the API DEOAP Co-Chairpersons will move the process forward, and developmentof the new category will commence. Independent of whetherthe Lubricants Committee approves or denies the request, thead hoc NCET disbands at this point in the process.

D.3.2 PHASE 2: CATEGORY DEVELOPMENT

D.3.2.1 New Category Development Team (NCDT) Responsibilities

When the API Lubricants Committee approves the requestfor new category development, the API DEOAP Co-Chair-persons will convene an ad hoc New Category DevelopmentTeam (NCDT) (see Figure D-3).

The NCDT will function under the same guidelines asthe NCET (see D.3.1.3). However, the API, EMA, and ACCrepresentatives need not be the same as those on the NCET.The NCDT will decide on working rules, select a chairper-son or facilitator, and, as with the NCET, invite liaison rep-resentatives from other groups or affected parties: ASTM,SAE, ILMA, independent test laboratories, or others asrequired. Other national, regional or international bodiesÑfor example, JAMAÑmay also be asked for input duringcategory implementation.

The DEOAP Co-Chairpersons will explain to the NCDTany conditions established by the Lubricants Committee,including, but not limited to, the following:

a. The proposed draft language for the category.

b. The proposed timetable.

The DEOAP Co-Chairpersons are responsible for ensur-ing that funding sources are established to cover the speciÞccosts for all necessary category components. These compo-nents, which may include development of new engine andbench tests and precision matrix testing, are identiÞed andconÞrmed during Phase 2 by the functional work groups:for example, ASTM and the NCDT, respectively. TheDEOAP Co-Chairpersons will establish a new ad hoc fund-ing Task Force or reconvene the Task Force used to arrive atthe agreement in principle on funding (see D.3.1.3.1).The composition of this Task Force will be constituted inthe same manner as the original one and function in asimilar way.



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The NCDT will manage and coordinate the new processworking toward Þnal approval within the timetable and bud-get. The Co-Chairpersons will monitor the process on behalfof the EMA and API Lubricants Committees and periodicallyreport on progress to them. In addition, the Co-Chairpersonswill carry out any other liaison functions that are not coveredby the responsibilities of the NCDT.

D.3.2.2 Specific Duties of NCDT

The NCDT will manage all phases of category develop-ment through four functional work groups chaired by NCDTmembers: an API member will manage the API function, anEMA member the EMA function, an ACC member the ACCfunction, and another NCDT member the ASTM andSAE functions.

D.3.2.2.1 API Function

a. Ensure that no conßicts develop between existing catego-ries and the one proposed.b. Coordinate with the API BOI/VGRA Task Force on itsdevelopment of base oil interchange and viscosity-grade

read-across guidelines based on data (including ASTMmatrix testing), engineering judgment, and Þeld experience.

1. Ensure that matrix testing is conducted for the newengine tests in accordance with the plan developed by theNCET (see D.3.1.3.1) so that sufÞcient data is available toallow the establishment of appropriate BOI and VGRAGuidelines simultaneous with the establishment of the cat-egory performance criteria. 2. Review proposed BOI/VGRA Guidelines with theNCDT before formal approval. These guidelines will beembodied in the new category request when it is for-warded to the API Lubricants Committee to consider forinclusion in API 1509,

Engine Oil Licensing and Certifi-cation System

. c. Draft a timetable to enable licensing at the earliest practi-cable date. That timetable will indicate the dates at which Þrstallowable licensing can occur for the new category. Normally,the Þrst allowable licensing date for a new category is 1 yearafter ASTM Subcommittee B formally approves the newperformance standard used to deÞne the category. This delayallows all oil marketers equal opportunity to meet thecategory requirements.

Figure D-3ÑPhase 2: Category Development


Formally approves NCET recommendation

New Category Development Team

API, EMA, ACC, plus liaison members manage development of new category by consensus process

API EMA ASTM ACC

API/EMA DEOAP


DEOAP Co-Chairpersons

Convene New Category Development Team�(NCDT)

User language�BOI and VGRA� guidelines�Licensing timetable

Bench and engine� tests�Test hardware�Proposed reference� oils �

Test procedures�Test precision�Performance limits�Funding coordination

New test vs� template�New test in code�Scheduling and� registration

SAERevisions to� appropriate� documents

JAMA, CEC, andILMA

Process� implementation� input

JAMA�=�Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association�CEC� =�Coordinating European Council



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D-6 API 1509

d. Develop draft Consumer User Language. The Þnal versionof that language will be approved by the API and EMALubricants Committees. e. Ensure that emergent marketing or consumer issues thatarise during category development are brought to the atten-tion of responsible groups for resolution.

D.3.2.2.2 EMA Function

a. Guide the selection process for appropriate reference oilsas well as low and high discrimination oils. At least one refer-ence oil must be identiÞed that meets all the bench and enginetests contained in the new category. The oil shall be used intest development and reformulated as necessary to ensure thebest measure of performance. Before any new minimum per-formance category can be established by ASTM, at least onereference oil must be able to meet all category requirements.This reference oil shall have been engine tested in accordancewith the

ACC Code of Practice

. The new category sponsors or their designee will have the

primary responsibility for recommending oil selections. TheDEOAP will provide feedback and formally approve theselections, and the selections will be reviewed with ASTM.

Note: ÒDiscriminationÓ oils should be available for each test. It ishighly desirable that the minimum performance reference oil repre-sent the performance level of the oil category being superseded andthe high performance reference oil meet the expected performancelevel of the new category.

b. Recommend and/or provide relevant engine tests andhardware, with or without a test procedure. c. Stay abreast of changes that may occur (government-,industry-, or consumer-generated) and, when necessary, sug-gest modiÞcations to the new category to ensure that it willmeet the predetermined target (see D.3.1.3.1). Coordinate anynecessary modiÞcations in language and tests with the NCDT.

D.3.2.2.3 ACC Function

a. Assess the new tests against the criteria of the

ACC Codeof Practice

Template with the objective of optimizing cost-effective engine testing quality. Test precision and discrimina-tion are examples of qualities to be assessed. Provide analysisof these assessments to the DEOAP and NCDT. b. Incorporate the new engine tests that meet the Templateinto the ACC Code together with accompanying test schedul-ing and registration procedures.

D.3.2.2.4 ASTM and SAE Function

a. Work through ASTM Section D02.B0.02 Heavy-DutyEngine Oil ClassiÞcation Panel to select or develop test meth-ods that evaluate the needs deÞned by the NCET.b. Ensure that the bench and/or engine tests selected for thenew category will satisfy the requirements of the draft con-sumer language approved by the API Lubricants Committee.

The NCDT and ASTM will also develop a timetable that con-tains, among other things, planned dates for reference oilselection, bench and engine test selection, and test methodcompletion. Dates must agree with those approved by theLubricants Committee (see D.3.2.1). Tests should correlatewith Þeld experience.c. Provide input, as requested, to the new category sponsorsin the selection of appropriate discrimination reference oilsfor the individual tests in the new proposed category (seeD.3.2.2.2).

1. Coordinate with other appropriate technical societies,such as SAE, to develop and approve written test proce-dures and limits for tests not within the ASTM system thatwill be published as standards and speciÞcations. 2. Once a test shows satisfactory discrimination of oilperformance, conduct matrix testing to determine test pre-cision and assess base oil and viscosity-grade effects. If,for example, an engine test is being developed by ASTM,it is ASTMÕs responsibility to have a functioning taskforce or surveillance panel in place to coordinate activitiesand analyze test data. For bench tests, ASTM must pro-vide a method for referencing and/or calibrating eachbench test that does not have an assigned surveillancepanel.

d. Implement and coordinate through the appropriate ASTMgroup the funding mechanism recommended by the NCETand approved by the API Lubricants Committee for the devel-opment of tests, precision, and base oil interchange. Alsoestablish the high reference/ÒpassingÓ category oil for theTest Monitoring Center. e. Establish pass/fail limits for each test and the entirecategory.f. Update SAE ÒJÓ documents as appropriate.

D.3.2.3 Category Completion

At or near the end of the development of the new category,the NCDT must undertake a number of actions to bring theprocess to a successful conclusion. In general, these actionsare to review the output of the four functional groups andadvise as necessary to ensure completion as well as harmonyamong the discrete parts. SpeciÞc actions are as follows:

a. For the ASTM functional group, review the appropriate-ness of the test data developed for discrimination andprecision. Agree on the Þnal description for each new perfor-mance test and that the optimum test methods andperformance limits have been chosen. (At least one Òdemon-strationÓ reference oil capable of meeting all minimumperformance criteria is required.)b. For the ACC functional group, ensure that the ACC Codeincludes each of the new engine performance tests.c. Obtain from SAE and other cooperating agencies anystandards, codes, and publications that are necessary parts ofthe new category.



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D-7

When the NCDT is in agreement that all of its originalgoals and objectives have been met, the team will forward allprocedures, facts, data, and information that is pertinent tothe new category to the DEOAP. The DEOAP will promptlyconvene and together with the NCDT ensure that (1) the testsdeveloped under NCDT guidance satisfy the need expressedby the original sponsor, (2) the performance targets con-tained in the proposed consumer language are met by thetests proposed for the category, (3) the timetable is accept-able, (4) and the test methods chosen to deÞne the new stan-dard represent the most cost-effective means of establishingthe new performance level. All input is evaluated, includingAPI BOI and VGRA Guidelines. The complete package isthen presented by the DEOAP Co-Chairpersons, with a rec-ommendation for formal approval, to the API LubricantsCommittee. API must approve the complete package includ-ing the Þnal consumer language.

D.3.3 PHASE 3: CATEGORY IMPLEMENTATION

D.3.3.1 Alternate Category Development Process

As stated in D.3.2.1, the Co-Chairpersons will monitor thecategory development process to ensure adherence to thetimeline as well as other applicable API1509 new categoryguidelines (see Figure D-4).

If unanticipated problems or situations arise that cannot beovercome and that unduly delay category development or

prevent original plans from meeting expectations, EMA maychoose to develop minimum performance requirements or anew category for API consideration through a process of theirown choosing outside of the processes herein described.However, before this or any new minimum API performancecategory is adopted, it must be approved by the API Lubri-cants Committee at which time it may be incorporated intoAPI1509.

D.3.3.2 Normal Category Development Process

Upon agreement between the NCDT and DEOAP that allparameters of the new category that were approved by theAPI Lubricants Committee during the evaluation phase havebeen met (see D.3.2.3), the Þnal approval procedure is imple-mented. However, if for some reason, full, complete approv-als have not been obtained, the DEOAP will carry out thenecessary negotiations to resolve differences.

When all differences are resolved, the Þnal speciÞcationwill include its API Category Designation, a description ofperformance parameters, pass/fail limits, BOI and VGRAGuidelines, ACC Code requirements, and consumer lan-guage. Timelines for licensing will also be designated by API.

After Þnal approval is obtained, API staff will be responsi-ble for issuing revisions to API 1509 and advising oil mar-keters and other affected parties of the new licensingstandard.

Figure D-4ÑPhase 3: Category Implementation

NCDT

All goals and objectives met

API/EMA DEOAP



Pursues final approval

API

Revises API 1509 to include� new category�Develops licensing� requirements

EMA or Others

Issue new specification

Timetable,�guidelines met or�

alternate specification approved

Timetable,�guidelines�

not met

API�Disapprove



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E-1

APPENDIX E—API BASE OIL INTERCHANGEABILITY GUIDELINES FOR PASSENGER CAR MOTOR OILS AND DIESEL

ENGINE OILS

The most recent version of Appendix E can be downloaded from APIÕs website atwww.api.org.

To receive a copy of Appendix E by mail, please contact:

EOLCS ProgramAmerican Petroleum Institute1220 L Street, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20005

Telephone: 202-682-8516 or202-682-8233

Facsimile: 202-962-4739e-mail: [email protected]



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F-1

APPENDIX F—API GUIDELINES FOR SAE VISCOSITY-GRADE ENGINE TESTING

The most recent version of Appendix F can be downloaded from APIÕs website atwww.api.org.

To receive a copy of Appendix F by mail, please contact:


Telephone: 202-682-8516 or202-682-8233




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G-1

APPENDIX G—REQUIREMENTS FOR API SERVICE CATEGORIES SH, SJ, AND SL BY VISCOSITY GRADE

Table G-1Ñ

Requirements for API Service Category SH by Viscosity Grade

Engine Test Requirements

a

ÑAll Viscosity Grades

Sequence IIDSequence IIIESequence VE

L-38

PassPassPassPass

Viscosity Grade Performance Criteria

b

Bench Test and Measured Parameter

a

SAE 5W-30 SAE 10W-30 SAE 15W-40

Test Method D 5800 volatility loss, % max

c

Test Method D 2887 volatility loss at 371¡C (700¡F), % max

c

EOFT

d

, % ßow reduction, max

Test Method D 4951 or D 5185, phosphorus % mass, max

Test Method D 92 ßash point, ¡C, min

e


e

Test Method D 892 foaming tendency (Option A)

Sequence I, max, foaming/settling

f

Sequence II, max, foaming/settling

f

Sequence III, max, foaming/settling

f

Test Method D 6082

g

Federal Test Method 791C, Method 3470.1, homogeneity and miscibility

L-38 shear stability

25

20

50

0.12

200

185

10/0

50/0

10/0

Report

h

i

20

17

50

0.12

205

190

10/0

50/0

10/0

Report

h

i

18

15

NR

NR

215

200

10/0

50/0

10/0

Report

h

i

Note: All oils must meet the requirements of the most recent edition of SAE J300; NR = Not required.

a

Tests and limits are per ASTM D 4485.

b

There are no bench test and measured parameter requirements for other viscosity grades.

c

A passing volatility result in only one of these procedures is required.

d

Engine Oil Filterability Test (EOFT) Research Report is under development by ASTM Committee D02.06. The test procedure is available from the ASTM Test Monitoring Center, 6555 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206-4489.

e

Either Test Method D 92 or Test Method D 93 ßash point requirement shall be met.

f

Settling volume determined at 5 min.

g

Kinetic foam volume; mL/static foam volume and mL/collapse time in seconds.

h

Homogeneous with SAE reference oils.

i

10-hour stripped kinematic viscosity (oil shall remain in original viscosity grade).



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G-2 API 1509

Table G-2Ñ

Requirements for API Service Category SJ by Viscosity Grade


a


Sequence IIDSequence IIIESequence VE

L-38

PassPassPassPass



a

SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-20 SAE 5W-30, SAE 10W-30 All Others


b


b


b

EOFT

d


EOWTT

d


with 0.6% H

2

O

with 1.0% H

2

O

with 2.0% H

2

O

with 3.0% H

2

O


Test Method D 92 ßash point, ¡C min

f


f



g


g


g

Test Method D 6082 (optional blending required), static foam max, tendency/stability

Federal Test Method 791C, Method 3470, homogeneity and miscibility

L-38 shear stability

Test Method D 6335 high temperature deposits (TEOST), deposit wt, mg, max

Test Method D 5133 gelation index, max

22

17

17

50

Report

Report

Report

Report

0.10

e

200

185

10/0

50/0

10/0

200/50

h

i

j

60

12

20

c

15

c

15

c

50

Report

Report

Report

Report

NR

NR

NR

10/0

50/0

10/0

200/50

h

i

j

60

NR


a


b

Volatility requirement shall be met in either Test Method D 5800, Test Method D 5480, or Test Method D 6417. A passing result in only one of these procedures is required.

c

Passing volatility loss performance only required for SAE 15W-40 oils.

d

Engine Oil Filterability Test (EOFT) and Engine Oil Water Tolerance Test (EOWTT) Research Reports are under development by ASTM D02.06. Test procedures are available from the ASTM Test Monitoring Center, 6555 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206-4489.

e

This is a non-critical speciÞcation as described in ASTM D 3244.

f

Either Test Method D 92 or Test Method D 93 ßash point requirement shall be met.

g


h


i

Homogeneous with SAE Reference Oils.

j

Ten-hour stripped kinematic viscosity (oil shall remain in original viscosity grade).



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Table G-3Ñ

Requirements for API Service Category SL by Viscosity Grade


a


Sequence IIIFSequence IVASequence VE

Sequence VGSequence VIII

PassPass

Pass Wear OnlyOr a minimum 0.08% phosphorus

in the form of ZDDPPassPass



a

SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-20SAE 0W-30, SAE 5W-30

SAE 10W-30 All Others

Test Method D 6557 (Ball Rust Test), avg. gray value, min



EOFT

b


EOWTT

b


with 0.6% H

2

O

with 1.0% H

2

O

with 2.0% H

2

O

with 3.0% H

2

O


c



e


e


e

Test Method D 6082 (optional blending required) static foam max, tendency/stability

f

Federal Test Method 791C, Method 3470, homogeneity and miscibility

Sequence VIII shear stability

High temperature deposits (TEOST MHT-4), deposit wt, mg, max

Test Method D 5133 gelation index, max

100

15

10

50

50

50

50

50

0.10

d

10/0

50/0

10/0

100/0

g

h

45

12

i

100

15

10

50

50

50

50

50

NR

10/0

50/0

10/0

100/0

g

h

45

NR


a


b

Engine Oil Filterability Test (EOFT) and Engine Oil Water Tolerance Test (EOWTT) Research Reports are under development by ASTM Committee D02.06. Test procedures are available from the ASTM Test Monitoring Center, 6555 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206-4489.

c

For all viscosity grades: If CF-4, CG-4, CH-4, and/or CI-4 (beginning September 5, 2002) categories precede the ÒSÓ category and there is no API CertiÞcation Mark, the limit for phosphorus does not apply. Note that these oils have been formulated primarily for diesel engines and may not provide all of the performance requirements consistent with vehicle manufacturers' recommendations for gasoline-fueled engines.

d

This is a non-critical speciÞcation as described in ASTM D 3244.

e


f


g

Homogeneous with SAE Reference Oils.

h

Ten-hour stripped kinematic viscosity (oil shall remain in original viscosity grade).

i

For gelation temperatures at or above the W-grade pumpability temperatures as deÞned in SAE J300.



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H-1

APPENDIX H—AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE

(ORDER INFORMATION)

The Application for Licensure consists of the following:

Part AÑCompany DataPart BÑProject Data SheetPart CÑLicense AgreementPart DÑProduct Traceability CodePart EÑSignature Authorization Form

The Application for Licensure can be downloaded from APIÕs website at www.api.org.To order an Application for Licensure, please contact:


Telephone: 202-682-8516 or202-682-8233




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I-1

APPENDIX I—GLOSSARY

Note: This glossary deÞnes terms for the purposes of this publication.

Administrative Guidance Panel (AGP):

A balancedbody, consisting of three API and three automotive manufac-turer (Ford, General Motors, and DaimlerChrysler) members,that will meet at least annually to evaluate the operation of theEOLCS program.

Aftermarket Audit Program (AMAP):

See Section 5 and

monitoring, enforcement

, and

conformance

below.

American Automobile Manufacturers Association(AAMA):

A trade association that represented car manufac-turers headquartered in the United States. AAMA disbandedon May 1, 1999.

Note: On December 16, 1992, the Motor Vehicle ManufacturersAssociation of the United States (MVMA) changed its name to theAmerican Automobile Manufacturers Association.

American Chemistry Council (ACC):

A trade associa-tion formerly known as the Chemical Manufacturers Associa-tion (CMA) responsible for the development andadministration of the Petroleum Additives Panel ProductApproval Code of Practice (ACC Code; see Appendix J).

American Petroleum Institute (API):

A trade associationthat promotes U.S. petroleum interests, encourages develop-ment of petroleum technology, cooperates with the govern-ment in matters of national concern, and provides informationon the petroleum industry to the government and the public.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM):

A professional society that is responsible for the publica-tion of test methods and the development of test evaluationtechniques.

API Base Oil Interchangeability Guidelines:

A systemthat reduces testing costs by permitting the interchangeableuse of certain base oils without requiring a full engine andbench test program for each of the base oils. This system isdescribed in detail in Appendix E.

API Certification Mark:

An API Mark that remains thesame for a given application (for example, gasoline, fuel-ßex-ible, light-duty diesel) even if a new minimum engine oilstandard or standards are developed.

API Guidelines for SAE Viscosity-Grade EngineTesting:

Guidelines established for different oil viscositygrades that allow certain engine and bench test results to beused in lieu of additional testing. These guidelines aredescribed in detail in Appendix F.

API Mark:

A mark licensed by API and used by oil marketersin connection with engine oil products to certify conformancewith quality standards established under the API EOLCS.

API Service Symbol:

An API Mark that identiÞes speciÞcengine oil performance levels by means of alphanumeric Ser-vice Categories, SAE viscosity grades, and the Energy Con-serving designation as appropriate.

ASTM Test Monitoring Center:

An entity within ASTMthat monitors the calibration of engine test stands and labora-tories (see referenced laboratory).

base oil:

A base stock or blend of base stocks used in anAPI-licensed engine oil.

Base Oil Interchangeability Guidelines:

See API BaseOil Interchangeability Guidelines above.

base stock:

A lubricant component that is produced by asingle manufacturer (independent of crude source or manu-facturing location), that meets the same manufacturerÕs speci-Þcation, and that is identiÞed by a unique formula, productidentiÞcation number, or both.

base stock slate:

A product line of base oils that have dif-ferent viscosities but are in the same base oil grouping andfrom the same manufacturer.

bench test:

A laboratory test that measures various perfor-mance parameters of an engine oil.

Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA):

SeeAmerican Chemistry Council above.

engine oil:

A lubricating agent that can be classiÞed accord-ing to one or a combination of the viscosity grades identiÞedin Table 1 of the most recent edition of SAE J300. Engine oilsare also called motor oils. Engine oils include diesel engineoils and passenger car motor oils (PCMOs).

Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System(EOLCS):

An administrative process and legally enforce-able system by which API authorizes marketers of engineoil to display an API Mark or Marks on oils that meet speci-Þed industry standards, as prescribed in a formal licensingagreement.

engine test:

(also called engine sequence test or sequencetest) A test of an oilÕs performance using a full-scale engineoperating under laboratory conditions.

formulation identifier:

An alphanumeric designation thatpermits traceability of samples in the marketplace by formu-lation.

formulation number:

As deÞned in the ACC Code, aunique identiÞcation number that is assigned before enginetesting to each candidate oil tested and that identiÞes the can-didateÕs formulation, sponsor, blend, blend modiÞcation, testtype, run number, testing laboratory, and test stand.



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I-2 API 1509

Guidelines for SAE Viscosity-Grade Engine Testing:

See API Guidelines for SAE Viscosity-Grade Engine Testingabove.

Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association(ILMA):

A trade association of businesses engaged in com-pounding, blending, formulating, packaging, marketing, anddistributing lubricants.

Interindustry Advisory Group (IAG):

Provides advice tothe API/Automotive Manufacturers Administrative GuidancePanel regarding the API EOLCS. The Interindustry AdvisoryGroup consists of representatives from organizations such asFord, General Motors, and DaimlerChrysler; ACC; API;ASTM; EMA; ILMA; JAMA; PAJ; SAE; and the U.S. Army.

International Lubricant Standardization andApproval Committee (ILSAC):

A joint committee ofFord, General Motors, and DaimlerChrysler and JAMAmembers that assists in the development of new minimum oilperformance standards.

Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association(JAMA):

A trade association that represents automobilemanufacturers headquartered in Japan.

license number:

An identiÞcation number that is issued toa marketer upon successful completion of the licensing pro-cess and is used for audit purposes.

monitoring, enforcement, and conformance:

After-market monitoring and enforcement to ensure that representa-tion in the marketplace of API Marks to consumers andcompliance with technical speciÞcations are being adheredto, as stated in the API license agreement.

Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association (MVMA):

See American Automobile Manufacturers Association above.

oil marketer:

The marketing organization responsible forthe integrity of a brand name and the representation of thebranded product in the marketplace.

passenger car motor oils (PCMOs):

Engine oils forpassenger cars, light-duty trucks, and similar vehicles (seealso engine oil).

Petroleum Additives Panel Product Approval Codeof Practice (ACC Code):

A system developed by ACC toregister and account for engine tests to help ensure that alubricant meets a given performance speciÞcation. This sys-tem is described in detail in Appendix J.

Petroleum Association of Japan (PAJ):

A trade associ-ation that represents petroleum companies headquartered inJapan and promotes Japanese petroleum interests.

physical and chemical properties:

The results fromseveral analytical tests that measure various physical charac-teristics and ingredients (constituents) of an engine oil.

product traceability code:

A code that permits oil sam-ples in the marketplace to be traced by formulation, date ofpackaging, and source of manufacture.

provisional license:

Authority granted by API to a mar-keter to permit the temporary licensing of a speciÞc engine oilwhen one of the required engine tests has been declared Òoutof controlÓ by ASTM. A provisional license may also begranted for an engine oil that is qualiÞed by means of SAEviscosity-grade engine testing Òread-acrossÓ from anotherprovisionally licensed engine oil (see 3.7 for details).

referenced laboratory:

An engine testing laboratory thatis monitored by the ASTM Test Monitoring CenterÕs blindreference oil system.

Service Category:

An alphanumeric code developed byAPI to specify a level of performance deÞned by ASTM D4485 and SAE J183. As new Service Categories are devel-oped, new alphanumeric codes may be assigned.

severity adjustments:

Mathematically derived correctionfactors designed to minimize or eliminate laboratory biases.Severity adjustments are developed by the testing laboratoryand conÞrmed by the ACC Monitoring Agency and theASTM Test Monitoring Center.

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE):

An engineer-ing society founded to develop, collect, and disseminateknowledge of mobility technology.



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J-1

APPENDIX J—ACC PETROLEUM ADDITIVES PANEL PRODUCT APPROVAL CODE OF

PRACTICE

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) Petroleum Additives Panel has developed aProduct Approval Code of Practice (the ACC Code) for passenger car motor oils (PCMOs)and diesel engine oils. The ACC Code deÞnes practices to help ensure that a particularengine lubricant meets its performance speciÞcations. This is accomplished through the useof speciÞed engine tests, procedures, and record keeping. The ACC Code went into effect onMarch 30, 1992. ACC has contracted with Registration Systems, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, toserve as the monitoring agency for administration of the ACC Code.

Compliance with the ACC Code is mandatory to obtain a license to use the API CertiÞca-tion Mark or to use API Service Categories SL, SJ, SH, CF, CF-2, CF-4, CG-4, CH-4, or CI-4 (beginning September 5, 2002) in the API Service Symbol.

Adherence to the ACC Code as a requirement for the EOLCS will be periodicallyreviewed for continued suitability and enhancement.

A copy of the ACC Code is not included in this publication. Since ACC has committed tocontinuous updates, a copy of the most recent edition of the ACC Code may be downloadedfrom the American Chemistry CouncilÕs website at www.americanchemistry.com. Navigateto the afÞliates link ÒPetroleum Additives Product Approval Code of Practice.Ó

The American Chemistry Council is located at 1300 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209,USA [telephone (703) 741-5000].



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K-1

APPENDIX K—TOLERANCE LIMITS FOR PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES (FOR AUDITING)

Table K-1ÑTolerance Limits for Standard Audit

a

Parameter Tolerance

Viscosity at 100¡C (ASTM D 445) As deÞned in SAE J300

Cranking viscosity (ASTM D 5293) As deÞned in SAE J300

Pumping viscosity (ASTM D 4684) As deÞned in SAE J300

Elements (ICP)

b

Values

³

100 parts per million Ð10%, +15%Values <100 parts per million Ð15%, +20%

Phosphorus (ICP) ±10%

Note: ICP = inductively coupled plasma.

a

ASTM analytical test method precision will be accounted for when applying the tolerance limits.

b

The elements to be reported and audited are those shown in the ACC Candidate Data Package for the licensed for-mula. Included are Ca, Mg, Zn, Na, Cu, S, Mo, and any other element with a concentration of more than 50 parts per million, except C, H, and O.

Table K-2ÑTolerance Limits for Expanded Audit

a

Parameter Tolerance

HTHS viscosity [ASTM D 4683, CEC L-36-A-90 (ASTM D 4741), or ASTM D 5481]

As deÞned in SAE J300

VolatilityNoack (ASTM D 5800)

b

Sim. dis. (ASTM D 2887, D 5480, or D 6417)

b

Gelation index (ASTM D 5133) 12.0 (max)

Foaming (ASTM D 892, all sequences)

c

Max +10 ml

d

High temperature foaming (ASTM D 6082) Max +10 ml

d

Filterability (EOFT)

b

ModiÞed Þlterability (EOWTT)

e

Flash point (ASTM D 92) 200¡C (min)

Shear stability (100¡C viscosity stripped)

f

Stay in grade

Note: All percentages are measured against the original licensed value. HTHS = high temperature/high shear; sim. dis. = simulated distillation; EOFT = Engine Oil Filterability Test; EOWTT = Engine Oil Water Tolerance Test.

a

ASTM analytical test method precision will be accounted for when applying the tolerance limits.

b

Refer to API SH, API SJ, API SL, ILSAC GF-2, or ILSAC GF-3, as applicable.

c

Use Option A for API SH, API SJ, API SL, ILSAC GF-2, and ILSAC GF-3. No Option A for API CG-4.

d

Above API SH, API SJ, API SL, ILSAC GF-2, or ILSAC GF-3 requirement, as applicable.

e

Refer to API SJ, API SL, ILSAC GF-2, or ILSAC GF-3, as applicable.

f

Use only during L-38 or Sequence VIII engine test veriÞcation audit.



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L-1

APPENDIX L—GUIDELINES FOR THE SELECTION OF PRODUCT AND ENGINE TEST AUDITS

L.1 General

As part of APIÕs Aftermarket Audit Program, engine testswill be conducted on randomly selected licensed engine oilspurchased from the aftermarket. The selection of products tobe engine tested will be based on the total volume of engineoil licensed by each marketing company. Although the exam-ples of random selection use Òballs from a pot,Ó the actualrandom selections will be computer assisted.

L.2 Selection of Marketing Company

A pot will contain one ball for each marketing companythat holds an API license. This same pot will contain an addi-tional ball for each 1 million gallons (or portion thereof) over1 million gallons of API-licensed engine oils (see Table L-1).

L.3 Selection of Engine Test

A separate pot will contain one ball for each engine test tobe conducted in a calendar year. The total number of enginetests for each particular engine test type will be determinedbefore any engine testing is conducted (see Table L-2).

L.4 Selection of Viscosity Grade

A predetermined number of engine tests will be conductedon each viscosity grade of licensed oil each year. A pot willcontain one ball for each viscosity grade to be tested eachyear (see Table L-3).

L.5 Selection Process

L.5.1

A ball will be selected from the pot containing thenames of the engine tests.

L.5.2

A ball will be selected from the pot containing thenames of the marketing companies.

L.5.3

A ball will be selected from the pot containing theviscosity grades to be tested. In the event that the marketingcompany does not have an API license for the viscositygrade selected, the ball will be returned to the pot, andanother will be selected. This process will continue until aball is selected that matches a viscosity grade marketed bythe licensed company.

L.6 Other Selection Criteria

L.6.1

In the event that a selected marketing company mar-kets two or more brand names of the selected viscosity grade,a ball for each brand name will be placed in a pot, and a brandname will be selected.

L.6.2

In the event that a selected marketing company doesnot market a viscosity grade remaining in the pot, a ball foreach viscosity grade marketed by the selected marketingcompany will be placed in a pot, and a viscosity grade will beselected.

Table L-1ÑMarketing-Company Pot: Example

Company

Volume(millions of

gallons)Number of

BallsChance of

Selection (%)

A

B

.

.

.

M

N

.

.

.

X

Y

Z

Total

0.9

1.5

.

.

.

4.4

9.2

.

.

.

50.2

100.5

200.0

900.0

1

2

.

.

.

5

10

.

.

.

51

101

200

913

0.11

0.22

.

.

.

0.55

1.09

.

.

.

5.59

11.06

21.9

100

Table L-2ÑSequence-Test Pot: Example

Sequence Test Number of Balls Percentage

IIIF

IVA

VG

VIII

Total

6

3

6

5

20

30

15

30

25

100

Table L-3ÑViscosity-Grade Pot: Example

Viscosity Grade Number of Balls Percentage

SAE 5W-30

SAE 10W-30

SAE 10W-40

SAE 20W-50

Total

8

9

2

1

20

40

45

10

5

100



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M-1

APPENDIX M—API MARK CONFORMANCE AUDIT: ENGINE TESTS

M.1 General

The oil licensee does not need to prove that the oil meets orexceeds the required performance standards, only that theengine oil performance, as measured by an engine test con-ducted in accordance with the ACC Code, is not below theallowed performance band set at a 95-percent conÞdencelevel (one-tailed test). In other words, an oil is assumed tomeet or exceed the required performance standard unlessproved otherwise. If an aftermarket engine oil yields a testresult that does not meet the testing criteria described in M.2,the licensee will be notiÞed that the oil has been found to beout of conformance. The licensee must respond to API on thenonconformity within 30 days of notiÞcation. The licenseemay elect to pay for additional engine testing, in which casethe oilÕs conformance to the performance standards will beevaluated using the Multiple Test Evaluation Procedure (seeAppendix N). Additional engine testing related to this con-formance evaluation shall be scheduled within 60 days of theoriginal notiÞcation and conducted in accordance with theACC Code. If the additional results are to be included in theconformance evaluation, the speciÞc product to be testedshall be approved by the API EOLCS Coordinator before thestart of engine testing.

M.2 Confidence Level

When engine sequence tests are conducted as part of theAftermarket Audit Program, conformance will be determinedat the 95-percent conÞdence level using industry publishedstandard deviation data. Non-conformance will be subject toenforcement action as described in paragraph M.1 and Sec-tion 5ÑSystem Monitoring, Enforcement, and Conformance.

M.3 Statistical Testing Criteria

The statistical testing criteria are as follows:

H

0

: True oil performance meets or exceeds the perfor-mance limit,

H

1

: True oil performance does not meet the performancelimit.

The decision rules are as follows: The oil fails the test (that is,

H

0

is rejected) if the followingis true:

Equivalently, the oil passes the test (that is,

H

0

is notrejected) if the following is true:

where:

= average performance of the oil,

s

= industry published standard deviation based on reference oil testing conducted on ACC-partici-pating test stands,

n

= number of tests,

Z

0.05

= 95-percent (one-tailed) conÞdence coefÞcient from a standard normal table,

= 1.645,

PL

= performance limit, as deÞned by the applicable performance standard.

M.4 Example

The performance limit for a test is deÞned as 6.5 on a 0Ð10 merit scale. The industry published standard deviation is0.221. If a random aftermarket engine oil test yields a resultof 6.0, the oil would be found to be out of conformance.

If additional testing is conducted, this parameterÕs perfor-mance must exceed the values listed in Table M-1.

X PL< Z0.05s

n-------Ð

Table M-1ÑExample

Number of Tests(

n

)Minimum Average Needed

to Pass the Audit (

X

)

a

1 6.14

2 6.24

3 6.29

5 6.34

a

ConÞdence level at 95 percent.

X PL³ Z0.05s

n-------Ð

X



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N-1

APPENDIX N—MULTIPLE TEST EVALUATION PROCEDURE

N.1 General

The Multiple Test Evaluation Procedure (MTEP) is anydatabased approach for evaluation of the quality and perfor-mance of a formulation where more than one test has beenrun. The applicable tests and parameter values to be averagedare speciÞed in Table N-1 for PCMOs and N-2 for dieselengine oils and listed in ASTM D 4485.

N.2 Passenger Car Motor Oils

For the API CertiÞcation Mark or for Service Category SLand/or SJ and/or SH where speciÞcations do not include adeÞned MTEP for those tests listed in Table N-1, the criteriaexpressed in the ACC Code, Appendix F, must be followed.

N.3 Diesel Engine Oils

For API Service Categories CF, CF-2, CG-4, and CH-4, thelimits of a speciÞcation have been expressed in terms of adeÞned MTEP technique. To determine the acceptability of acandidate oil formulation, the value of the parameters in eachof the tests (appropriate to the respective speciÞcation) listedin Table N-2 must be treated in accordance with ASTM D4485.

Table N-1ÑParameter Values to Be Averaged for PCMO

Test Method Rated Parameter

Sequence IID Average engine rust

Sequence IIIE Hours to 375% kinematic viscosity increase

a

Average engine sludgeAverage piston skirt varnishAverage oil ring land depositLifter stickingCam or lifter scufÞngAverage cam plus lifter wear

b

Maximum cam plus lifter wear

b

Ring sticking

c

Sequence IIIF Kinematic viscosity (% increase at 40¡C)Average piston skirt varnishWeighted piston depositCam plus lifter wearHot stuck rings

d

Oil consumption

Sequence IVA Cam wear

Sequence VE Average engine sludgeRocker arm cover sludgeAverage piston skirt varnishAverage engine varnishAverage cam wearMaximum cam wearOil screen cloggingCompression ring sticking

e

Sequence VG Average engine sludgeRocker arm cover sludgeAverage piston skirt varnishAverage engine varnishOil screen cloggingHot stuck compression rings

e

Sequence VIA Fuel economy improvement

Sequence VIB Fuel economy improvement (FEI 1, FEI 2, FEI 1+FEI 2)

Sequence VIII Bearing weight loss

L-38 Bearing weight loss

a

For tests reaching 375% viscosity increase after 64 hours, estimated hours = 64 + (6.163 Ð LN (viscosity increase at 64 hours + 100)/0.072).For tests reaching 375% viscosity increase before 64 hours, esti-

mated hours are determined by a straight-line interpolation between the two nearest 8-hour points.

b

When more than one test is run and if maximum wear is more than six times the average wear on any one test, the highest mating cam lobe/lifter result can be discarded and the remaining 11 combina-tions used to calculate a new maximum and average wear. This can only be done for one retained test.

c

The majority of retained tests must not have oil-related ring sticking.

d

The majority of retained tests must not have ring sticking.

e

The majority of retained tests must not have compression ring stick-ing (hot stuck).



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N-2 API 1509

Table N-2ÑParameter Values to be Averaged for Diesel Engine Oils

Engine Test Parameter

L-38 Bearing weight lossUsed oil viscosity

a

Sequence IIIE Hours to 375% viscosity increase

1K Weighted demerits (WDK)Groove No. 1 carbon ÞllTop land heavy carbonAverage oil consumptionFinal oil consumptionPiston-ring-liner scufÞng

b

Piston ring sticking

c

1M-PC Top groove ÞllWeighted total demerits (WTD)

d

Ring side clearance lossPiston ring sticking

c

Piston, ring and liner scufÞng

e

1N Weighted demerits (WDN)Top groove ÞllTop land heavy carbonOil consumptionPiston-rings-liner scufÞngStuck rings

1P Weighted demerits (WDP)Top groove carbonTop land carbonAverage oil consumptionFinal oil consumptionPiston-rings-liner scufÞng

M11 Rocker pad average weight lossOil Þlter differential pressureEngine sludge

6V 92TA Cylinder liner scufÞngAverage cylinder liner port pluggingSingle cylinder liner port pluggingNo. 1 piston rings face distress

f

Average of No. 2 and 3 piston rings face distress

f

T-8 Viscosity increase at 3.8% sootFilter pluggingOil consumption

T-8E Relative viscosity at 4.8% sootViscosity increase at 3.8% soot

T-9 Average liner wearAverage top ring weight lossEOT used oil lead content

Roller Follower Wear Test

d

Wear

a

Limit for API CG-4.

b

If three or more operationally valid tests have been run, the majority of these tests must not have scufÞng. Any scuffed tests are considered uninterpretable, and no data from these tests are to be used in MTEP calculations.

c

None of the retained tests may have piston ring sticking.

d

Two methods of calculating WTD are used, one for API Category CF and a different one for API Category CF-2. Both methods use MTAC for handling test results.

e

None of the retained tests may have piston, ring or liner scufÞng.

f

Demerit Scale: 0 = perfect, 1 = broken ring.



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O-1

APPENDIX O—TECHNICAL INTERPRETATIONS OF API 1509

API 1509 is an API Standard. API Policy and ProcedureNumber 104, Subject: Standardization, provides generalguidance for API Standards activities. Policy Number 104allows API to provide written Òinterpretations . . . on themeaning of a standard.Ó

Note that the EOLCS License Agreement (Part C), Section3, states in part ÒLicensee agrees to comply with . . . anyinterpretations of API 1509.Ó

No. 1

Question:

What is a deÞnition of Òcomplete engine testingÓas found on the EOLCS application form?

Answer:

ÒComplete engine testingÓ means that the oil haspassed each engine test required for licensing of that oil (seeAppendix G). Where applicable, (for all ÒSÓ Category oils)the oil must have been registered with the American Chemis-try Council (ACC) monitoring agency (Registration Systems,Inc.) and have passed each test in full compliance with theACC Product Approval Code of Practice. When a completeengine test program has been successfully completed on anoil,

API Guidelines for SAE Viscosity-Grade Engine Testing,

Appendix F, can be applied for licensing. The intent of Òcom-plete engine testingÓ is to distinguish between oils whichhave been fully tested and those that are licensed by referenceto Òread-across.Ó

No. 2

Question:

On the EOLCS application

Product TraceabilityCode

, is the day and time of manufacture actually required tobe submitted as part of the EOLCS application for licensure?

Answer:

The Introduction to Part DÑProduct TraceabilityCode states in part Ò . . . API

is

mandating, as a require-ment of licensing, that each container of licensed oil mar-keted be

legibly date stamped

(bolding added) and thatsufÞcient information be provided in licensing documents toallow API to interpret the date stamp and match the auditedoil with the licensing data for that oil.Ó

No. 3

Question:

Is the API ILSAC mark design in Figure O-1acceptable for display on containers?

Answer:

No. Figure 1 (reprinted in Figure O-2) of API 1509shows how the mark must appear on labels; Section 4.2 spec-iÞes design requirements for the mark. Paragraph 4.2.2 statesin part, ÒThe background of

the outer band

(boldadded) . . . shall be a color that contrasts with the labelbackground.Ó The speciÞc error in Figure O-1 is that the outerband has been separated into

two

bands of different colors.

No. 4

Question:

A marketer of motor oil, for example a car manu-facturer, sells oil under its own name. The marketer purchasesits branded oil from several different oil companies, each ofwhich use a completely different format for its product trace-ability code. How should this be handled under EOLCS?

Answer:

Each separate formulation supplied to the marketermust be Þled with and accepted by API on a Part B form

Product Data Sheet.

Each Part B has space for four (4) sepa-rate formulations. If a marketer has more than 5 formulationsan additional Part B form must be submitted in the licensingdocument.

API must be able to compare data obtained from oils ana-lyzed under the aftermarket audit program with the data forthat oil submitted to API as part of the licensing program.Therefore, an interpretation of the Formulation Code identi-Þer required on Part B for each oil must be available to API.The marketer should submit a separate Part D form,

ProductTraceability Code

, for each formulation and link the informa-tion in Part D with Part B.

Figure O-1ÑIncorrect API ILSAC Mark Design

Figure O-2ÑCorrect API Mark Design

FORGASOLINEENGINESA

MERICAN

PETROLEUM

INSTITUTE

CE R T I F I E

D

FORFORGASOLINEENGINESAMERICAN

PETROLEUM

INSTITUTE

CERTIFIE

D



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O-2 API 1509

Please refer to the Introduction to Part DÑProduct Trace-ability Code which states in part Ò . . . API is mandating, asa requirement of licensing, that each container of licensed oilmarketed be

legibly date stamped

(bolding added) and thatsufÞcient information be provided in the licensing documentsto allow API to interpret the date stamp and match the auditedoil with the licensing data for that oil.Ó

No. 5

Question:

With regard to the administration fee, does onefee cover the various oils listed on the Application Form?With regard to the volume fee, is this based on the totalsales of the various oils on the Application Form? (It isassumed that the volume of each grade is not separatelyassessed.)

Answer:

There are two fees as described in 3.2 of API 1509.The Administration fee is a ßat fee payable by all licensees. Itcovers all licensed oils. The volume of sales fee covers thetotal sales of licensed oils, that is, the Òoils listed on theApplication Form.Ó The volume of sales fee is not separatelyassessed.

No. 6

Question:

On the EOLCS application Part DÑ


, does the Òdate stampÓ requirement refer to(a) the date of manufacture or packaging, and (b) is the actual

day

(italics added) of either manufacture or packagingrequired?

Answer:

(a) You must use date of packaging for the datestamp and (b) the

day

of packaging is required.

No. 7, amended

Question:

Assume there are two Group I base oils fromdifferent manufacturers, both of which have passed engineand bench tests with

given

(bolding added) additive and VIpackages and both individual base oil/additive blends arelicensed ÒSH.Ó

Could a packager purchase these two different sourcedbase oils,

mix them together

(bolding added) with the givenadditive/VI package and have an API licensed motor oil? Thisassumes 1) the SAE viscosity grade of the theoretical blendwas one licensed for each base oil, and 2) the additive/VIpackages and treat levels of the two licensed formulationswere consistent.

Answer:

Refer to Section E.2.1.5: ÒBase stocks approvedunder the provisions of these guidelines may be commingledwithout further testing.Ó

No. 8

Question:

Appendix E, Section 2.2.2 is as follows:Complete performance documentation is required for the

original PCMOs. The detergent inhibitor (DI) and/or viscos-ity modiÞer (VM) remain unchanged when interchange baseoils are tested, except as provided by

the ACC Code

(boldingadded). A base oil interchange obtained under these guide-lines applies to a single PCMO formulation. In the event of achange in the DI and/or VM outside of the ACC Code, theseguidelines shall be

reapplied

(bolding added).What part of

the ACC Code

is referred to?How should the guidelines (BOIG) be

reapplied

?

Answer:

In the ACC Code, proposed changes in the Òcoredata setÓ are accomplished by applying Appendix H, Guide-lines for Minor Formulation ModiÞcations. Proposedchanges in a ÒprogramÓ are accomplished by applyingAppendix I, Program Guidelines.

The BOIG should be reapplied as follows. If the VM/DIconcentration in the interchange base oil differs from theoriginal PCMO oil by more than the variation authorizedunder the ACC Code (Appendix H or I), then complete per-formance documentation is required for the new PCMO withthe interchange basestock.

No. 9

Question:

On the EOLCS application Part DÑ


, is it adequate to indicate only the monthand year of manufacture?

Answer:

No. The day of manufacture is also required. Thisresponse assumes that the date of ÒmanufactureÓ and Òpack-agingÓ is the same day.

The Introduction to Part DÑProduct Traceability Codestates in part Ò. . . API

is

mandating, as a requirement oflicensing, that each container of licensed oil marketed be

leg-ibly date stamped

(bolding added) and that sufÞcient infor-mation be provided in the licensing documents to allow APIto interpret the date stamp and match the audited oil with thelicensing data for that oil.Ó

The date that appears on the container that is selected foraftermarket auditing must be the date of packaging.

No. 10

Question:

Part B of the EOLCS Application for LicensurespeciÞes a test method for measuring sulfur and nitrogenwhich is not addressed in the text of API 1509. Are licenseesbound by requirements speciÞed in the Application for Licen-sure?

Answer:

Yes, the API License Agreement requires licenseesto comply with all requirements speciÞed in API 1509 and theApplication for Licensure.



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E

NGINE

O

IL

L

ICENSING

AND

C

ERTIFICATION

S

YSTEM

O-3

Question:

If test methods for measuring Physical andChemical Properties are speciÞed in API 1509, may market-ers utilize alternate (but equivalent) test methods to measurethese properties?

Answer:

No. The properties must be measured by the meth-ods speciÞed in API 1509.

No. 11

Question:

In Appendix GÑ

Requirements for API ServiceCategories SH, SJ and SL by Viscosity Grade

, the last columnin Table G-1 titled ÒAll Other GradesÓ has an NR for allBench Tests and the L-38 shear stability test. NR means NoRequirement. Following is a review of NR.

Answer:

The technical language which describes API Ser-vice Category SH (Section 2.3.2.3 of API 1509) speciÞcallymandates the application of speciÞed parts of ILSAC GF-1 orDOD CID A-A-52039 speciÞcations for all viscosity gradescovered by these speciÞcations. This includes the three oilsspeciÞcally noted in Appendix G (SAE 5W-30, 10W-30 and15W-40)

and

any other oils which are requested to belicensed under ILSAC GF-1. Also, the most recent edition ofSAE J300 contains high temperature/high shear requirementsfor SH.

Appendix G, Table G-1, as it appears in API 1509, is cor-rect with the addition of the SAE J300 requirements as notedabove. If ASTM subsequently adopts requirements for SH,these requirements will be presented to the appropriate com-mittees for consideration as an amendment to API 1509.

No. 12

Question:

If an oil company sells its oil to another companyand that company resells the oil under its own brand namedoes the reseller have to be licensed?

Answer:

Yes. Section 1.2.1 of API 1509 includes the follow-ing statements. EOLCS is ÒÉa licensing system that includesa formal license agreement executed by the marketer withAPI.Ó An oil marketer Ò is deÞned as the marketing organiza-tion responsible for the integrity of the brand name and therepresentation of the branded product in the marketplace.Ó

Section 9 of the EOLCS License Agreement is as follows:

9. Licensee agrees that it is the marketing organi-zation responsible for the integrity of the brandname and the productÕs representation in the mar-ketplace

and agrees to use the marks only onproducts bearing the Licensee's name

(boldingadded).

The LicenseeÕs name on the product is the key element. Ifthe owner companyÕs name appears on the container it maylicense the oil. If the subsidiaryÕs name appears on the con-tainer, the subsidiary must be separately licensed.

No. 13

Question:

Can a result of 2.69 on a Sequence VI candidateoil test be rounded to 2.70 so as to claim an EFEI of ECII onan EOLCS Application for Licensure?

Answer:

Yes. Rounding of Sequence VI candidate test val-ues is done in accord with ASTM E 29Ð89, Section 2.3 and 4.

Rounding-Off Method

.

References:ASTM E 29Ð89

Standard Practice for Using SignificantDigits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifi-cations

.

2.3

Rounding Off Method

ÑIn other Þelds,speciÞcation limits of (for example), 2.5 inchesmax, 2.50 inches max, 2.500 inches max aretaken to imply that, for purposes of determiningconformance with speciÞcations, an observedvalue or a calculated value should be roundedoff to the nearest 0.1 inch, 0.01 inch, 0.001 inch,respectively, and then compared with the speci-Þcation limit.

API 1509,

API Engine Oil Licensing and Certification Sys-tem

, 12th Edition, January 1993. Table D-1, page 19.Fuel EfÞciency ASTM RR-D:2-1204 Sequence VI Test

improvement (EFEI) 2.7% (min).

No. 14

Question:

What is the difference between Table K-1 ÒToler-ance Limits for Standard AuditÓ and Table K-2 ÒLimits forExpanded AuditÓ in Appendix K? Are Tables K-1 and K-2applied to API SH oils throughout the world? Is there any dif-ference in their frequency?

Answer:

Each oil selected for testing under the provisionsof the Aftermarket Audit Program (AMAP) will be auditedusing the tests in Table K-1, as appropriate for the viscositygrade. Table G-1 should be consulted for guidance on teststhat apply to different viscosity grades for SH oils. Oils fortesting and the frequency of testing under Table K-2 will beselected by reference to an API protocol. Audit samples areselected worldwide.

No. 15

Question:

A marketer has successfully completed an ACC-registered DDC 6V92TA test on an SAE 15W-40 engine oil.This engine oil has also been qualiÞed against API CH-4through the application of Base Oil Interchange (BOI)according to Table E-9 of API 1509. Because it is API CH-4qualiÞed, it also meets the requirements for API CF (i.e., Cat-erpillar 1M-PC testing is waived according to Table E-6 ofAPI 1509).



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O-4 API 1509

Does the SAE 15W-40 described above qualify for licens-ing as API CF-2?

Answer:

The SAE 15W-40 oil qualiÞes for API CF-2because it passed the 6V92TA test, as required by API 1509.The question correctly notes that CAT 1M-PC testing iswaived because the product meets CH-4 interchange require-ments as noted in footnote c of Table E-6.

No. 16

Question:

A company uses the solvent reÞning process toproduce 150N Group I base stocks at separate reÞneries.ReÞned from different crude oil sources, the base stocks dis-play unique properties when tested according to ASTM D445, D 2270, D 4052, and D 2622.

Are these base stocks considered the same base stock slateper E.1.2.2 of API 1509, 14

th

Edition?

Answer:

The two stocks as described above would not beconsidered as coming from the same base stock slate asdeÞned in E.1.2.2 of API 1509. That deÞnition refers to basestocks in the same grouping and from the same manufacturerbut having different viscosities. The two stocks describedabove have the same viscosity. It would be more likely thatthey could be called the same base stock if they were pro-duced to the same speciÞcations, used the same formulation,and had the same product identiÞer (see API 1509, E.1.2.1).

If the company chooses to consider both 150N base stocksthe same, there are some issues that need to be taken intoaccount. Since the base stocks display some unique proper-ties, the company needs to select the more severe of the twostocks to conduct performance testing or commit to provingequivalent performance by testing both. That responsibility isnot removed by producing them under the same speciÞcation.

If the company chooses to identify the Group I base stocksseparately, they would be subject to the applicable base oilinterchange guidelines in Appendix E of API 1509.

No. 17

Question:

A single base stock manufacturer makes Group I,Group II, and/or Group III base stocks by a variety of differ-ent processes. This includes manufacturing base stocks bymixing a Group I with a Group II (or Group III) or mixing aGroup II with a Group III. This mixed base stock is associ-ated with a manufacturer's speciÞcation and product identiÞ-cation number. According to API 1509, this mixed Groupbase stock should be marketed as a Group I, or Group II, orGroup III base stock based on the saturates, sulfur and VIanalysis of the product as sold. For example:

¥ If the saturates are < 90%, and sulfur is > 0.03%, andVI is > 80 and < 120, the base stock is a Group I.

¥ If the saturates are > 90%, and sulfur is < 0.03%, andVI is > 80 and < 120, the base stock is a Group II.

¥ If the saturates are > 90%, and sulfur is > 0.03%, andVI is > 80 and < 120, the base stock is a Group I.

¥ If the saturates are > 90%, and sulfur is < 0.03%, andVI is > 120, the base stock is a Group III.

There has been some debate on this issue, especially on thecorrect labeling of the third example listed above. Do theexamples above correctly interpret the guidelines set forth inAPI 1509?

It is understood that the base stock manufacturer retainsresponsibility for supplying commercial product with perfor-mance capability at least equivalent to that tested in formula-tions. It is also understood that API 1509 does not limit basestocks by manufacturing process. According to E.1.2.1 of API1509, ÒBase stocks may be manufactured using a variety ofdifferent processes including but not limited to distillation,solvent reÞning, hydrogen processing, oligomerization, ester-iÞcation, and rereÞning.Ó

Answer:

The four examples above do correctly interpret thebase stock category guidelines set forth in E.1.3 of API 1509.In the third example, the high sulfur content makes the basestock a Group I. According to API 1509, ÒGroup I base stockscontain less than 90 percent saturates

and/or

greater than0.03 percent sulfur and have a viscosity index greater than orequal to 80 and less than 120 using the test methods speciÞedin Table E-1.Ó

No. 18

Question:

A marketer of a fully qualiÞed SAE 10W-40API CH-4/SJ product wishes to substitute Group III/IVbase oils for the Group I base oils used in the original for-mulation. The marketer believes this substitution is permit-ted based on a clause in Appendix I Section 5 of the ACCCode of Practice: ÒFollowing completion of a programaccording to the ACC Code of Practice, substitution ofGroup III or Group IV base stock for Group I and/or GroupII base stock is allowed with Level 2 support.Ó The mar-keterÕs Level 2 support is full engine test data on an SAE0W-30 API CH-4/SJ oil using a mixture of Group III andGroup IV base oils.

Can a marketer use Appendix I, Section 5 of the ACC Codeof Practice to justify the substitution of Group III and GroupIV base oils for Group I oils in a fully qualiÞed SAE 10W-40API CH-4/SJ product without further testing?

Answer:

API 1509 contains the only authorized base oilinterchange (BOI) and viscosity grade read across (VGRA)guidelines for API-licensed products. The ACC Code of Prac-tice is not applicable in this situation.

Taking into account the base oil information providedabove, a marketer could qualify the 10W-40 API CH-4/SJformulation in at least two ways:



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¥ Run complete engine testing for both the CH-4 andSJ categories as recommended in Appendix E of API1509.

¥ Use the VGRA guidelines in Appendix F of API1509. These recommend complete engine testing forCH-4 proof of performance but could offer somerelief for SJ proof of performance.

The marketer of the formulations has the Þnal responsibil-ity for assuring that the products meet API requirements.

No. 19

Question:

A marketer wants to qualify a new SJ engine oilformulation using SL/Energy Conserving tests and resultsfrom a double-length Sequence IIIE engine test in lieu of aSequence IIIE test. The API Lubricants Committee approvedthe use of SL/Energy Conserving tests to qualify SJ oils as ofMay 1, 2000. The committee also instituted ProvisionalLicensing on that date to address a shortage of parts limitingthe availability of Sequence IIIE tests.

Can a double-length Sequence IIIE be used to qualify aformulation for full SJ licensing?

Answer:

No, the formulation cannot qualify for full licens-ing using the double-length Sequence IIIE results. To qualifyfor SJ, an oil must meet the most recent technical criteria setforth in ASTM D 4485 (see 3.4.2 of API 1509). Currently, D4485 does not include performance criteria for double-lengthIIIEÕs.

Assuming the marketer cannot run a standard IIIE, his onlyrecourse for licensing the SJ formulation at this time is toapply for Provisional Licensing. The procedures for Provi-sional Licensing require the marketer to submit Level 2 sup-port data as described in the ACC

Code of Practice

. Althoughthe double-length IIIE could not be used to qualify the formu-lation for full licensing, its results can be used as Level 2 sup-port for Provisional Licensing.

No. 20

Question:

On Page 3 of 3 of Part B of the API Applicationfor Licensure, a note states the following: ÒAdditionally, Iattest that all engine and bench test data submitted or referredto on this form has been generated using ASTM/ACC cali-brated instruments when applicable.Ó

In the statement above, what does the phrase Òwhen appli-cableÓ mean. The hypothetical question below should help toillustrate the question:

At the start of GF-2, if a marketer ran a D 5133 GelationIndex test one day prior to the start of TMC surveillance,would this data have been acceptable? One argument wouldstate that since TMC calibration did not apply at the time ofthe test, the data should be acceptable. Another argumentwould state that since ASTM intended to calibrate the testÑ

and was in the process of doing soÑthe data are not validbecause it did not come from calibrated equipment.

Answer:

Part B of the API Application for Licensureincludes the phrase Òwhen applicableÓ to cover those situa-tions where a calibration requirement does not exist for a testat the time an application for licensure is Þled with API. IfASTM has a calibration requirement in place for a test at thetime an application is Þled, then a calibrated result isrequired.

If, as noted in the hypothetical question above, a marketerruns a Gelation Index test one day prior to the start of TMCsurveillance, the test result would be acceptable only if themarketer Þles the application for licensure the same day. Theresult would not be acceptable on an application Þled the dayafter TMC surveillance has begun. This interpretation alsoapplies in a situation where one marketer submits an applica-tion for a license before a calibration requirement is in place,and another marketer submits one after the requirement hasbeen implemented. The second marketer must provide aresult from a calibrated test.

Please note that the marketer of the formulations has theÞnal responsibility for assuring its products meet APIrequirements.

No. 21

Question:

A marketer of a fully qualiÞed SAE 10W-40 APISJ/CF product wishes to replace 30 percent of the originalformulationÕs Group I base oil with a Group IV and marketthe product as an SAE 5W-40 API SJ/CF engine oil withoutfurther engine testing. The marketer believes this change ispossible according to Table E-2 of API 1509. The DI packageand VI remain the same, and the base oil viscosities at 100¡Care nearly identical. The 5W-40 viscosity grade is a result ofthe introduction of PAO.

Can a marketer replace 30 percent of a fully qualiÞed 10W-40 SJ/CFÕs Group I base oil with a Group IV and market theproduct as a 5W-40 SJ/CF without further testing?

Answer:

The answer to the question is no. The marketermust perform additional CF testing to qualify the 5W-40 oil.

To understand why further testing is required, a review ofthe guidelines for base oil interchange (BOI) and viscositygrade read across (VGRA) found in Appendices E and F ofAPI 1509 is necessary. Under the guidelines spelled out inAppendix E, the BOI described in the question above is pos-sible. Tables E-2 (for SJ) and E-6 (for CF) permit thereplacement of up to 30 percent of Group I base oil with aGroup IV.

With the question of BOI settled, the marketer must thenturn to the VGRA rules in Appendix F. Again, the SJ and CFguidelines must be addressed separately. For SJ oils, readacross from a viscosity grade is permitted as long as three cri-teria are met:



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O-6 API 1509

¥ The detergent (dispersant)-inhibitor (DI) content ofthe read-across viscosity grade shall be equal to orhigher than that of the original viscosity grade. Theincrease in DI is limited to the maximum allowed bythe ACC

Code of Practice

.

¥ Base stock blend kinematic viscosity at 100¡C of theread-across viscosity grade must be equal to orhigher than that of the original viscosity grade, con-sidering the precision of the test method.

¥ The viscosity modiÞer (VM) content of the read-across viscosity grade must be equal to or lower thanthat of the original viscosity grade.

If all these criteria are met, the marketer does not have torun additional SJ tests. However, no such criteria exist for CF.There are currently no read across rules for CF oils thatwould allow a marketer to read across from a 10W-40 oil to a5W-40. Further testing on the 5W-40 oil is required to qualifyit as CF.



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P-1

APPENDIX P—EOLCS LICENSING CLARIFICATIONS

Licensing ClariÞcations are provided to assist Licensees inmeeting licensing requirements.

Licensing Clarification: February 5, 1993

Question:

A foreign oil company (API licensed) wishes tokeep conÞdential the additive and VI improver packages it isproviding to one of its customers. The customer is selling theoil under its name (as a ÒrebrandÓ) and will be licensed by API.The oil company proposes, as an alternative to providing all theinformation to the customer, to provide only a proprietary codefor the additive and VI improver packagesÑwhich will maskthe name of the additive manufacturer. Thus, the customer willreceive the ACC candidate data package with coded data. Canthe customer be licensed by API under these circumstances?

Answer:

Yes, the customer can be licensed.What API does require for licensing is a ÒYESÓ attestation

in the block related to the line ÒACC Petroleum AdditivesPanel Product Approval Code of PracticeÓ on Part B of theapplication form (This ÒYESÓ attestation is required for ÒSÓCategory and ILSAC licensed oils only, at the present time.)

As an API licensee, the customer can receive from API aninquiry about any oil which it has licensed. It is possible thatas a result of a monitoring or enforcement inquiry API willrequest of the licensee certain information which mightinclude information on the VI Improver, for example. In thatcase the licensee would be required to provide to API, asspeciÞed in the license agreement, all necessary informationto satisfy the monitoring or enforcement request.

Licensing Clarification: March 31, 1993

Question:

The API Application for Licensure formincludes spaces for several oil brands and viscosities. It isassumed that alternate brand names for the same oil (and thesame viscosity) are acceptable for inclusion on this form.

Answer:

Each product, deÞned as a separate brand orviscosity grade, requires a separate PART B in the Applica-tion for Licensure package. The purpose of this requirementis to insure that oils selected from the market for analysis inAPIÕs aftermarket audit program can be identiÞed andmatched with the data presented for licensing. For example,if the same oil (SAE viscosity grade) is packaged under thelabel XYZ as well as another label ABC, they are separateoils for purposes of licensing and should be submitted asseparate candidates for licensing.

Licensing Clarification: March 31, 1993

Question:

Once the Application Form has been submittedand the license obtained, is it possible to change or modify abrand name? Or does a new Application Form and a furtheradministration fee need to be paid?

Answer:

If a licensee desires to change or modify a brandname for a speciÞc product, a new Part B must be completedand submitted to API for approval. No additional fees arerequired.

Licensing Clarification: June 30, 1993

Question:

API licenses two marks. What is the correctway to refer to these marks which are identiÞed in API 1509,as Ò. . . the API Service Symbol and the ILSAC CertiÞca-tion Mark.Ó (Section 2.1) Our company wishes to advertisethese marks to both our retail and bulk customers. However,ÒILSACÓ and ÒService SymbolÓ have no meaning for mostcustomers. What other labelling or identifying terminologyare we permitted to use when referring to the marks?

Answer:

Section 2.1 speciÞes the ofÞcial names of the twomarks.

Licensing Clarification: June 30, 1993

Question:

We wish to license a product but to market itunder more than one name. For example, we plan to market asingle formulation in a number of different geographical loca-tions. How should we proceed?

Answer:

The EOLCS aftermarket audit program willmatch the data obtained from an analysis of marketplace sam-ples with the data submitted to API for licensing, for the sameformulation. The brand name is one of the elements requiredto make the match. Therefore, the name of each brand mustbe available to API. You should submit a separate Part B foreach brand.

Licensing Clarification: November 15, 1993

Question:

May the words ÒEnergy ConservingÓ orÒEnergy Conserving IIÓ or ÒAPI ServiceÓ be translated into aforeign language within the API Service Symbol (donut).

Answer:

No.

Licensing Clarification: April 16, 2001

Question:

Can an API engine oil licensee prepackage APIService Category SL products with API SL in the ServiceSymbol ÒdonutÓ in advance of the July 1, 2001 date of Þrstlicensing? The licensee understands API SL products cannotbe offered for sale before the July 1 date, but it would like tohave products ready for sale on that date.

Answer:

Yes, a marketer may package products display-ing API SL in the API Service Symbol before July 1, 2001,but those products cannot be offered for sale before July 1.This assumes the marketer has completed all necessary APIlicensing requirements.



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Q-1

APPENDIX Q—ILSAC MINIMUM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR PASSENGER CAR ENGINE OILS

Q.1 ILSAC GF-1 Minimum Performance Standard for Passenger Car Engine Oils (Obsolete August 1, 1997)

Q.1.1 INTRODUCTION

The American Automobile Manufacturers Association,Inc. (AAMA) and the Japan Automobile ManufacturersAssociation, Inc. (JAMA), through an organization called theInternational Lubricant Standardization and Approval Com-mittee (ILSAC), jointly developed and approved the GF-1minimum performance standard for gasoline-fueled passen-ger car motor oils.

This standard includes only the performance requirementsand chemical and physical properties of those engine oils thatvehicle manufacturers may deem necessary for satisfactoryequipment life and performance. It is the oil marketerÕsresponsibility to be aware of and comply with all applicablelegal and regulatory requirements on substance use restric-tions, labeling, and health and safety information and to con-duct its business in a manner that represents minimum risk toconsumers and the environment.

This ILSAC minimum performance standard, including allof the additional requirements outlined in Section 4, com-prises the Þrst ILSAC standard for passenger car engine oils.Diesel engine oils are not covered in this speciÞcation butmay be the topic of future discussions between ILSAC andgroups representing diesel engine builders.

Q.1.2 SUMMARY

The ILSAC GF-1 standard is composed of Þve parts. TheÞrst section on viscosity uses the Society of Automotive

Engineers (SAE) Engine Oil Viscosity ClassiÞcation, SAEJ300. The second section encompasses the American Petro-leum Institute (API) SH performance requirements. The thirdsection contains speciÞcations for bench test performanceparameters, such as volatility, foaming tendency, high-tem-perature/high-shear rate viscosity, and Þlterability. The fourthsection contains additional requirements including fuel efÞ-ciency, catalyst compatibility, and low-temperature viscosity.Key reference documents are listed in the Þnal section.

The truest evaluation of an engine oil product is satisfac-tory performance in a variety of vehicle ßeet tests that simu-late the full range of customer driving conditions. The enginesequence tests listed in this document have been speciÞedinstead of ßeet testing to minimize testing time and costs.This simpliÞcation of test requirements is only possiblebecause the speciÞed engine sequence tests have been corre-lated to a variety of vehicle tests.

The correlation between engine sequence tests and ßeettests is judged valid based only on the range of base oils,reÞning processes and additive technologies that have dem-onstrated satisfactory performance in widespread use at thetime this standard was Þrst issued October 22, 1990, andrevised October 12, 1992. The introduction of base oils, reÞn-ing processes or additive technologies that constitute a signif-icant departure from existing practice would requiresupporting ßeet test data and appropriate ASTM engine teststo validate the correlation between the ßeet tests and enginesequence tests for that different base oil, reÞning process, oradditive technology. This ßeet testing would be in addition tothe other requirements listed in this speciÞcation.



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Q-2 API 1509

It is the responsibility of any individual or organizationintroducing a new technology that they claim will provideequivalent or better performance to ensure their engine testresults still correlate with customer Þeld service. Also, themarketer must ensure there is no adverse effect to vehiclecomponents or emission control systems. No marketer canclaim to be acting in a reasonable and prudent manner if themarketer knowingly uses a new technology based only on theresults of engine sequence testing without verifying suitabil-ity in vehicle ßeet testing that simulates the full range of cus-tomer operation.

Q.1.3 MINIMUM PERFORMANCE STANDARD

The ILSAC GF-1 minimum performance standard isshown in Table Q-1.

Q.1.3.1 Section 1

The Þrst section of the standard deals with viscosity. It uti-lizes the most widely accepted deÞnition of viscosity, SAE

J300. Table Q-1 speciÞes the latest revision of this document,in order to keep the ILSAC standard current.

Q.1.3.2 Section 2

The second section of the standard deÞnes ASTM enginetests and corresponding requirements used to deÞne API SHCategory engine oil performance (see 2.3.2.3 and ASTM D4485). The American Society for Testing and Materials(ASTM) Sequence IID test is used to deÞne the low-tempera-ture rust and corrosion protection provided by engine oils.High-temperature valve train wear, oil thickening, and depos-its are evaluated in the ASTM Sequence IIIE test. Low- tomedium-temperature sludge and wear are determined in theASTM Sequence VE test. The L-38 test method deÞnes thebearing corrosion protection provided by engine oils. The 1H2or 1G2 test that deÞned piston cleanliness was dropped fromthe October 22, 1990, version of this standard because of con-cern over interpretation of test results. A replacement test isbeing sought to evaluate high-temperature deposit formation.

Table Q-1ÑILSAC GF-1 Passenger Car Engine Oil Minimum Performance Standard (Obsolete August 1, 1997)

Requirement Criterion

Viscosity Requirements As deÞned by the most recent revision of SAE Standard J300


Engine rustingAverage rust ratingStuck lifters

Wear and oil thickeningIncrease in viscosity at 40¡CPiston skirt varnishRing land depositsAverage engine sludgeStuck piston ringsCam and lifter wear

Average,

m

mMaximum,

m

mOil consumption, l

Sludge and wearAverage engine sludgeRocker cover sludgeAverage engine varnishPiston skirt varnishCam wear

Average,

m

mMaximum,

m

mOil ring clogging

a

Oil screen cloggingHot-stuck rings

Bearing corrosionBearing weight loss, mgPiston skirt varnish

As deÞned by the most recent revision of ASTM D 4485

ASTM D 5844 Sequence IID test8.5 (min)None

ASTM D 5533 Test Method Sequence IIIE375% (max)8.9 (min)3.5 (min)9.2 (min)No oil related

30 (max)64 (max)5.1 (max)

ASTM D 5302 Test Method Sequence VE9.0 (min)7.0 (min)5.0 (min)6.5 (min)

130 (max)380 (max)15% (max)20% (max)None

ASTM D 5119 Test Method L-3840 (max)9.0 (min)



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Bench Test Requirements

HTHS viscosity at 150¡C and 10

6

s

Ð1

For all viscosity grades, mPa ¥ S

VolatilityASTM D 2887

CEC L-40-A-93

ASTM D 4683, ASTM D 4741, or CEC L-36-A-902.9 (min)

Sim. dis. (ASTM D 2887) or evaporative loss (CEC L-40-A-93)20% (max) at 371¡C (0W, 5W multigrades)17% (max) at 371¡C (all other multigrades)25% (max) 1 hr at 250¡C (0W, 5W multigrades)20% (max) 1 hr at 250¡C (all other multigrades)

FilterabilityGM 9099P EOFT

Foaming tendencyFoaming, ml

Sequence ISequence IISequence IIISequence IV

Settling,

b

mlSequence ISequence IISequence IIISequence IV

Flash pointASTM D 93ASTM D 92

Shear stabilityL-38 test 10-hour stripped viscosity

Homogeneity and miscibilityFederal Test Method 791B, Method 3470

50% (max) ßow reduction

ASTM D 892 (Option A)

10 (max)50 (max)10 (max)Report

0 (max)0 (max)0 (max)Report

ASTM D 93 or D 92185¡C (min)200¡C (min)

Must remain in original SAE viscosity grade

Shall remain homogenous and, when mixed with SAE reference oils, shall remain miscible

Additional Requirements

Fuel efÞciencyASTM RR-D:2-1204 Sequence VI Test

improvement (EFEI)

Catalyst compatibilityPhosphorus content

SAE J300 low-temperature viscosity, mPa¥SCrankingPumping

2.7% (min)

0.12 mass % (max)

0W3,250 at Ð30¡C (max)30,000 at Ð35¡C (max)



Notes:

a

Effective October 8, 1993, the Oil Ring Clogging parameter has been suspended as a requirement for the Sequence VE test. Therefore, it has been removed as a requirement for licensing. For any programs that include more than one Sequence VE test and the test completion dates include dates both before and after October 8, 1993, Oil Ring Clogging should be ignored for these tests. ASTM re-evaluated this issue in June 1994 and decided to suspend this parameter indeÞnitely.

b

Settling determined after 5 minutes, except Sequence IV, in which settling is determined after 5 seconds. Sequence IV test conditions are the same as those in Sequence I, except that the temperature is 150¡C and the minimum ßow rate is 200 milliliters.

Table Q-1ÑILSAC GF-1 Passenger Car Engine Oil Minimum Performance Standard (Obsolete August 1, 1997)




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Q-4 API 1509

Q.1.3.3 Section 3

The bench test requirements are outlined in Section 3.High-temperature, high-shear-rate viscosity provides anestimate of bearing oil Þlm thickness and, thus, relates tobearing life [1]. A value of 2.9 mPa¥S at 150¡C and 1 mil-lion seconds

Ð1

is considered by AAMA and JAMA mem-bers to provide adequate assurance of bearing durability inpassenger car engines.

Volatility, as measured by either the NOACK or ASTMsimulated distillation method, is included in the standardbecause volatility has been shown to correlate with oil con-sumption in the Þeld [2, 3]. The values were selected to pro-vide acceptable oil economy in the Þeld. The higherallowable volatility values speciÞed for the lighter viscositygrade oils are an acknowledgment of the difÞculties encoun-tered with existing reÞning equipment and/or processes whenmanufacturing the lighter base stocks necessary for such oils.There is a real need to improve this limit over time, and baseoil manufacturers should make plans to modify equipmentand/or processes to satisfy future requirements that will likelybe more stringent.

A Þlterability test is incorporated in the standard to ensurethe water tolerance of oils under low-temperature conditions.The limits in the General Motors Engine Oil Filterability Test(GM 9099P) correspond to GMÕs and FordÕs initial Þllrequirements. ASTM has been requested to standardize thistest and to consider having the ASTM Test Monitoring Centerhandle distribution of reference oils and Þlter paper. Thiswould provide worldwide availability of the test method andtest materials.

ASTM Foam Test (D 892) limits similar to Ford and Gen-eral MotorsÕ initial Þll and U.S. military speciÞcations areincorporated in the ILSAC standard to ensure that foamingwill not be a problem in current and future engines, whichtend to run at higher speeds and sometimes incorporate bal-ance shafts, both of which can promote foaming. TheSequence IV portion of this test, although not formally partof the ASTM procedure yet, is believed to correlate betterwith foaming under high-speed engine operating conditions.The intent of including the Sequence IV portion of this testas a report-only item is to gather data on this procedure sothat, after it has become an ASTM standard, it can be addedto the ILSAC standard with an appropriate maximumacceptable limit.

Two alternative ßash point methods are also included in thestandard, primarily to cover safety and materials handlingconcerns.

A shear stability requirement for the 10-hour oil samplefrom the L-38 test to remain within the original SAE viscos-ity grade is also included. An investigation into alternativeshear stability methods will be conducted for possible use infuture standards.

Requirements for homogeneity and miscibility areincluded in the standard primarily as quality control checks,to ensure that the oil is blended properly (i.e., that the addi-tives have not settled out).

Q.1.3.4 Section 4

Section 4 of the ILSAC standard incorporates additionalrequirements. All three of the additional requirements listedin Section 4 must be met in order for an oil to satisfy thelicensing requirements of the API CertiÞcation Mark in theAPI Engine Oil Licensing and CertiÞcation System(EOLCS). The fuel efÞciency requirement is important sincewidespread use of engine oils providing at least a 2.7 percentfuel economy improvement in the ASTM Sequence VI testcould provide fuel savings in the country as a whole as com-pared to what the situation would be if other oils were used,although the fuel economy obtained by individual vehicleoperators may differ because of many factors.

No currently acceptable standard test exists for determin-ing the catalyst poisoning effect of engine oils. In the absenceof such a test, and since it has been shown that engine-oil-derived phosphorus poisons emission control devices [4], it isbelieved prudent to limit the phosphorus content of the engineoil to 0.12 mass percent maximum.

The last portion of Section 4 of the standard deals with thelow-temperature viscosity of engine oils, as deÞned by SAEJ300. The low-temperature viscometric properties of multi-viscosity grade engine oils are important as they relate to coldstarting performance in gasoline-fueled passenger cars.

Q.1.3.5 Section 5

Section 5 of the standard references procedures for con-ducting the tests included in the standard.

References

1. Spearot, J. A.; Murphy, C. K.; and Deysarkar, A. K.;ÒInterpreting Experimental Bearing Oil Film ThicknessDataÓ (Paper No. 892151), Society of Automotive Engineers,Warrendale, Pennsylvania.

2. Didot, F. E.; Green, E.; and Johnson, R. H.; ÒVolatilityand Oil Consumption of SAE 5W-30 Engine OilÓ (Paper No.872126), Society of Automotive Engineers, Warrendale,Pennsylvania.

3. Carey, L. R.; Roberts, D. C.; and Shaub, H.; ÒFactorsInßuencing Engine Oil Consumption in TodayÕs AutomotiveEnginesÓ (Paper No. 892159), Society of Automotive Engi-neers, Warrendale, Pennsylvania.

4. SAE Fuels and Lubricants Technical Committee 1,

Engine Oil/Catalyst and Oxygen Sensor Compatibility TaskForce Status Report

, Society of Automotive Engineers, War-rendale, Pennsylvania, October 1985.



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Q.2 ILSAC GF-2 Minimum Performance Standard for Passenger Car Engine Oils (Obsolete March 31, 2002)

The American Automobile Manufacturers Association ofthe United States, Inc. (AAMA) and the Japan AutomobileManufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA), through an organi-zation called the International Lubricants Standardization andApproval Committee (ILSAC), jointly developed andapproved an ILSAC GF-2 minimum performance standardfor gasoline-fueled passenger car engine oils.

This standard speciÞes the minimum performance require-ments (both engine sequence and bench tests) and chemicaland physical properties for those engine oils that vehicle man-ufacturers deem necessary for satisfactory equipment perfor-mance and life.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the standard asshown in Table Q-2, it is the oil marketerÕs responsibility tobe aware of and comply with all applicable legal and regula-tory requirements on substance use restrictions, labeling, andhealth and safety information when marketing products meet-ing the GF-2 standard. It is also the marketerÕs responsibilityto conduct its business in a manner that represents minimumrisk to consumers and the environment.

The ultimate assessment of an engine oilÕs performancemust include a variety of vehicle ßeet tests that simulate thefull range of customer driving conditions. The enginesequence tests listed in this document have been speciÞedinstead of ßeet testing to minimize testing time and costs.This simpliÞcation of test requirements is only possiblebecause the speciÞed engine sequence tests have been corre-lated to a variety of vehicle tests.

The correlation between engine sequence tests and vehicleßeet tests is judged valid based only on the range of base oilsand additive technologies that have proven to have satisfac-tory performance in service and that are in widespread use atthis time. The introduction of base oils or additive technolo-gies that constitute a signiÞcant departure from existing prac-tice requires sufÞcient supporting vehicle ßeet testing data tovalidate the correlation between vehicle and ASTM sequencetest performance and to ensure there is no adverse effect tovehicle components or to emission control systems. Thisvehicle ßeet testing should be conducted in addition to theother performance requirements listed in this speciÞcation.

It is the responsibility of any individual or organizationintroducing a new technology to perform this vehicle ßeettesting, and the responsibility of the oil marketer to ensure theabove testing of new technology was satisfactorily com-pleted. No marketer can claim to be acting in a reasonableand prudent manner if the marketer knowingly uses a newtechnology based only on the results of engine sequence test-ing without verifying the suitability of the new technology invehicle ßeet testing that simulates the full range of customeroperation.

The ILSAC GF-2 Minimum Performance Standardincludes the new Sequence VIA test. Viscosity Grade ReadAcross and Base Oil Interchange Guidelines have been devel-oped speciÞcally for the Sequence VIA test. These guidelineswill be reviewed and, if appropriate, updated by API with theapproval of AAMA. The current guidelines can be applied forviscosity grade read across and base oil interchange in theSequence IID, IIIE, and VE and L-38 tests. API has beenrequested to continue to solicit and review data conÞrmingthe applicability of these guidelines to GF-2 oils. Oil market-ers use the above guidelines at their own judgment and attheir own risk. The use of these guidelines does not absolvethe marketer of the responsibility for meeting all speciÞedrequirements for any products the marketer sells in the mar-ketplace that are licensed as ILSAC GF-2 with API.

Note: This paragraph has been updated since the ILSAC GF-2 Mini-mum Performance Standard was issued November 6, 1995.

Q.3 ILSAC GF-3 Minimum Performance Standard for Passenger Car Engine Oils (Effective July 1, 2001)

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.and representatives from DaimlerChrysler Corporation, FordMotor Company and General Motors Corporation, throughan organization called the International Lubricant Standard-ization and Approval Committee (ILSAC), jointly developedand approved an ILSAC GF-3 minimum performance stan-dard for gasoline-fueled passenger car engine oils.

This standard speciÞes the minimum performance require-ments (both engine sequence and bench tests) and chemicaland physical properties for those engine oils that vehicle man-ufacturers deem necessary for satisfactory equipment perfor-mance and life.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the standard asshown in Table Q-3, it is the oil marketerÕs responsibility tobe aware of and comply with all applicable legal and regula-tory requirements on substance use restrictions, labeling, andhealth and safety information when marketing products meet-ing the GF-3 standard. It is also the marketerÕs responsibilityto conduct its business in a manner which represents mini-mum risk to consumers and the environment.

The ultimate assessment of an engine oilÕs performancemust include a variety of vehicle ßeet tests that simulate thefull range of customer driving conditions. The enginesequence tests listed in this document have been speciÞedinstead of ßeet testing to minimize testing time and costs.This simpliÞcation of test requirements is only possiblebecause the speciÞed engine sequence tests have been corre-lated to a variety of vehicle tests.

The correlation between engine sequence tests and vehi-cle ßeet tests is judged valid based only on the range of baseoils and additive technologies that have proven to have satis-factory performance in service and that are in widespread



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Q-6 API 1509

Table Q-2ÑILSAC GF-2 Passenger Car Engine Oil Minimum Performance Standard (Obsolete March 31, 2002)


Viscosity Requirements Viscosity, mPa¥S, at Temperature, ¡C

Cranking: Pumping:ASTM D 5293 ASTM D 46843500 (max) at Ð 20¡C 60,000 (max) at Ð 30¡C

Gelation Index ASTM D 5133:¥ 12.0 (max)¥ To be evaluated from Ð 5¡C to temperature at which 40,000 cP is attained or

Ð 40¡C, whichever occurs ÞrstOther Requirements:

As deÞned by the latest revision of SAE Standard J300


Engine rustingAverage rust ratingStuck lifters

Wear and oil thickeningHours to 375% increase

in viscosity @ 40¡CPiston skirt varnishRing land depositsAverage engine sludgeStuck piston ringsCam and lifter wear

Average,

m

mMaximum,

m

mOil consumption, l

Sludge and wearAverage engine sludgeRocker cover sludgeAverage engine varnishPiston skirt varnishCam wear

Average,

m

mMaximum,

m

mOil screen cloggingHot-stuck ringsPiston undercrown depositsRing land depositsCylinder bore wearOil ring clogging

Bearing corrosionBearing weight loss, mg

Fuel economy improvement (FEI)


ASTM D 5844 Sequence IID test8.5 (min)None

ASTM D 5533 Test Method Sequence IIIE64 (min)

8.9 (min)3.5 (min)9.2 (min)No oil related

30 (max)64 (max)5.1 (max)

ASTM D 5302 Test Method Sequence VE9.0 (min)7.0 (min)5.0 (min)6.5 (min)

127 (max)380 (max)20% (max)NoneRate and reportRate and reportRate and reportRate and report

ASTM D 5119 Test Method L-3840 (max)

ASTM D 6202 Sequence VIA TestFor SAE 0W-20 and 5W-20 viscosity grades: 1.4% (min) vs. ASTM BC-2For other SAE 0W and 5W multi-viscosity grades: 1.1% (min) vs. ASTM BC-2For all SAE 10W multi-viscosity grades: 0.5% (min) vs. ASTM BC-2



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Bench Test RequirementsVolatility

Filterability


Sequence ISequence II Sequence III

Settling

a

mlSequence ISequence IISequence III

High temperature foaming

b

Static foam max, tendency/stability

Flash point ASTM D 93 (ISO 2719) ASTM D 92

Shear stabilityL-38 test 10-hour stripped viscosity

Homogeneity and miscibilityFederal Test Method 791B, Method 3470

Additional Requirements:High temperature deposits

Chrysler TEOST Test (Method 33)


Simulated distillation (ASTM D 2887 extended) or (ASTM D 5480)17% (max) at 371¡C

- or -Evaporative loss (CEC L-40-A-93) or JPI 5S-41-93 (Method B)22% (max), 1 h at 250¡C

GM 9099P EOFT 50% (max) ßow reduction allowable GM EOFT with following modiÞcations (Rate and Report only):1. Dry ice is not to be used during sample preparation.2. Sample is to be placed in oven at 70¡C for 6.0 hours (±0.25 hours).3. Tests to be run at 0.6, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0% water.4. Test formulation with the highest additive (DI/VI) combination. Read across results to all other base oil/viscosity grade formulations using same or lower con-centration of identical additive (DI/VI) combination. Each different (DI/VI) combi-nation must be tested.


10 (max)50 (max) 10 (max)

0 (max)0 (max)0 (max)

200/50

c

ASTM D 93 (ISO 2719) or ASTM D 92185¡C (min)200¡C (min)

Must remain in original SAE viscosity grade

Shall remain homogenous and, when mixed with SAE reference oils, shall remain miscible

ASTM D 633560 mg deposit (max)

0.10 mass % (max)

a

Settling determined after 10 minutes.

b

Follow High Temperature Foam Test in ASTM D 6082.

c

Settling determined after 1 minute.

Table Q-2ÑILSAC GF-2 Passenger Car Engine Oil Minimum Performance Standard (Continued)(Obsolete March 31, 2002)




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Q-8 API 1509

use at this time. The introduction of base oils or additivetechnologies which constitute a signiÞcant departure fromexisting practice requires sufÞcient supporting vehicle ßeettesting data to validate the correlation between vehicle andASTM sequence test performance and to ensure there is noadverse effect to vehicle components or to emission controlsystems. This vehicle ßeet testing should be conducted inaddition to the other performance requirements listed in thisspeciÞcation.

Engine oil compatibility with sealing materials and gasketsis not controlled by performance tests in this speciÞcation.However, an SAE Committee on Automotive Rubber SpeciÞ-cations (CARS) has established a slate of reference elas-tomers that may be used for testing of different base oils andadditive technologies that constitute a signiÞcant departurefrom existing materials. The CARS committee has also estab-lished an ASTM reference oil (TMC1006) that should beconsidered as an aggressive oil and could also be used as areference. ILSAC recommends that additive or base oil tech-nologies that exceed the aggression of this reference oil berevised or adequately Þeld tested to ensure no chance of cus-tomer seal failures when placed in commercial service.

It is the responsibility of any individual or organizationintroducing a new technology to perform this vehicle ßeet

testing, and the responsibility of the oil marketer to ensure theabove testing of new technology was satisfactorily com-pleted. No marketer can claim to be acting in a reasonableand prudent manner if the marketer knowingly uses a newtechnology based only on the results of engine sequence test-ing without verifying the suitability of the new technology invehicle ßeet testing that simulates the full range of customeroperation.

The ILSAC GF-3 Minimum Performance Standardincludes the new Ball Rust Test, the new Sequence IIIF test,the new Sequence IVA test, the new Sequence VG test, thenew Sequence VIB test, the new Sequence VIII test, and thenew TEOST MHT test. Viscosity grade read across and baseoil interchange for these tests may be applicable after VGRAand BOI Guidelines for them are supported by test data anddeveloped by the appropriate groups. It should be pointed out,however, that when oil marketers use the guidelines, they doso based on their own judgment and at their own risk. The useof these guidelines does not absolve the marketer of theresponsibility for meeting all speciÞed requirements for anyproducts the marketer sells in the marketplace that arelicensed as ILSAC GF-3 with API.



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Table Q-3ÑILSAC GF-3 Passenger Car Engine Oil Minimum Performance Standard (Effective July 1, 2001)


Viscosity Requirements Oils shall meet all requirements of SAE J300 and low temperature requirements of either SAE 0W, 5W or 10W viscosity grades

Gelation Index ASTM D 5133:¥ 12.0 (max)¥ To be evaluated from Ð5¡C to temperature at which 40,000 cP is attained or

Ð40¡C, whichever occurs Þrst


Engine rustingAverage gray value

Wear and oil thickeningViscosity increase (kV 40¡C)Low temp viscosityAverage piston skirt varnish ratingWeighted piston deposit ratingHot stuck piston ringsCam plus lifter wear, average,

m

mOil consumption, lCam wear

Average,

m

mMaximum,

m

m

Sludge and varnishAverage engine sludge ratingRocker cover sludge ratingAverage engine varnish ratingAverage piston skirt varnish ratingOil screen clogging,%Hot-stuck compression ringsCold stuck ringsOil screen debris,%Oil ring clogging

Valvetrain wearAverage cam wear (7 position avg.),

m

m

Bearing corrosionBearing weight loss, mg

Fuel economy improvement (FEI)


ASTM Ball Rust Test100 (min)

ASTM Sequence IIIF Test275% (max)Report

a

9.0 (min)4.0 (min)None allowed20 (max)5.2 (max)ASTM Sequence VE Test

b

127 (max)380 (max)

ASTM Sequence VG Test7.8 (min)8.0 (min)8.9 (min)7.5 (min)20 (max)NoneRate and reportRate and reportRate and report

ASTM Sequence IVA Test120 (max)

ASTM Sequence VIII Test26.4 (max)

ASTM Sequence VIB Test

c

For SAE 0W-20 and 5W-20 viscosity grades:2.0% FEI 1 (min) after 16 hours aging1.7% FEI 2 (min) after 96 hours aging

For SAE 0W-30 and 5W-30 viscosity grades:1.6% FEI 1 (min) after 16 hours aging1.3% FEI 2 (min) after 96 hours agingSum of FEI 1 and FEI 2 must be 3.0% (min)

For SAE 10W-30 and all other viscosity grades not listed above:0.9% FEI 1 (min) after 16 hours aging0.6% FEI 2 (min) after 96 hours agingSum of FEI 1 and FEI 2 must be 1.6% (min)



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Q-10 API 1509

Bench Test Requirements

VolatilityEvaporation loss

Simulated distillation

High temperature depositsDeposit weight, mg

FilterabilityEngine oil Þlterability test (EOFT)Engine oil water tolerance test (EOWTT)


Sequence ISequence IISequence III

After settling

d

, mlSequence ISequence IISequence III

High temperature foamingFoaming, mlAfter settling

e

, ml

Shear stability10-hour stripped 100¡C kinematic viscosity

Homogeneity and miscibility



ASTM D 580015% (max), 1 hour at 250¡CASTM D 641710% (max) at 371¡C

TEOST MHT-445 (max)

50% (max) ßow reduction allowable50% (max) ßow reduction allowable

1. Dry ice not to be used during sample preparation.2. Sample to be placed in oven at 70¡C for 6 hours (±0.25 hours).3. Tests to be run at 0.6, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0% H

2

O.4. Test formulation with highest additive (DI/VI) concentration. Read across

results to all other base oil/viscosity grade formulations using same or lower concentration of identical additive (DI/VI) combination. Each different DI/VI combination must be tested.


10 (max)50 (max)10 (max)

0 (max)0 (max)0 (max)

ASTM D 6082 (optional blending required)100 (max)0 (max)

ASTM Sequence VIII TestMust remain in original SAE viscosity grade

Federal Test Method 791C, Method 3470.1Shall remain homogeneous and, when mixed with SAE reference oils, shall remain miscible

ASTM D 4951 or D 51850.10 mass % (max)

a

80-hour test oil sample shall be evaluated by ASTM Test Method D 4684 (MRV TP-1) at the temperature indicated by the low-temperaturegrade of oil as determined on the 80-hour sample by ASTM Test Method D 5293 (CCS viscosity).

b

Not required for oils containing a minimum of 0.08% phosphorus in the form of zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDP).

c

All FEI 1 and FEI 2 values determined relative to ASTM Reference Oil BC.

d

Settling determined after 10 minutes.

e

Settling determined after 1 minute.

Table Q-3ÑILSAC GF-3 Passenger Car Engine Oil Minimum Performance Standard (Continued)(Effective July 1, 2001)




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04/02



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Additional copies are available through Global EngineeringDocuments at (800) 854-7179 or (303) 397-7956

Information about API Publications, Programs and Services isavailable on the World Wide Web at: http://www.api.org

Product No. C150915



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