Automotive lubricant specification and testing

Abstract

This chapter concerns commercial lubricant specification and testing, drawing together the many themes of previous chapters. Military lubricant standards were a very strong initial influence during World War II and led to the separate historical development of the North American and European specification systems. The wide range of functions that a successful lubricant must satisfy is discussed, together with issues of balancing special or universal applications, single or multiple engine tests, the philosophy of accelerated testing and the question of 'who sets the standards?' The role of engine tests and testing organisations is examined. Development of the tripartite API/SAE/ASTM specification system is described through to the current (2008) SM (petrol/gasoline) and CJ-4 (diesel) specifications, set out as tables. The roles of the US lubricant and vehicle manufacturers in forming these specifications are discussed. External and internal drivers for current and future changes are described and assessed, such as increased service intervals, higher performance levels and environmental changes leading to higher soot levels. The separate development of the European specification system through the CEC system and the different relationships between lubricants and OEM manufacturers, relative to North America, are described. The reasons for the evolution of the CEC system into the ACEA system are described and the current specifications set out as a table. The role of associate organisations such as ATIEL is explained. The evolution of the GF-series under the ILSAC specification system is described. Examples are given of specific engine and laboratory tests. The direction of future engine lubrication specifications and the forces shaping them are examined. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.