GF-6 “Update” Proposed at API Advisory Panel
Updates to ILSAC GF-6 were proposed at the American Petroleum Institute’s Detroit Advisory Panel Forum last week. These requirements are likely to serve as a first draft of ILSAC GF-7.
Ford Motor Co.’s Michael Deegan, chair of the International Lubricants Standardization and Advisory Committee (ILSAC), described a series of requirements for what he called an “update to GF-6,” including:
- Improvements to the Sequence IIIH oil thickening test.
- Change in engine platforms for the Sequence VH low-temperature sludge test and the Sequence VIE and VIF fuel economy tests. In addition, Deegan proposed an updated procedure to better simulate current engine sludge issues and improvements in test evaluation for the Sequence VH, as well as greater fuel economy requirements and less deviation for the Sequence VIE and VIF.
- Determination of whether the Sequence VIII corrosive wear and shear stability test should be included in the next category.
- Review of the Sequence IX low-speed pre-ignition test and the Sequence X chain-wear test, including engine life.
- Changes in seal testing requirements.
- Modifications to bench test requirements, including Noack volatility.
Additionally, Deegan described a desire to maintain backward compatibility with previous categories, introduction of SAE 0W-8 and SAE 0W-12 viscosity grades, and assessment of the impact of ethanol fuel on tests. A high-temperature wear test may also be added, as well as some consideration of turbocharger coking.
Although Deegan did not directly call for these requirements to be part of ILSAC GF-7, ILMA believes they can be viewed as a high-level draft for the next passenger car engine oil specification. Deegan said a request to the Auto-Oil Advisory Panel will go out “soon,” adding that the tentative target for implementation would be the second quarter of 2028.
