The International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) has requested that a new gasoline engine oil specification be developed, says Jeffrey Harmening, American Petroleum Institute, senior manager – EOLCS/DEF/MOM.

The request was received by the Co-Chairs of the Auto/Oil Advisory Panel (AOAP) and the Chair of the API Lubricants Standards Group. The AOAP will begin the evaluation process of the specification, expected to be called ILSAC GF-7, which would replace the current GF-6 specification. The request states a desired first-licensing date from API of no later than the end of Q2 2028.

The new specification is being requested with the following improvements:

• Replacement Sequence V & VI engine tests
  • The Sequence V sludge test has been using the same engine since GF-4. The engine components are in short supply, and there is a need to update the test procedure to better reflect current engine platforms. The Sequence VIE/F Fuel Economy tests also require an updated engine platform.  
• Improvement to Sequence IIIH – Oxidation and deposits test
  • Increased oxidation protection
• Resolution of Sequence VIII – Corrosion test
  • Evaluate the test for possible removal
• Review of Sequence IX – Low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) test
  • Review due to potential end of component life
  • Introduce a stand-alone Aged Oil LSPI Test to ensure mitigation of pre-ignition throughout the drain interval
• Review of Sequence X – Chain wear test
  • Review due to potential end of component life
• Seal Test changes
  • Keep/replace/add new seals
• New/modified Bench Tests

• NOACK Volatility (ASTM D5800)
• Oil gelation/filterability (ASTM D6795)
• Sulphated Ash (ASTM D129 (was D874)

Goals for the new specification include:

• Maintain backward compatibility
• Evaluate ethanol fuel impact on tests
• Inclusion of 0W-12/0W-8 Low Viscosity Oils-(0W-12/0W-8)
• Protect for future EPA/CARB requirements

Gasoline motor oil specifications are created by the procedure defined in Annex C of API 1509 – Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System which includes a consensus-based process for developing new gasoline engine oil standards for API certification marks. API says it will work with the auto industry, oil marketers, additive companies and others, to meet the needs of current and future engines.