Lube basics

Motor,  Nov 2002  by Layne, Ken

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More Changes Yet to Come

When the S and C service classifications were introduced in the late '60s, they promised to be an improved and rational way to define motor oil performance requirements and their evolution. The system went along pretty well for about 20 years-until the 1980s-and then deteriorated into confusion. Today, few laymen could, or would care to, understand the classifications. For example, the latest service classification, SL, does not supersede or replace any of the GF ratings, nor is it equivalent to any GF rating. All GF-3 oils will meet the SL standards, and some (but not all) SL oils will meet GF-3 requirements.

The domestic carmakers don't list any GF requirements in their owner's manuals, but emphasize that owners should use only oils with the starburst symbol on the container. Of course, the starburst means that the oil does meet GF requirements, but the vehicle manufacturers choose not to try to explain it to their customers.

Furthermore, ILSAC GF oils are all multiviscosity grades, but not all multiviscosity oils meet ILSAC requirements. For example, 20W-40 and most 10W-40 oils do not.

The ILSAC GF-4 specification is expected to be released for 2004 vehides. Also, it's expected that GF-4 oil will not be retrocompatible with all older engines, nor will older oil classifications be compatible with 2004 engines. Although the latest service classifications are best, older classifications, such as SH, SJ, GF-1 and GF-2, won't cause any real problems with current-year engines. For 2004 vehicles, however, these older classifications with higher phosphorus levels may seriously degrade the next generation of emissions systems.

All the details for the next generations of engines and oils haven't been completed yet, but one thing is certain: Industry education is a continuous and necessary process. Stay tuned.

Visit www.motor.com to download a free copy of this article. Copies are also available by sending $3 for each copy to: Fulfillment Dept., MOTOR Magazine, 5600 Crooks Rd., Troy, MI 48098.

Copyright Hearst Business Publishing Nov 2002
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