The CCS apparent viscosity of automotive engine oils correlates with low temperature engine cranking. CCS apparent viscosity is not suitable for predicting low temperature flow to the engine oil pump and oil distribution system. Engine cranking data were measured by the Coordinating Research Council (CRC) L-49⁴ test with reference oils that had viscosities between 600 and 8400 mPa·s (cP) at −17.8°C and between 2000 and 20 000 mPa·s (cP) at −28.9°C. The detailed relation between this engine cranking data and CCS apparent viscosities is in Appendixes X1 and X2 of the 1967 T edition of Test Method D 2602⁵ and CRC Report 409.⁴ Because the CRC L-49 test is much less precise and standardized than the CCS procedures, CCS apparent viscosity need not accurately predict the engine cranking behavior of an oil in a specific engine. However, the correlation of CCS apparent viscosity with average L-49 engine cranking results is satisfactory.

The correlation between CCS and apparent viscosity and engine cranking was confirmed at temperatures between −1 and −40°C by work on 17 commercial engine oils (SAE grades 5W, 10W, 15W, and 20W). Both synthetic and mineral oil based products were evaluated. See ASTM STP 621.⁶

A correlation was established in a low temperature engine performance study between light duty engine startability and CCS measured apparent viscosity. This study used ten 1990’engines at temperatures ranging from –5 down to –40°C with six commercial engine oils (SAE 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, and 25W).⁷

1.1 This test method covers the laboratory determination of apparent viscosity of engine oils by cold cranking simulator (CCS) at temperatures between -5 and -35°C at shear stresses of approximately 50 000 to 100 000 Pa and shear rates of approximately 10⁵ to 10⁴ s^-1 and viscosities of approximately 500 to 25 000 mPa·s. The range of an instrument is dependent on the instrument model and software version installed. These results are related to engine-cranking characteristics of engine oils.

1.2 A special procedure is provided in Annex A1 for highly viscoelastic oils.

1.3 Procedures are provided for both manual and automated determination of the apparent viscosity of engine oils using the cold-cranking simulator.

1.4 A special manual procedure is provided in Annex A1 for highly viscoelastic oils.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific warning statements are given in 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and Section 8.