5.1 This test method is used to evaluate automotive engine oils for protection of engines against bearing weight loss.

5.2 This test method is also used to evaluate the SIG capabilities of multiviscosity-graded oils.

5.3 Correlation of test results with those obtained in automotive service has not been established.

5.4 Use—The Sequence VIII test method is useful for engine oil specification acceptance. It is used in specifications and classifications of engine lubricating oils, such as the following:

5.4.1 Specification D4485.

5.4.2 API Publication 1509 Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System.⁶

5.4.3 SAE Classification J304.

1.1 This test method covers the evaluation of automotive engine oils (SAE grades 0W, 5W, 10W, 20, 30, 40, and 50, and multi-viscosity grades) intended for use in spark-ignition gasoline engines. The test procedure is conducted using a carbureted, spark-ignition Cooperative Lubrication Research (CLR) Oil Test Engine (also referred to as the Sequence VIII test engine in this test method) run on unleaded fuel. An oil is evaluated for its ability to protect the engine and the oil from deterioration under high-temperature and severe service conditions. The test method can also be used to evaluate the viscosity stability of multi-viscosity-graded oils. Companion test methods used to evaluate engine oil performance for specification requirements are discussed in the latest revision of Specification D4485.

1.2 Correlation of test results with those obtained in automotive service has not been established. Furthermore, the results obtained in this test are not necessarily indicative of results that will be obtained in a full-scale automotive spark-ignition or compression-ignition engine, or in an engine operated under conditions different from those of the test. The test can be used to compare one oil with another.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3.1 Exceptions—The values stated in inch-pounds for certain tube measurements, screw thread specifications, and sole source supply equipment are to be regarded as standard.

1.4 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 precautionary statements are provided throughout this test method.

1.5 This test method is arranged as follows:

Subject

Section

Introduction

Scope

1

Referenced Documents

2

Terminology

3

Summary of Test Method

4

Before Test Starts

4.1

Power Section Installation

4.2

Engine Operation (Break-in)

4.3

Engine Operation (Test/Samples)

4.4

Stripped Viscosity

4.5

Test Completion (BWL)

4.6

Significance and Use

5

Evaluation of Automotive oils

5.1

Stay in Grade Capabilities

5.2

Correlation of Results

5.3

Use

5.4

Apparatus

6

Test Engineering, Inc.

6.1

Fabricated or Specially Prepared Items

6.2

Instruments and Controls

6.3

Procurement of Parts

6.4

Reagents and Materials

7

Reagents

7.1

Cleaning Materials

7.2

Expendable Power Section-Related Items

7.3

Power Section Coolant

7.4

Reference Oils

7.5

Test Fuel

7.6

Test Oil Sample Requirements

8

Selection

8.1

Inspection

8.2

Quantity

8.3

Preparation of Apparatus

9

Test Stand Preparation

9.1

Conditioning Test Run on Power Section

9.2

General Power Section Rebuild Instructions

9.3

Reconditioning of Power Section After Each Test

9.4

Calibration

10

Power Section and Test Stand Calibration

10.1

Instrumentation Calibration

10.2

Calibration of AFR Measurement Equipment

10.3

Calibration of Torque Wrenches

10.4

Engine Operating Procedure

11

Run-In and Flush

11.1

Test Operating Conditions

11.2

Air-Fuel Ratio and Spark Advance

11.3

Air, Off-Gas and Blowby Measurement

11.4

Unscheduled Shutdowns

11.5

Oil Sampling and Oil Addition

11.6

Periodic Measurements

11.7

Final Oil Drain and Oil Consumption Computation

11.8

Operational Validity Criteria

11.9

Test Completion

11.10

Determination of Test Results

12

Oil Analysis

12.1

Test Bearing Weight Loss Determination

12.2

Report

13

Precision and Bias

14

Precision

14.1

Bias

14.2

Use of ASTM Rounding

15

Keywords

16

ANNEXES

Measurement of Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance and
Journal Taper

Annex A1

Measurement of Main Bearing Clearance

Annex A2

The ASTM Test Monitoring Center Calibration Program

Annex A3

Measurement of Piston-to-Sleeve Clearance

Annex A4

Control Chart Technique for a Laboratory's Severity
Adjustment (SA)

Annex A5

Recommended New Liner Honing Procedure

Annex A6

Sequence VIII Oil Priming Procedure

Annex A7

Alternative Crankcase Breather Configuration

Annex A8

Connecting Rod Bearing Cleaning Procedure

Annex A9

Electronic Ignition Conversion

Annex A10

System Response Procedure

Annex A11

Air-Fuel Ratio Measurement

Annex A12

Lead Decontamination Procedure

Annex A13

Stay-in-Grade Oil Analysis Procedure

Annex A14

Crankshaft Rear Seal Conditioning

Annex A15

Report Forms and Data Dictionary

Annex A16

Test Fuel Specification

Annex A17

APPENDIXES

Role of the ASTM Test Monitoring Center and the Calibration Program

Appendix X1

Suggested Method for Salvaging Camshaft Bearing Journals

Appendix X2

Data Log Sheets

Appendix X3