During engine operation, engine oil can become contaminated by water and fuel. In the case of Ed85 fuels, this contamination can result in a non-emulsified aqueous bottom layer in the oil that can affect the lubrication and detergency of the engine oil. To avoid field problems, engine oil should be capable of emulsifying water contamination to the extent that no aqueous layer appears.

The test described in this method is designed to evaluate the ability of an engine oil, contaminated with a specified amount of water (volume fraction of 10 % of the original oil sample) and simulated Ed85 fuel (also a volume fraction of 10 % of the original oil sample), to emulsify the water after agitation in a blender and to maintain this emulsion at temperatures of 20 °C to 25 °C and -5 °C to 0 °C for at least 24 h.

This test method has potential use in specifications of engine lubricating oils, such as Specification D4485.

1.1 This test method describes a qualitative procedure to measure the ability of a specific volume of engine oil to emulsify a specific added volume of combined water and simulated Ed85 fuel upon agitation in a high-speed blender and to retain this emulsified state for at least 24 h at temperatures of both 20 °C to 25 °C and -5 °C to 0 °C.

1.2 Information Letters are published periodically by the ASTM Test Monitoring Center (TMC) to update this and other test methods under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D02.B0. Copies of these letters can be obtained by writing the Center.

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

1.4 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.