5.1 It is normal for some of the combustion products of an internal combustion engine, such as carbon dioxide, to penetrate the engine oil and be retained in it.

5.2 When an engine is run for a period and then stored over a long period of time, the by-products of combustion might be retained in the engine system as a gel.

5.3 Under these circumstances, gels can form that impair the pumpability and filterability of the oil the next time the engine is run.

5.4 This test method is used for specification purposes and is considered of value in estimating the filterability of oils, especially those that are prone to water contamination. It should be recognized, however, that correlation between results of this method and the filterability of a lubricant in field service may vary markedly with field service conditions and with various lubricants. The precision statement for this method was determined on formulated engine oils.

5.5 Reference oils, on which the data obtained by this test method is known, are available.

5.6 This test method requires that a reference oil also be tested, and results reported. Two oils are available, one known to give a low, and one known to give a high data value for this test method.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the tendency of a fully formulated automotive engine oil to form a precipitate that causes an abrupt viscosity increase due to gelation. It simulates a problem that may be encountered after multiple cold starts or short drive times, resulting in a buildup of water contamination in the oil. After long storage periods, gelation of the oil/water/precipitate mixture can be observed. This method addresses contamination containing a weak acid formation from carbon dioxide; it does not directly address other forms of gel formation. The test result (average of duplicates) of interest is the Oil Volume (mL) at 120 seconds (V120) in the test, with results between 5 mL and 68 mL.

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

1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.