
ILSAC unveils GF-8 proposal, API SQ named as next category
The final specifications for the next generation of International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee (ILSAC) passenger car motor oils, ILSAC GF-7A and ILSAC GF-7B, were approved in March 2024, with a first license date of March 31, 2025. The American Petroleum Institute (API) will establish a new API “S” Service Category corresponding with the ILSAC standard.
API โSโ Service Category
At the API Lubricants Group meeting in June 2024, Darryl Purificati announced API SQ as the next service category, mirroring ILSAC GF-7 with added specifications for ultra-low viscosity oils SAE 0W-8 and SAE 0W-12. The draft of API SQ is expected by August 2024, aiming for a first license date of March 31, 2025.
ILSAC GF-8
Work on ILSAC GF-8 is already underway, with a projected first license date of March 31, 2028. This specification aims to maintain backward compatibility and will include the same viscosity grades as GF-7, excluding ultra-low viscosity grades like SAE 0W-8 and SAE 0W-12. It will incorporate ethanol fuel blends of up to 20% in key tests.
Key changes in GF-8
- Sequence IIIH: Proposed reduction in PVIS limit from 100% to 75%.
- Sequence IVB: Lower wear and end-of-test iron limits.
- Sequence VJ: New test to maintain engine performance in modern TDI engines.
- NOACK Volatility: Considering reducing the limit to 13% at 250ยฐC.
Chemical/physical properties
Sulphated Ash levels will be reduced to achieve a GPF useful life of 150,000 miles (241,401 kilometres). New bench tests and measures are being considered to improve the accuracy and relevance of the specifications.
To read the full-length article, check out the digital edition of the Q3 2024 issue of F+L Magazine.