Due to test development delays in ILSAC GF-6, the first license date for this new passenger car engine oil category in North America and Japan will no longer be dependent on PC-11 introduction.

PC-11, the new heavy-duty engine oil category being developed at the same time as ILSAC GF-6, is now moving to a December 2016 first license date, it was heard during the ASTM Passenger Car Engine Oil Classification Meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., U.S.A. on 23 June 2015. Meanwhile, ILSAC GF-6 is probably moving towards a March 2018 first license date.

The American Petroleum Institute (API), which will license these two new oil categories, initially had requested a nine-month separation between the two.

Two engine tests so far have been accepted for precision matrix testing, but the testing can’t start until funding has been received. But first, the revised memorandum of agreement (MOA) has to be signed by all parties. According to API’s Kevin Ferrick, API has signed the revised MOA on 9 June 2015 and has sent the MOA to the other signatories, including the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the Alliance and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).

Meanwhile, several engine tests are far from being ready for precision matrix testing. One particular test that may experience considerable delay is the Sequence VIE Fuel Economy Test. The surveillance panel is considering whether to recommend two separate fuel economy tests for ILSAC GF-6A and GF-6B. It appears that GF-6B, which will provide a new performance level for low viscosity engine oils, could require an entirely different hardware from GF-6A. Other options are being considered as well.