Engine Oil
Jim Halderman
Introductions: Jim Halderman
Author of many automotive
books and lives in Dayton,
Ohio.
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
http://jameshalderman.com

jim@jameshalderman.com
Topics to be Discussed
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Types of oils
API grades
SAE grades
ACEA specifications
OE specifications
(GM, Ford, BMW
etc.)
Ever hear this?
• “Do we have to know all of this?”
• Therefore I started labeling content:
– A. Need to know
– B. Nice to know
– C. Miscellaneous useless information or in
other words………..Who cares???
Determine Four Things
1. The recommended
oil change interval
2. The recommended
viscosity (SAE
rating)
3. The recommended
API rating
4. The vehicle specific
specification of the
oil
Need to know-right?
Looks like a good oil … Is it?
Does Not Meet GM and Others
High-Mileage Oil
• Usually higher viscosity
and therefore can not
meet ILSAC GF-4 rating
• Has esters to swell
seals
• To be used in engines
with higher than 75,000
miles
• Does not have the
energy rating of
conventional oils
•
Need to know?
Look for GM, Ford, Chrysler,
Honda and other manf. spec’s on label
Meets Ford and Chrysler
but not GM. If the manf. spec is NOT listed, it
does not meet their requirements. DON’T USE.
Do you think that all “quickie” oil change places use exactly the
correct oil for each vehicle?? What about a warranty claim??
API Ratings
Gasoline Engine Ratings
• SA-SJ=older and now
obsolete ratings
• SL-2001-2003
• SM-2004+
• SN -October, 2010
Diesel Engine Ratings
• CA-CC=obsolete
• Current ratings = CF-4
(four cycle); CG-4 and
CJ-4 (low ash) (2007+
Engines using ULSD)
•
Need to know stuff
API GROUPS
• Group I- Solvent refined.
(Older technology)
• Group II- Hydrocracked
(most oils)
• Group III- Further
hydrowaxed (Castrol
Syntec)
• Group IV-Polyalphaolefin
(PAO), Mobil 1
• Group V-Esters (Royal
Purple and Redline)
ILSAC Ratings
ILSAC=International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee
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GF-1-First used in 1993
GF-2-updated in 1997
GF-3-Updated in 2000
GF-4-Updated in 2004
GF-5-Out now for use in 2011+
engines
• “Star Burst” is always on the
front of the container.
• GF means gasoline fueled
engines
• Star Burst indicates that the oil is
of a good quality and meets the
GF rating. Usually, only 0W, 5W
and 10W oils will have this
symbol.
Nice to know stuff……….but…..
What’s Falling?
• The viscosity is
falling
• The sky is NOT
falling
Viscosity
• Viscosity is a lubricant’s
resistance
to flow.
• The viscosity of an
industrial lubricant is
normally given in:
– cSt (centistokes) or
mm²/second
– measure of kinematic
viscosity
Viscosity is the main
feature which influences the
efficiency of lubrication
© epc graphics
Viscosity Measurement
40°C or
Measured by timing oil flow
through a calibrated
orifice @ 40°C (104 F)
and/or 100°C (212 F)
Calibrated
orifice
100 °C
Effect of Temperature on Viscosity
• Viscosity of a
fluid is a
function of
temperature
200
KINEMATIC VIS COS ITY c S t
• Viscosity is a
measure of a
fluid’s
resistance to
flow (“how thick
it is”)
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0
50
TEMP ERATURE (C)
100
uh….a liquid gets thinner as it gets
hotter!!!)
Viscosity Index Improvers
VI Improvers - Are polymers (very large
molecules) which inhibit the oil from
thinning out at high temperatures
In the Cold
With Heat
Uncoiling Counteracts the Normal Thinning
of Oil
VI Improver
Multigrade Oils
Viscosity
THICK
SAE 40
SAE 10W40
SAE 10W
THIN
-18
100
Temperature (°C)
SAE Grades
COLD
• SAE = Society of
Automotive Engineers
-22OF
(WINTER)
HOT
212OF
• 5W = The “W” means
winter and the oil is
tested at -30 C (-22F)
• SAE 5W-30 = The “30”
is the viscosity
measured at 100 C (212
F)
Need to know stuff
THE “W” DOES NOT STAND FOR “WEIGHT”
Do customers know?
Do service technicians know?
• SAE=? (Society of Automotive
Engineers)
• API=? (American Petroleum
Institute)
• ILSAC=? (International
Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee)
• ACEA=? (Association des
Contructeurs European
d’Automobiles)
•
Need to know or nice to know?
Scary Story
• New car; FREE first oil change
• Dealer used SAE 10W-30 and not the
specified SAE 0W-20 (Owner’s manual)
• When talking to service manager he
said that it was OK to use and that
“DSM can change any specifications at
any time”
• Service manager said that he was not
reimbursed for the more expensive oil
ACEA Gasoline Ratings
Association des Contructeurs European d’Automobiles
• A1-Low friction; low
viscosity
• A2-General use with
regular oil changes
• A3-High performance
and/or extended oil
change intervals
• A4-For gasoline directinjected engines
• A5-Low friction; low
viscosity; extended oil
change intervals
•
Nice to know stuff
ACEA Diesel Ratings
• B1-Low viscosity passenger
vehicle indirect-injected
diesel engines
• B2- Passenger vehicle
indirect-injected diesel
engine. Low viscosity.
• B3-High performance
indirect-injected diesel
engines; extended oil
change interval
• B4-Direct-injected diesel
engines
• B5-Low viscosity and
extended oil change interval
•
Nice to know stuff
ACEA Combined Ratings
• A1/B1-Low HTHS, semisynthetic
• A3/B3-High HTHS; Mineral or
semi-synthetic
• A4/B4-High HTHS; synthetic
• A5/B5-Low HTHS, High fuel
economy additives;
extended oil change
intervals; synthetic
HTHS =High temperature/
high shear rate viscosity
(ASTM D-4683)
Miscellaneous useless information
ACEA “C” ratings
• C1- Basically an A5/B5 oil with low
SAPS, Low HTHS.
• C2- A5/B5 with low HTHS and mid level
SAPS
• C3- A3/B4 (meets 229.3) with high
HTHS and mid level SAPS
• C4-Low SAPS; High HTHS
SAPS means Sulfated Ash, Phosphorous and Sulfur
C rating are catalytic converter compatible oils
Asian Vehicle Specifications
Most Asian brand vehicle manufactures do not
specify any specifications other than SAE, API and
ILSAC. These vehicles include:
• Acura/Honda
• Toyota/Lexus/Scion
• Kia
• Hyundai
• Nissan/Infinity
• Mitsubishi
• Mazda
• Suzuki
Typical Viscosities
• Most newer vehicle manufacturers
specify:
• SAE 5W-20 or SAE 5W-30
• Most hybrid electric vehicles specify
• SAE 0W-20 or SAE 5W-20
Vehicle OE Specifications
• BMW-Long Life (LL-98; LL-01; LL-04)
• Changing the oil requires the dealer
Service Computer to run all the
auxiliary oil pumps.
• Note: The filter is located behind the
splash shield in the left front wheel
housing; the capacity is 8 liters of BMW
synthetic 10W-60 oil.
(AVERAGE COST OF AN OIL CHANGE = $160.00)
General Motors
• General MotorsGM 6094M (many
GM vehicles);need to know
stuff
GM 4718 (syntheticCorvette);
Dexos 1 (Gasoline
engines-2011+)
Dexos 2 (Diesel
engines-2011+)
OE Specifications-continued
FordWSS-M2C153-H;(SAE
5W-20 GF-3)
WSS-M2C929-A (SAE
5W-30; 4.0 Liter; 2.0
Liter)
WSS-M2C930-A (SAE
5W-20; GF-4
Need to know
OE Specifications-continued
• Chrysler-MS-6395
(2005+ vehicles);
MS-10725 (older
than 2005)
Need to know stuff
• Honda-HTO-06
(Mobil 1 for Acura
RDX turbo only)
OE Specifications-continued
Mercedes229.1 -Super high
performance diesel(SHPD)
229.3-SHPD extended
drain
229.3-gas and diesel;
extended drain
229.31- gas and diesel low
ash (LA)
229.5-long life (LL)
229.51-low ash and LL
OE Specifications-continued
VW and AudiGasoline
engines:502.00;
505.00;505.01; 503;
503.01; 505;
Diesel engines: 506
;506.1;507
What is different with
European ratings?
• Usually very high viscosity index (VI)
meaning that the SAE grade is broad;
often requiring SAE 10W-50 or 5W-40
• Extended oil change intervals requiring
a robust additive package
• Low SAPS (Sulfated Ash, Phosphorous
and Sulfur)
• Higher HTHS (High temperature/ high
shear rate viscosity)
Case Study
• 2003 VW Passat with a
1.8 liter turbocharged
four cylinder that had
been using API
approved oil instead of
VW 502 oil developed
serious oil gelling
problems
• Some similar vehicle
engines have seized
Motorcycle Oil
• Be sure to use oil designed for use in
motorcycles which usually has the
following characteristics
1. Higher level of ZDDP
2. Broader viscosity range (usually
SAE 10W-40 or SAE 20W-50)
3. Often designed to work with a wet
clutch
Need to know?
Why is Friction Reduced?
Fluid
Molecules
There is less “friction” between fluid
molecules moving over each other than
between the two surfaces moving across
each other.
Connecting Rod Example
The formation of an oil wedge in a plain bearing
Metal-to-metal contact
Oil wedge supports load
SYNTHETIC OILS
MINERAL OILS
C10H20
C10H20
C10H20
Small molecules
HH HH S
H-C-C-C-C-C-H
HO HN H
vaporize at high temp
C10H20
Impurities oxidize
All molecules same size
Large Molecules thicken at low temp
Additives Improve the Base Oil
• Viscosity Index (VI) improver
– modifies the viscosity of the base
fluid so that it changes less as the
temperature rises allows the
lubricant to operate over a wider
temperature range
• Pour point depressant
– keeps the lubricant flowing at low
temperatures
• Antifoam
– foam reduces the effectiveness of a
lubricant
– antifoams reduce/stop foaming
when the lubricant is agitated or
aerated
Additives Protect the Base Oil
• Antioxidants
– slow down the breakdown of the
base fluid caused by oxygen (air)
and heat
– oxidation is the main cause of
lubricant degradation in service
• Oxidation of the base fluid
causes:
– acid formation (corrosion)
– sludges, varnishes (blockages)
• Life of a lubricant in laboratory
oxidation tests is often used to
give an indication of service life
Oxidation
Additives Protect the Engine
• Rust inhibitor
– inhibits the action of water on
ferrous metals (e.g. mild steel)
• Corrosion inhibitor
– protects non-ferrous metals
(e.g. copper)
• Anti-wear additive
– forms a protective layer on metal
surfaces to reduce friction and
prevent wear when no lubricant film
is present such as ZDDP.
• Extreme pressure additive
– as for anti-wear additive but
functioning only when heavy loads
and temperatures are encountered
Roller
bearing
wear
Gear tooth
wear
ZDDP
• The phosphorous content of ZDDP=
Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphates (commonly called zinc and/or
phosphorous or ZDP)
• Engine oil had about 1200 ppm zinc prior to 2001
• In 2001 the zinc was reduced to 1000 ppm and in 2005 reduced
again to the current 800 ppm
• These are typical zinc levels; API ratings do not specify the zinc
content, just oil performance
What About Older Engines?
•
If flat-bottom
(non-roller)
lifters are used
then a ZDDP
additive may be
needed:
– During break-in
– During service
– Need to know?
How much zinc is needed?
• Shell Rotella T 15W-40 ( API CJ-4) has about 1200
ppm zinc. This is 50% more zinc than current engine
oils (API SM, GF-4) which typically contain about 800
ppm zinc
G-Oil
• Made from cow parts
• “Ultimate
Biodegradable is the
highest
biodegradability
ranking determined by
ASTM Standards (2.1
ASTM D-5864)”
• API rated=?
• ILSAC rated= no
• www.getg.com
•
Miscellaneous useless information
Other Additives?
• Don’t USE THEM!!!
• Most if not all oil
experts warn about
adding anything to the
oil.
• Vehicle manufactures
warn not to add any
additives to the oil.
• Most are friction
reducers such as posi
additive
The “3,000 Mile Myth”
• California’s 3,000 mile myth program
was started because research showed
that 73% of California drivers change
their oil more frequently than
recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer
• General Motors has joined the
campaign.
Oil Life Monitor
• algorithm –Computer programs contain
algorithms that specify the specific
instructions a computer should
perform (in a specific order) to carry
out a specified task
• Mileage (3,750-7,500 miles) (usually
every 5,000 miles)
• Capacitance sensor (measures the oil)
GM Oil Life Monitor
GMOLS (GM Oil Life System)
SCAN TOOL DATA STREAM SHOWING OIL INFORMATION
Case Study
• 2007 Dodge Durango 5.7 liter
Hemi with MDS (multiple
displacement system)
• Oil change using SAE 10W30
• Check engine light came on
and stored P0521 DTC
stored
• DTC Description=Oil
pressure not reaching
specified at 1250 RPM
• Changed to specified SAE
5W-20; cleared DTC ; now no
DTC during operation.
•
Need to know
Testing Oil
• oil sample to lab
for analysis
• For example:
• Blackstone
Laboratories$22.50
www.blackstonelabs.com
Nice to know
Oil Test Results
• Spectral Exam: Establishes the levels of wear metals,
silicon, and additives present in the oil. Also checks for
coolant.
Note: Silicon = dirt; not sealer
• Viscosity: Determines the grade of oil.
• Insolubles: Quantifies the percentage of solids present
in the oil.
• Flash Point: Determines the flash point of the oil to
determine whether any contamination is present in the
oil (such as fuel)
Understanding the Lab Report
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Aluminum: Pistons, bearings, cases (heads & blocks)
Chromium: Rings, a trace element in steel
Iron: Cylinders, rotating shafts, the valve train, and any steel part
Copper: Brass or bronze parts, copper bushings, bearings, oil coolers
Lead: Bearings
Tin: Bearings, bronze parts, piston coatings
Molybdenum: Anti-wear additive, some types of rings
Potassium: Antifreeze inhibitor, additive in some oil types
Boron: Detergent/dispersant additive, antifreeze inhibitors
Silicon: Airborne dirt, antifreeze inhibitors
Sodium: Antifreeze inhibitors, additive in some gasoline engine oils.
Calcium: Detergent/dispersant additive
Magnesium: Detergent/dispersant additive
•
Nice to know
Oil Related Faults
• Gelling and
sludge:
– Usually caused by
extended oil change
intervals
– Can be caused by
coolant in the oil
– Engine design or
cooling system fault
that causes a lot of
heat to be in the
cylinder which bakes
the oil
– Need to know?
Improper operation of the PCV system can
also cause engine sludging.
Oil Related Faults
• 2007 Toyota lawsuit
• Several others
facing similar
actions
– Audi
– BMW
– Chrysler
– Saab
– VW
• No recalls
• No admission of
fault
Toyota Class-Action
Lawsuit Affected Models
Model
Avalon 6 cyl
Camry 4 cyl
Camry 6 cyl
Celica 4 cyl
Highlander 6
cyl
Years
Affected
1997 - 2002
1997 - 2001
1998 - 2002
1997 - 1999
2001 - 2002
Lexus ES300 1997 - 2002
Lexus RX300 1999 - 2002
Sienna 6 cyl 1998 - 2002
Solara 4 cyl
1999 - 2001
Solara 6 cyl
1999 - 2002
Watch Out for…
• Recommended for use where.....
• May be used where the following
specifications apply.....
• Recommended/Approved by…….??
• Racing/Track formula - What does this
mean?
• “Synthetic blend" - How much
synthetic?
•
Need to know?
Sample- not API approved
Please do the following:
• Check the oil level BEFORE
changing the oil and document
the work order (IMPORTANT)
WHY?
• Check and use the oil specified
by the vehicle manufacturer
• Recommend that the oil be
changed according to the
specified distance/time interval
• Reset the oil monitor light.
Always wear PPE
Frequently Asked Questions
• Question: Can you go back to using
conventional oil after using synthetic?
• Answer: Yes. By law, all oil is miscible
meaning that it can be mixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
• Question: Do I have to break in a new
engine on mineral oil before switching
to synthetic oil?
• Answer: Synthetic oil (Mobil 1) is used
by many vehicle manufacturers in new
vehicles. Most experts advise keeping
mineral oil for the first 5,000 miles.
Summary
• Go to
HTTP://jameshalderman.com
for the chart that shows how
to reset the light for all
vehicles. FREE
Click on “Charts and
Specifications” then look
under Engine Repair (A1)
Genie light??>>>>>>>>>>>>
Information
Go to Mobil 1 web site and search for
“chart”
• www.gf-5.com
• Information on the new ILSAC GF-5
rating due out in 2010 plus other good
oil information
Contact Information
Jim Halderman:
jim@jameshalderman.com