New Engine Oil Specifications Are Progressing; API is Addressing Sustainability in Lubricant Products

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YOUR SHOP, TIMES TWO

BY JEFFREY HARMENING, AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE, SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER – EOLCS/DEF/MOM

Over the past year, there has been a request for new gasoline engine oil specifications and progress on the development of PC-12 engine oil specifications for diesel engines which have kept the API at the forefront of the industry. In addition, API is also working on industry sustainability which involves developing broadly accepted terminology and methodology for life cycle analysis of lubricant products. Each of these updates will affect quick lube and fast maintenance business owners in the next few years. You may find it helpful to make a checklist of items that need attention to make this a successful year. Based on conversations we’ve had with operators, here are some common priorities:

New Gasoline Engine Oil Specifications

Last August, the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) formally requested that a new gasoline engine oil specification be developed. The Auto/Oil Advisory Panel (AOAP) began the evaluation process of the specification, which is expected to be called ILSAC GF-7, and which would eventually replace the current GF-6 specification. The AOAP is currently evaluating the previously requested category upgrades - API SP Plus, the addition of SAE 0W-8 and 0W-12 viscosity grades to the ILSAC GF-6B and the request to develop ILSAC GF-7 oils.

The AOAP is looking at ways to consolidate all three into a cohesive process that will accomplish the goals of each and ensure an efficient implementation. There are several proposals to modify how GF-7 oils which were originally requested for first licensing in 2028. Among the options is to develop a GF-7 as early as late 2024 or early 2025 which would be followed by GF-8 in 2028.

ILSAC is requesting a new category, GF-7, which will provide EPA fuel economy improvements and lower exhaust emissions. Additionally, GF-7 would provide Aged Oil Low-Speed Pre-ignition (LSPI) protection, reduced piston deposits and chain wear, along with a sulfated ash limit for gasoline particulate filter (GPF) protection.

Development of PC-12 for Diesel Engine Oil

The development of API PC-12 engine oil for diesel engines is moving forward with the request for first licensing date from API is no later than January 1, 2027. Parameters for the specification are taking shape following the announcement of the NOx final rule by the EPA in December 2022. The “Control of Air Pollution from New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards,” sets the emissions standards and dates for their introductions with the model year 2027. While the primary focus is on tighter NOx limits, the EPA has also set more stringent standards for pollutants that create ozone and particulate matter.

An additional important element of this rule is the sustainability of the equipment. Aftertreatment equipment will need to have a longer useful life, and the engine and aftertreatment will be required to be covered by longer warranties. As a result, engine manufacturers continue to seek improved oil performance to enable more fuel economy and provide better protection to support extended durability of the engines and aftertreatment systems in the applications of the near future.

Lubricants Sustainability

As sustainability has become a global focus across all industries, there is a need for the lubricants industry to have a clearly defined, consensus-based document capturing the broadly accepted terminology and methodology for life cycle analysis of lubricant products. There is also a need to ensure harmonized practices and to reduce individual requirements across global markets. Lubricant suppliers are asking for data to substantiate their own sustainability reporting and objectives. Having a lubricant-focused methodology in place will not only provide guidance for the lubricant producers but also give their customers additional confidence in the data they require.

Seeing this important need, the API Lubricants Group assembled industry subject matter experts in June 2021 to define terminology and outline methodology for life cycle assessment of lubricants and specialty products in the marketplace. API Technical Report 1533 has just passed a consensus ballot with the API Lubricants Group and will be published soon. This publication will help to minimize confusion in the marketplace and enhance customer confidence in product benefit claims related to sustainability

Of Note

Finally, API 1560 - Lubricant Service Designations for Automotive Manual Transmissions, Manual Transaxles, and Axles has an update in progress. It describes API gear lubricant service designations and assists manufacturers and users of automotive equipment in the selection of transmission and axle lubricants for a variety of operating conditions. The ninth edition will be published after reaffirmation is complete.