FUELS & LUBES INTERNATIONAL
Quarter Four 2014
8
that lubricants meet a combination of GM
proprietary tests as well as tests drawn from
the industry. With this approach, GM does
not have to create all of the tests for the spec.
However, the benefit of saving money and
resources brings with it some risks, such as the
timing of test delivery.
“Other issues that we deal with that we
really don’t have any control over are the tests
being developed by other OEMs for industry-
qualification tests,” Stockwell said.
The diesel test set includes the Sequence
VH sludge test being developed using new
hardware from Ford. The OEM has developed
a succession of sludge tests for the industry
over the decades, but its latest engines may
have technology that is too good at preventing
sludge, making development of such a test
difficult. Likewise, the Sequence IVB low-
temperature wear test being developed by
Toyota is proving difficult to design, in part
because the hardware does not produce
enough wear to readily discriminate between
good and poor oils.
Stockwell is cautiously optimistic that the
issues around the gasoline engine tests will be
resolved in time, thereby enabling the dexos1
spec to be rolled out by the end of 2014. The
same is not true for dexos2.
The dexos specs will include the relatively
recent xW16 viscosity grade. It may eventually
also cover the new xW8 and xW12 viscosity
grades, assuming these grades become part of
SAE J300. If need be, GM will move forward
with the new dexos specification even if all of
the tests are not ready. Preferably, that will not
be the case, Stockwell said.
As for what the impact of the new
spec will be, that depends on location. In
North America and China, where GM has a
significant market share, the new specification
will be important, as GM recommends it on the
oil fill cap for every consumer to see.
With regard to the dexos sequel, improving
the performance properties would be of great
benefit to the consumer.
“GM dexos is definitely raising the bar
above API SN and ILSAC GF-5 performance,”
said Mike Brown, vice president of technology
at SK Lubricants Americas. The company is
one of more than 200 marketers with a dexos
license. Getting a license takes considerable
effort, Brown said.
dexos1™
for spark ignited engines
dexos2™
for light-duty diesel engines
Factory Fill
Service Fill
The diesel test set includes
the Sequence VH sludge test
being developed using new
hardware from Ford.
dexos1™ for spark ignited / dexos2™ for light-duty diesel engines
dexos2™ for spark ignited and light-duty diesel engines
