ILSAC requests development of GF-8 motor oil specification
The International Lubricants Standardization and Advisory Committee (ILSAC) has requested the development of a new gasoline engine oil specification, ILSAC GF-8, which is expected to replace GF-7. ILSAC GF-7 first licensing is scheduled for 31 March 2025. The Auto/Oil Advisory Panel (AOAP) will evaluate the proposal, targeting a licensing date by the end of the third quarter of 2028.
ILSAC’s primary objectives for GF-8 are to enhance fuel efficiency, improve engine protection for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and optimise performance in high-temperature internal combustion engines (ICEs). The specification will include revised engine and bench tests, ensuring compatibility with up to 20% ethanol gasoline blends and alignment with future U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations.
Key proposed updates include:
- Revisions to Sequence IIIH and IIIHA tests for viscosity and aged oil performance.
- Replacement of Sequence VH and VIE/F engine tests to boost fuel efficiency.
- Review of Sequence IX to assess low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) in aged oil.
- Incorporation of ASTM D130 copper corrosion and ASTM D6594 high-temperature corrosion tests.
- Refinements to WK86363 Oil Gelation Procedure and ASTM D7216 Seal Testing with pass/fail criteria.
ILSAC aims to maintain backward compatibility with previous specifications, ensuring consistency in passenger car engine oils globally. The development process will follow Annex C of API 1509, which outlines a consensus-based approach for establishing industry standards.
