Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is used to evaluate an automotive engine oil’s control of engine deposits under operating conditions deliberately selected to accelerate deposit formation. This test method was correlated with field service data, determined from side-by-side comparisons of two or more oils in police, taxi fleets, and delivery van services. The same field service oils were then used in developing the operating conditions of this test procedure.
FIG. 1 Schematic of Engine Fuel System
5.2 This test method, along with other test methods, defines the minimum performance level of the API Category SL (detailed information about this category is included in Specification D4485). This test method is also incorporated in automobile manufacturers’ factory-fill specifications.
5.3 The basic engine used in this test method is representative of many that are in modern automobiles. This factor, along with the accelerated operating conditions, should be considered when interpreting test results.
Scope
1.1 This test method covers and is commonly referred to as the Sequence VG test,2 and it has been correlated with vehicles used in stop-and-go service prior to 1996, particularly with regard to sludge and varnish formation.3 It is one of the test methods required to evaluate oils intended to satisfy the API SL performance category.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.2.1 Exception—Where there is no direct SI equivalent such as screw threads, national pipe threads/diameters, tubing size, or specified single source equipment.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard statements are given in 7.7, 7.10.2.2, 8.3.4.2, 8.4.4.3, 9.2.6, 9.3.4.5, 12.1.1.7, 12.2.1.4, and Annex A5.
1.4 A Table of Contents follows:
Section
Scope
1
Referenced Documents
2
Terminology
3
Summary of Test Method
4
Significance and Use
5
Apparatus (General Description)
6
Apparatus (The Test Engine)
7
Sequence VG Test Engine
7.1
Required New Engine Parts
7.2
Reusable Engine Parts
7.3
Specially Fabricated Engine Parts
7.4
Special Engine Measurement and Assembly Equipment
7.5
Miscellaneous Engine Components-Preparation
7.6
Solvents and Cleaners Required
7.7
Assembling the Test Engine-Preparations
7.8
Assembling the Test Engine-Installations
7.9
Engine Installation on the Test Stand
7.10
Engine Fluids (Supply/Discharge Systems)
8
Intake Air
8.1
Fuel and Fuel System
8.2
Engine Oil and Engine Oil System
8.3
Coolants
8.4
Measurement Instrumentation
9
Temperatures
9.1
Pressures
9.2
Flow Rates
9.3
Fuel Consumption
9.4
Speed and Load
9.5
Exhaust Gas
9.6
Humidity
9.7
Miscellaneous Laboratory Equipment
10
Test Stand Calibration
11
Test Procedure
12
Pre-Test Procedure
12.1
Engine Operating Procedure
12.2
Periodic Measurements and Functions
12.3
Special Maintenance Procedures
12.4
Diagnostic Data Review
12.5
End of Test Procedure
12.6
Interpretation of Test Results
13
Parts Rating Area-Environment
13.1
Sludge Ratings
13.2
Varnish Ratings
13.3
Clogging
13.4
Sticking
13.5
Used Oil Analyses
13.6
Assessment of Test Validity
14
General
14.1
Used Oil Analyses-Interpretation
14.2
Blowby Flow Rate
14.3
Manifold Absolute Pressure
14.4
Fuel Consumption Rate
14.5
Oil Consumption
14.6
Engine Parts Replacement
14.7
Quality Index and Deviation Percentage
14.8
Final Test Report
15
Report Forms
15.1
Precision and Bias
16
Keywords
17
ANNEXES
ASTM Test Monitoring Center Organization
Annex A1
ASTM Test Monitoring Center: Calibration Procedures
Annex A2
ASTM Test Monitoring Center: Maintenance Activities
Annex A3
ASTM Test Monitoring Center: Related Information
Annex A4
Safety Precautions
Annex A5
Control and Data Acquisition Requirements
Annex A6
Detailed Specifications and Photographs of Apparatus
Annex A7
Special Service Tools for the Test Engine
Annex A8
Test Engine Part Number Listing
Annex A9
External Oil Heat Exchanger Cleaning Technique
Annex A10
Sequence VG Report Forms and Data Dictionary
Annex A11
Dipstick Calibration
Annex A12
Critical Part Supplier List
Annex A13
Operational Data Log-Engine Oil
Annex A14
Rating Worksheets
Annex A15
Fuel Injector Flow Measurements
Annex A16
APPENDIXES
Piston and Ring Measurements Record Forms
Appendix X1
Sources of Materials and Information
Appendix X2
Description of Scott Quarterly Gas Audit Service
Appendix X3
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
