Significance and Use
5.1 Test Method—The data obtained from the use of this test method provide a comparative index of the fuel-saving capabilities of automotive engine oils under repeatable laboratory conditions. A BL has been established for this test to provide a standard against which all other oils can be compared. The BL oil is an SAE 20W-30 grade fully formulated lubricant. The test procedure was not designed to give a precise estimate of the difference between two test oils without adequate replication. The test method was developed to compare the test oil to the BL oil. Companion test methods used to evaluate engine oil performance for specification requirements are discussed in the latest revision of Specification D4485.
5.2 Use—The Sequence VIE test method is useful for engine oil fuel economy specification acceptance. It is used in specifications and classifications of engine lubricating oils, such as the following:
5.2.1 Specification D4485.
5.2.2 API 1509.
5.2.3 SAE Classification J304.
5.2.4 SAE Classification J1423.
Scope
1.1 This test method covers an engine test procedure for the measurement of the effects of automotive engine oils on the fuel economy of passenger cars and light-duty trucks with gross vehicle weight 3856 kg or less. The tests are conducted using a specified spark-ignition engine with a displacement of 3.6 L (General Motors)4 on a dynamometer test stand. It applies to multi-viscosity oils used in these applications.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.2.1 Exceptions—Where there is no direct equivalent such as the units for screw threads, National Pipe threads/diameters, tubing size, and single source supply equipment specifications. Additionally, Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) is measured in kilogram per kilowatt hour.
1.3 This test method is arranged as follows:
Subject
Section
Introduction
Scope
1
Referenced Documents
2
Terminology
3
Summary of Test Method
4
Significance and Use
5
Apparatus
6
General
6.1
Test Engine Configuration
6.2
Laboratory Ambient Conditions
6.3
Engine Speed and Torque Control
6.4
Dynamometer
6.4.1
Dynamometer Torque
6.4.2
Engine Cooling System
6.5
External Oil System
6.6
Fuel System
6.7
Fuel Flow Measurement
6.7.2
Fuel Temperature and Pressure Control to the Fuel Flow Meter
6.7.3
Fuel Temperature and Pressure Control to Engine Fuel Rail
6.7.4
Fuel Supply Pumps
6.7.5
Fuel Filtering
6.7.6
Engine Intake Air Supply
6.8
Intake Air Humidity
6.8.1
Intake Air Filtration
6.8.2
Intake Air Pressure Relief
6.8.3
Temperature Measurement
6.9
Thermocouple Location
6.9.5
AFR Determination
6.10
Exhaust and Exhaust Back Pressure Systems
6.11
Exhaust Manifolds
6.11.1
Laboratory Exhaust System
6.11.2
Exhaust Back Pressure
6.11.3
Pressure Measurement and Pressure Sensor Locations
6.12
Engine Oil
6.12.2
Fuel to Fuel Flow Meter
6.12.3
Fuel to Engine Fuel Rail
6.12.4
Exhaust Back Pressure
6.12.5
Intake Air
6.12.6
Intake Manifold Vacuum/Absolute Pressure
6.12.7
Coolant Flow Differential Pressure
6.12.8
Crankcase Pressure
6.12.9
Engine Hardware and Related Apparatus
6.13
Test Engine Configuration
6.13.1
ECU (Power Control Module)
6.13.2
Thermostat Block-Off Adapter Plate
6.13.3
Wiring Harness
6.13.4
Thermostat Block-Off Plate
6.13.5
Oil Filter Adapter Plate
6.13.6
Modified Throttle Body Assembly
6.13.7
Fuel Rail
6.13.8
Miscellaneous Apparatus Related to Engine Operation
6.14
Reagents and Materials
7
Engine Oil
7.1
Test Fuel
7.2
Engine Coolant
7.3
Cleaning Materials
7.4
Preparation of Apparatus
8
Test Stand Preparation
8.2
Engine Preparation
9
Cleaning of Engine Parts
9.2
Engine Assembly Procedure
9.3
General Assembly Instructions
9.3.1
Bolt Torque Specifications
9.3.2
Sealing Compounds
9.3.3
Harmonic Balancer
9.3.5
Thermostat
9.3.6
Coolant Inlet
9.3.7
Oil Filter Adapter
9.3.8
Dipstick Tube
9.3.9
Sensors, Switches, Valves, and Positioners
9.3.10
Ignition System
9.3.11
Fuel Injection System
9.3.12
Intake Air System
9.3.13
Engine Management System
9.3.14
Accessory Drive Units
9.3.15
Exhaust Manifolds
9.3.16
Engine Flywheel and Guards
9.3.17
Lifting of Assembled Engines
9.3.18
Engine Mounts
9.3.19
Non-Phased Camshaft Gears
9.3.20
Internal Coolant Orifice
9.3.21
Calibration
10
Stand/Engine Calibration
10.1
Procedure
10.1.1
Reporting of Reference Results
10.1.2
Analysis of Reference/Calibration Oils
10.1.3
Instrument Calibration
10.2
Engine Torque Measurement System
10.2.3
Fuel Flow Measurement System
10.2.4
Coolant Flow Measurement System
10.2.5
Thermocouple and Temperature Measurement System
10.2.6
Humidity Measurement System
10.2.7
Other Instrumentation
10.2.8
Test Procedure
11
External Oil System
11.1
Flush Effectiveness Demonstration
11.2
Preparation for Oil Charge
11.3
Initial Engine Start-Up
11.4
New Engine Break-In
11.5
Oil Charge for Break-In
11.5.2
Break-In Operating Conditions
11.5.3
Standard Requirements for Break-In
11.5.4
Routine Test Operation
11.6
Start-Up and Shutdown Procedures
11.6.1
Flying Flush Oil Exchange Procedures
11.6.2
Test Operating Stages
11.6.3
Stabilization to Stage Conditions
11.6.4
Stabilized BSFC Measurement Cycle
11.6.5
BLB1 Oil Flush Procedure for BL Oil Before Test Run 1
11.6.6
BSFC Measurement of BLB1 Oil Before Test Oil Run 2
11.6.7
BLB2 Oil Flush Procedure for BL Oil Before Test Oil
11.6.8
BSFC Measurement of BLB2 Oil Before Test Oil
11.6.9
Percent Delta Calculation for BLB1 vs. BLB2
11.6.10
Test Oil Flush Procedure
11.6.11
Test Oil Aging, Phase I
11.6.12
BSFC Measurement of Aged (Phase I) Test Oil
11.6.13
Test Oil Aging, Phase II
11.6.14
BSFC Measurement of Aged (Phase II) Test Oil
11.6.15
Oil Consumption and Sampling
11.6.16
Flush Procedure for BL Oil (BLA) After Test Oil
11.6.17
General Test Data Logging Forms
11.6.18
Diagnostic Review Procedures
11.6.19
Determination of Test Results
12
Final Test Report
13
Precision and Bias
14
Keywords
15
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
Detailed Specifications and Drawings of Apparatus
Annex A5
Oil Heater Bolton 255 Refill Procedure
Annex A6
Engine Part Number Listing
Annex A7
Safety Precautions
Annex A8
Sequence VIE Test Report Forms and Data Dictionary
Annex A9
Statistical Equations for Mean and Standard Deviations
Annex A10
Determining the Oil Sump Full Level and Consumption
Annex A11
Fuel Injection Evaluation
Annex A12
Pre-test Maintenance Checklist
Annex A13
Blow-by Ventilation System Requirements
Annex A14
Calculation of Test Results
Annex A15
Calculation of Un-weighted Baseline Shift
Annex A16
Non-Phased Cam Gear and Position Actuator Installation and
GM Short Block Assembly Procedure
Annex A17
Procedure
Procurement of Test Materials
Annex A18
Alternate Fuel Approval Requirements
Annex A19
Appendix
Useful Information
Appendix X1
1.4 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.
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.
