This is the final approved ILSAC GF-5 Standard for Passenger Car Engine Oils (December 22, 2009). It calls for
- Tighter deposit limits (Sequence IIIG WPD)
- New Sequence IIIGB Phosphorus retention test
- Phosphorus maximum level retained at 0.08%
- New fuel economy test and limits (Sequence VID)
- Tighter sludge (Sequence VG) limits
- Reintroduction of TEOST 33C at tighter limits
- New emulsion test for E85
- Formalized seal compatibility requirements
- New ROBO to measure oxidative thickening
After September 30, 2011, the ILSAC GF-5 minimum performance standard for gasoline passenger car engine oils becomes the only basis for issuance of a license to use the API Certification Mark.
ILSAC Final approved spec [PDF 79KB] Update #10, January 2010
Performance requirements for API SN and API SN Resource Conserving, which have gone to API ballot, are described here:
Performance requirements API ballot [PDF 167KB]
Update #10, January 2010
Introductions of API SN and API SN Resource Conserving are covered in the ballot proposing revisions to API 1509. Responses due to API by February 8, 2010. If the ballot passes, products in the ILSAC viscosity grades -- that meet the new API SN Resource Conserving requirements -- will display the words "Resource Conserving" in the lower portion of the API Service Symbol, with API Service Category SN in the upper portion.
Performance requirements API ballot EOLCS [PDF 167KB]
Update #10, January 2010
API SN Ballot Review, Results and Comments (Ballot issued March 31; closed April 16). First allowable license date for API SN, etc., corresponds with the ILSAC GF-5 first license date of October 1, 2010.
API SN Ballot Review-Results [PDF] Update #11, May 2010
Many earlier 'S' categories referenced 'Energy Conserving', reflecting an emphasis on fuel economy performance only. API SN 'Resource Conserving', in conjunction with API SN, focuses on fuel economy as well as emission system and turbocharger protection, and compatibility with ethanol-containing fuel up to E85.
Differences among ILSAC GF-5, API SN for ILSAC Grades, API SN for non-ILSAC Grades and API SN Resource Conserving
Differences GF-5 / SN / SN-RC [PDF] Update #11, May 2010