ACEA C6 vs API SP (SQ)

[Klutch9]

I’m still trying to figure out what differences exist between these two specs. They seem to have a lot of the same types of tests. The one that stands out is that for C6, it is advertised as a “stay in grade” oil, meaning that some measure is in place to prevent shear. I’m assuming SP has something like this too, but I really don’t know. The only two highly available API SP oils that also carry C6 are Mobil 1 ESP 0w20 and Castrol Edge EP 0w20. Both start out pretty thin, but I assume that neither shear very much. I don’t think either use a lot of VIIs either.

 

[twX]

C6 and SP both have a stay-in-grade requirement, but the ACEA shear test is more severe. The ACEA standards also have a lower Noack limit, and an extra engine test for sludge. API SQ is more stringent for LSPI and timing chain wear. Almost everything else is the same.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

C6 and SP both have a stay-in-grade requirement, but the ACEA shear test is more severe. The ACEA standards also have a lower Noack limit, and an extra engine test for sludge. API SQ is more stringent for LSPI and timing chain wear. Almost everything else is the same.

C6 requires the exact same LSPI and TGDI chainwear test of SP.

https://360.lubrizol.com/Specifications/ACEA-Passenger/ACEA-2021/ACEA-C6-21

 

[twX]

C6 requires the exact same LSPI and TGDI chainwear test of SP.

I was referring to API SQ. Both of these tests were made more stringent. The chain wear limits are only slightly different, but the new LSPI test is a significant improvement.

 

[Neniod]

from what I’ve seen, ACEA C6 oils are made to keep their viscosity longer under stress—that “stay in grade” thing you mentioned means they resist thinning out (shearing) better. API SP oils also focus on protection and durability, including controlling shear, but the specs come from different groups and focus on slightly different tests and requirements

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

I was referring to API SQ. Both of these tests were made more stringent. The chain wear limits are only slightly different, but the new LSPI test is a significant improvement.

Are you sure? I'm seeing the same LSPI test (Sequence IX).

 

[twX]

Are you sure? I'm seeing the same LSPI test (Sequence IX).

It's still called Sequence IX, but they updated it to add another LSPI test with aged oil.