API designations

[Paul]

Anyone care to lead me to a site/article/thread explaining the different API designations, starting with SA. I'd like to learn a little about the past designations to better understand the current ones.

I've done a quick search and came up empty-handed.

-Paul

 

[Ken2]

http://www.lubrizol.com/ReadyReference/EngineOils/6-OilClasses/default.htm

Click on "U.S. Gasoline Service Classifications"


Ken

 

[Paul]

Perfect, thank you.

Now... Anyone care to explain, in layman terms, the possible downsides of running an SH rated oil as opposed to an SL? My engine is from a model year '92, so compatibility is not an issue.

Thank you,
Paul

 

[Al]

Here is another one. I believe Ken2 also posted this a while back.

Basically Bettergas ilage, better deposit control, higher hemperature performance (less volatility), easier on catalyst (supposedly although at a possible loss of antiwear). Your vehicle will run just fine on the SJ though.

http://www.76lubricants.com/cmc_upload/EDITORIAL/0/000/017/869/tn3_4.pdf

 

[68redlines73]

Here's the actual info from the API.

My concern about running an actual SH oil right now would be the vintage of the oil. If you have any that's only labeled API SH (no SJ or SL in the API 'donut'), it's bound to be quite old as the SH spec is a bit of a dinosaur. Shelf life is a shifty subject but I personally err on the side of avoiding really old oil. SL oils are prevalent and inexpensive and will work well in your car.