API Service level Timeline?

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Hello, I unearthed an old bottle of 10W-30 motor oil from Big A Auto Parts had an "API SH" service level on the label. I was wondering if ever there's been a time line for those levels. I was 15 when Quaker State introduced SD with their DeLuxe oils. CHEERS, Kira
 
Yeah, every API service rating has a certain time associated with it. Very roughly, they are something like:

SE: 1971-1981
SF: 1981-1987
SG: 1987-1992
SH: 1992-1997
SJ: 1997-1999
SL: 1999-2004
SM: 2004-2010

So, the oil bottle you have is from the mid-1990's, basically.
 
If I am not mistaken, SD was equivalent to the older "MS" (Motor Severe) rating.

I vaguely recall that when the new API service ratings for gasoline engines was introduced (Sx ratings) that "SD" corresponded to an equal level of performance by the old "MS" rating, and that "SE" was introduced at the same time to indicate a level of performance above and beyond the old "MS" rating.

Can someone with a better memory confirm or correct this?
 
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