GF-4 - Syntech blend & Durablend are NOT ACEA certified anymore

[69 Riv GS]

Examining oil bottles at the store(s) today, I noticed GF-4 Valvoline Durablend is not ACEA certified, except for the 5w-20(I believe it was GF-4) - has an ACEA A1 cert listed(and the Ford cert also), No other GF-4 weight does however. Strangely enough the rear label on all the weights mention the robustness of their product, (in general), regarding the ACEA testing - (which I guess in essence is true[although deceiving] because the 5w-20 was ACEA tested. But if one merely read the back panel, and didn't look at the certifications(or lack there of) you'd think that all the weights were ACEA certified.

Also, GF-4 Syntec blend does not carry ACEA certification either; including the 10w-40 which previously was A3 (GF-3 version).

[ October 10, 2004, 06:24 AM: Message edited by: 69 Riv GS ]

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

I examined slide #8 from Jelly's recent post: http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=008371

If oil durability is bumped up by a notch or two by the new GF-4 standard, would an ACEA A3 really matter much anymore? I mean that if the standards are setting the bar higher and higher, maybe just being GF-4 (or GF-5 in the future) would be sufficient.

Or maybe they haven't received ACEA approaval just yet??

 

[haley10]

API has a "certification" process. It is my understanding that ACEA is only specifications. If your product meets ACEA specs., then you may claim it. I don't think there is a formal approval process for meeting ACEA specs.

It is entirely possible for an oil to meet SM GF-4 and not be qualified for anything other than ACEA A1. Meeting SM does not automatically qualify meeting a more extended drain requirement of A5.

 

[Bobert]

I wonder if the lower levels of ZDP required to meet GF-4 will make meeting A3 more difficult?

 

[Ken2]

quote:

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Originally posted by haley10:
API has a "certification" process. It is my understanding that ACEA is only specifications. If your product meets ACEA specs., then you may claim it. I don't think there is a formal approval process for meeting ACEA specs.

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"ACEA requires that any claims for Oil performance to meet these sequences must be based on credible data and controlled tests in accredited test laboratories.

"All engine performance testing used to support a claim of compliance with these ACEA sequences must be generated according to the European Engine Lubricants Quality Management System (EELQMS). This system, which is described in the ATIEL Code of Practice1, addresses product development testing and product performance documentation, and involves the registration of all candidate and reference oil testing and defines the compliance process."

The ACEA oil test sequences specifically designate the test method for each specification.
http://www.acea.be/ACEA/20020618PublicationsOilSequences.pdf

I believe new test sequences are scheduled for 2005.


Ken

 

[haley10]

quote:

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Originally posted by Bobert:
I wonder if the lower levels of ZDP required to meet GF-4 will make meeting A3 more difficult?

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I think lowering zddp is compensated for by using other chemisty. A3 and A5 won't be difficult at all.

I have even speculated that using excessive zddp can be a detriment to staying in grade and thickening.


I don't see a problem at all.

 

[haley10]

Thanks Ken2. I know, but didn't state it very well for anyone. ACEA is more spec based rather than license/fee based is what I was trying to get at. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[ebaker]

I get the impression that for durability, wear and long life A3 is better. For emissions and gas mileage GF4 is better.

 

[69 Riv GS]

Just for clarification:
I rechecked, and the Durablend 5w-20 I encountered is GF-3, ACEA A1 and Ford spec certified. It's NOT a GF-4.
The 5w30 however is GF-4 rated, but carries no ACEA cert and also makes no reference to the ACEA anywhere on the rear label anymore,(makes sense).
FWIW The GF-3 rated 5w30 was ACEA A1.

Syntec blend GF-3 5w30 was also A1 cert, and I believe the 10w-30 was an A5.

quote:

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originally posted by ebaker:
I get the impression that for durability, wear and long life A3 is better. For emissions and gas mileage GF4 is better.

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I'm inclined to agree. It appears as though the two afore mentioned "organizations"(ACEA & ILSAC) have very different agendas. But in all fairness I haven't researched either "group" all that much.

BTW I think A5 is pretty good too.

Steve

 

[friendly_jacek]

quote:

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Originally posted by Bobert:
I wonder if the lower levels of ZDP required to meet GF-4 will make meeting A3 more difficult?

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GF-4 and A3 are are almost mutualy exclusive.
GF-4 oils have low HTHS because of stringent fuel efficiency requirement.
A3 requires HTHS>3.5 by definition.

A1=general purpose gas engine, most GF-4 would probably meet A1
A3=premium gas oil with HTHS>3.5
A5=premium gas oil with HTHS<3.5, many long-life, fuel conserving oils belong here