Originally Posted By: Pablo
I'll bet some companies use it in early stages of AW evaluations for additive packages.
Very possible. But they aren't posting the results of those tests on their websites to be read as an indicator of their engine oil's performance.
I can find 4-ball test results from all of the major oil manufacturers. They provide them for their gear lubes and greases. But they don't for their engine oils.
Lets say for example, that using a 3rd party lab, I could verify that Redline did the best in ASTM D6514.
Quote:
Degradation of fluid lubricants because of oxidation or thermal breakdown can result in fluid thickening or in the formation of acids or insoluble solids and render the fluid unfit for further use as a lubricant.
This test method can be used for estimating the oxidation stability of oils. It can function as a formulation screening tool, specification requirement, quality control measurement, or as a means of estimating remaining service life. It shall be recognized, however, that correlation between results of this test method and the oxidation stability of an oil in field service can vary markedly with field service conditions and with various oils.
This test method is designed to compliment Test Method D 5846 and is intended for evaluation of fluids which do not degrade significantly within a reasonable period of time at 135°C.
This test is used to validate turbine oils.
There is nothing saying I couldn't use this test on an automotive lubricant, just like with the 4-ball test. If I were to try and argue its relevance would you not question it?
That's the point I am making here.
