Spec Changes

[Spitty]

We are now into SM, How many times has the specification for Motor oil changed since 1970?
When was motor oil last sold without additives?

 

[AEHaas]

SA through SM skipping SI and SK as the initials were used by others.

aehaas

 

[ericgl]

SD in 1970
SE 71, 72
SF through 1988
SG through 1993
SH through 1996
SJ through 2001
SL through 2005
SM new

Or thereabouts.

 

[Spitty]

Thanks ericgl, I'm trying to get information together for a short talk at our Car Club, the Title is 'Oil isnt what it used to be' pretty basic stuff. Thank God!

 

[Jay]

When the API comes up with a new designation, it's a major windfall for them. Every oil maker that wants the new certification has to submit all their oils for testing--along with a hefty chunk of money for each one.

I'm not saying that the API doesn't earn the money (They do quite a bit of expensive auditing to keep companies honest.), but they have a strong incentive to renovate their cert. often.

That's why many of the smaller blenders have no certifcation, or outdated certification.