GM4718M

[fscarano]

What is the specifications and testing for this GM standard? Who conducts the tests?

Thanks in advance

 

[MGregoir]

Independent labs conduct the testing when paid by the manufacturer of the oil, and the results are submitted to GM for approval.

The specification is not publically available but it pertains to deposit control and high temperature oxidation resistance. If you do a search of my posts, I posted some of the details of it. It can't thicken more than 90% in a certain test when the GF-4 standard is 150%, tighter restrictions for piston deposits, and lower volatility (13% versus 15%) are the few I have data for.

Basically, if you are looking for a 4718 oil your two safest/easiest to get/best choices are Pennzoil Platinum or Mobil 1 5W-30.

 

[fscarano]

GM4718M Must is some kind of secret. No one wants to share its information. I guess I’m not in the oil secret society!

 

[ruking77]

Specifically Chevrolet specifies the GM 4178 M for the Corvette. (Z06, that I am positive) I know for example Mobil One 0w30,5w30, 10w30 all meet this specification. Mobil One 5w30 is the oem recommendation for (my) the Z06. So for example deposit control and high temperature oxidation resistance are very important, for oil consumption is considered "GOOD" @ 1 qt per 5,000 miles. So in my case of a 15,000 miles OCI, I will consume a min of 3 qts/6.5qt = 46% of the sump. More normal consumption for harder use is between 1000 to 3000 miles per qt.

Suffice to say it is probably a short list of vehicle that require this specification (GM 4178 M)

Contrast this with other vehicles (non GM 4178M) where I consume 4-8 oz in 20,000 miles, 16 oz to 1qt in 15,000 miles, 1/8 to 5/8 qt in 25,000 miles.