Oil and grease specifications
All serious oil manufacturers test their production in various international and national quality institutions where the API (American Petroleum Institute) and the ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europeens d'Automobiles) are the most often recognized.
API classification defines the oil quality by carrying out tests on it in the engine. The wear and cleanliness of cylinder walls, piston rings, bearings and gas distribution mechanisms, formation of burns and deposits, surface damages and the increase of oil acidity may be examined during the tests. This classification divides engine lubricants into two groups marked by two letters: S-lubricants for petrol engines and C-lubricants for diesel engines. A second additional letter (e.g. SJ, SL or CG, CH) indicates the quality class. The higher it is, the further the letter in the alphabet marks it, . e.g.: SL Class oil has better operational properties than SJ. Universal use lubricants are marked with general symbols, e.g.: SL/CF.
For petrol engines:
- specifications from SA to SH inclusive are not used any more;
- SJ – has come into force since 1996; test requirements are the same as for SH, however they are more resistant to vaporization and contain lower quantity of phosphorus;
- SL – adopted in 2001; test requirements are the same as for SJ, however they are more rigorous for oil consumption and the formation of burns at high temperature; some of them save fuel;
- SM – came into force in 2004; these lubricants are more resistant to acidity increase, formation of burns, better protection from wear, ensure an easy start at low temperatures during their whole period of service; some of them save fuel.
Higher quality oil than indicated by the manufacturer may always be used for petrol engines.
For diesel engines
- CA to CE inclusive are not valid any more;
- CF-4 - has replaced CE since 1990 lower oil consumption and cleaner cylinders;
- CF-2 – since 1994; for two-cycle diesel engines;
- CF – has replaced CD since 1994; for engines using fuel with a high sulphur content (0.4%). It protects pistons from deposits at high temperatures and protects bearings from corrosion. It is suitable for normally aspirated engines and diesel engines with turbo injection;
- CG-4 has replaced CE, CE and CF-4 since 1994; for diesel engines to whom more rigorous pollution requirements are applied;
- CH-4 – since 1998; for diesel engines to whom even more rigorous pollution requirements are applied;
- CI-4 – presented in 2002; for diesel engines with very rigorous pollution requirements; especially suitable for engines using an additional exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system;
- CI-4 PLUS – presented in 2004; exceeds the requirements for CI-oil;
- CJ-4 – came into force in 2006; recommended for use in the newest heavily loaded low-pollution diesel engines using low sulphur content fuel, compatible with both diesel particulate filters (DPF) and EGR.
Higher quality oil than recommended by the manufacturer can be used in all four-cycle engines because higher quality oil ensures better protection of engine elements. It is necessary to take into consideration the manufacturer’s recommendations when selecting an oil for two-cycle diesel engines.
Classification of API lubricants for gearboxes and main drives
Marked with letters GL and a number which indicates the recommended use.
- GL-1 – oil for gearboxes operating at low friction speeds. Resistance to oxidation, protection against rust, and the congelation temperature is improved with additives.
- GL-4 –oil used for gearboxes and main hypoid drives operating at high speeds and low torques.
- GL-5 – oil used for gearboxes and main hypoid drives, operating at high speeds with shockloads and low torques or low speeds and high torques.
It is necessary to only use the GL class lubricants recommended by the manufacturers. E.g., if we use GL-5 instead of the recommended GL-4 oil, the operation of the synchronizers will be disturbed (slowed down).
API classes are not suitable for automatic gearboxes. It is necessary to take into consideration the recommendations of the automatic transmission manufacturers.
The ACEA quality classification has been used since 1996 and its newest 2008 edition divides engine lubricants into three groups marked with a combination of letters: A.../B... - lubricants for petrol and diesel commercial vehicle engines, C... - lubricants for petrol and diesel commercial vehicle engines having specific gas emission systems, - lubricants for heavy commercial transport. Every one of these groups is divided into quality levels. E.g. A1/B1, A3/B3, C2/B3 or E4/E7. It is necessary to note that commercial vehicle oils marked with a combination A.../B... or C... are of universal usage and are suitable for both petrol and diesel engines. Besides, a higher ACEA qualification number does not always mean higher oil quality.
For cars with petrol and diesel engines: A1/B1 – easy operation, fuel saving oil; A2/B2 – not used any more; A3/B3 - features better resistance to oxidation and film durability; A3/B4 – features better resistance to oxidation and film durability; for modern diesel engines with direct fuel injection; A5/B5 – means an easy operation fuel saving oil, and features better resistance to oxidation and film durability.
For cars with petrol and diesel low-pollution engines having specific gas emission systems (DPF and TWC) therefore the quantity of sulphur, ash and phosphorus is limited:
C1 – an easy operation, fuel saving oil with more rigorously limited chemical ingredients; C2 + easy operation, fuel saving oil; C3 ‒ has better film resistance; C4 ‒ has better film resistance; and the chemical ingredients are more rigorously limited.
For commercial vehicles (heavy transport):
E1 (until 2002), E2 (until 2008), E3 and E5 (until 2004) – are not used any more.
E4 – stable oils, perfectly maintain a piston’s cleanliness, resistance to wear, soot and lubrication stability. These lubricants are recommended for engines complying with E 1/2/3/4 emission requirements and operating under extremely hard work conditions, and also for the longest intervals (~90.000-150.000km) between oil changes. The lubricants are suitable for engines without DPF, some with EGR, and some with SCR NOx systems. E6 – heavy-duty oil ensures the longest change intervals (~90.000-150.000km) with strictly limited chemical ingredients, and is compatible with DPF, EGR and other gas emission systems. Low sulphur content E7 oil replaces E5. It has stable lubricants which effectively maintain piston cleanliness and protect it from cylinder polish. They perfectly protect an engine from wear and sediment formation in its turbine, neutralize soot and maintain lubrication stability. These oils are recommended for engines complying with E 1/2/3/4 emission requirements and operating under extremely difficult operating conditions, and also for prolonged intervals between oil changes. The lubricants are suitable for engines without DPF and the majority of engines with EGR and SCR NOx systems. E9 is a heavy duty, long change interval ensuring oil with strictly limited chemical ingredients. It is compatible with DPF, EGR and other gas removal systems, including low sulphur content fuel.
Classification of DIN 51524 hydraulic oils
Hydraulic oils do not have uniform quality and viscosity classifications. Practically every manufacturer of hydraulic systems and equipment defines special requirements for oil. The most common standards are DIN and ISO VG (Viscosity Grade).
The most common are as follows:
- DIN 51524 HVLP – lubricants have additives that protect from corrosion, oxidation and wear, plus additives increasing their viscosity index (VI >140, pressure >100 bar). They are intended for universal application, however the biggest advantage is provided when used in external hydraulic systems.
- DIN 51524 HLP – lubricants have additives from corrosion, oxidation and wearing (VI >80-100, pressure >100bar). They are intended for universal application and they are recommended for use in internal hydraulic systems.
- DIN 51524 HL ‒ lubricants have additives protecting from corrosion and oxidation (VG >80-100, pressure >100bar). They are recommended for use in low pressure internal hydraulic systems.
ISO 6743-4 classification of hydraulic oils:
- ISO – L – HH – Mineral lubricants without corrosion inhibitors ISO – L – HL – Lubricants HH with oxidation-reduction and anticorrosive additives
- ISO – L – HM – HL lubricants with wear reducing additives
- ISO – L – HR – HL lubricants with a high viscosity index
- ISO – L – HV – HM lubricants with a high viscosity index
- ISO – L – HG – HM lubricants with shock resistant features
- ISO – L – HS – Synthetic liquids
- ISO 6743-4 classification of fireproof hydraulic liquids:
- ISO – L – HFAE – Emulsion, oil-in-water
- ISO – L – HFAS – Chemical combinations in water
- ISO – L – HFB – Emulsion, water-in-oil
- ISO – L – HFC – Water / glycol
- ISO – L – HFDR – Phosphorus esters – without water
- ISO – L – HFDS – Chlorinated hydrocarbons – without water
- ISO – L – HFDT – HFDR / HFDS mixtures
- ISO – L – HFDU – Anhydrous liquids, more resistant than HFDR, HFDS or HFDT
- ISO 6743-4 classification of biodegradable hydraulic liquids:
- ISO – L – HETG – Triglycerides (vegetable oils)
- ISO – L – HEES – Synthetic esters
- ISO – L – HEPG – Polyglycols
DIN 51506 classification of piston air compressor lubricants
The most common are as follows:
- DIN 51506 VDL lubricants have additives that protect from corrosion and oxidation, and air compression temperatures up to 220°C; recommended for compressors with two stage air compression.
- DIN 51506 VCL lubricants have additives that protect from corrosion and oxidation, and air compression temperatures up to 160°C.
- DIN 51506 VBL lubricants have additives that protect from corrosion and oxidation, and air compression temperatures up to 140°C.
DIN 51515 classification of turbine lubricants:
The most common are as follows:
- DIN 51515-2 L-TG – lubricants recommended for use at higher temperatures than usual.
- DIN 51515-1L-TD – lubricants recommended for use in normal temperature ranges.
DIN 51517 classification of gear lubricants:
The most common are as follows:
- DIN 51517 CGLP – lubricants have additives that protect from corrosion, oxidation and wear in mixed friction locations and additives improving the surface friction characteristics.
- DIN 51517-3 CLP – lubricants have additives that protect from corrosion, oxidation and wear in mixed friction locations.
- DIN 51517-2 CL – lubricants have additives that protect from corrosion and oxidation, and are suitable for medium load conditions.
DIN 51503 classification of refrigeration compressor lubricants:
The most common are as follows:
- DIN 51503 KA – lubricants suitable for refrigeration systems with ammonia.
- DIN 51503 KC – lubricants suitable for refrigeration systems with chlorinated chloroflourocarbons.
DIN 51825 classification of plastic greases:
The most common are as follows:
- DIN 51825 K – grease made from high viscosity mineral and/or synthetic oil with a thickener.
- DIN 51825 KP-K – grease made from additional additives that reduce friction and protect against wear in mixed friction locations.
- DIN 51825 KF – K grease with additional hard additives (graphite, molybdenum disulfide).
- DIN 51825 KPF – K grease with additional additives that reduce friction and protect against wear in mixed friction locations, plus additional hard additives (graphite, molybdenum disulfide).
Explanation of VW Group oil specifications:
- VW 505.00 – for all turbo and non turbo diesel VW engines with simple injectors, without a particulate filter; fixed mileage of 15,000km.
- VW 505.01 – covers 505.00, for all turbo and non turbo diesel VW engines with pump-injectors, without a particulate filter; fixed mileage of 15,000km.
- VW 506.00 – covers 505.00, for all turbo and non turbo diesel VW engines with simple injectors, without a particulate filter; variable mileage up to 30,000km.
- VW 506.01 – covers 505.00, 505.01, 506.00, for all turbo and non turbo diesel VW engines with pump-injectors, without a particulate filter; variable mileage up to 30,000km.
- VW 507.00 – covers all the above mentioned VW specifications (except for R5 and V10 TDI engines), for all turbo and non turbo diesel VW engines with pump-injectors, with and without a particulate filter; variable mileage up to 30,000 km.
Mobil lubricants according to VW specifications:
- VW 505.01 – Mobil Super XE 5W-30
- VW 506.01 – Mobil SHC Formula LD 0W-30 (covers VW 505.01 + prolonged mileage);
- VW 507.00 – Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 and Mobil SHC Formula V 5W-30 (covers VW 505.01 + prolonged mileage and VW 506.01)