SwRI: Sequence IIIF test for gasoline engines, part of oil categories API SL and ILSAC GF-3

  image of the stand to run the Sequence IIIF test that measures oil thickening and piston deposits under high-temperature conditions and provides information about valve train wear
 

The Sequence IIIF method at SwRI measures oil thickening and piston deposits under high-temperature conditions and provides information about valve train wear.

The Sequence IIIF procedure measures oil thickening and piston deposits under high-temperature conditions and provides information about valve train wear. The test simulates high-speed service under relatively high ambient conditions.


The Sequence IIIF test is part of API and ILSAC oil categories:

  • API SL

  • ILSAC GF-3

Sequence IIIF Test Equipment and Procedure

A 1996/1997 231 CID (3,800 cc) Series II General Motors V-6 fuel-injected gasoline engine is used.


Using unleaded gasoline, the engine runs a 10-minute initial oil-leveling procedure followed by a 15-minute slow ramp up to speed and load conditions. It then operates at 100 bhp, 3,600 rpm, and 155 °C oil temperature for 80 hours, interrupted at 10-hour intervals for oil level checks.
 

Sequence IIIF Test Results

At test end:

  • All six pistons are inspected for deposits and varnish.

  • Camshaft and lifters are measured for wear.

  • Oil screen plugging is evaluated.

  • Kinematic viscosity increase (percent) at 40°C is compared to a new oil baseline every 10 hours.

  • Wear metals, Cu, Pb, and Fe, are evaluated at this interval.

Sequence IIIF Pass/Fail Criteria

PARAMETER

PASS LIMIT

Viscosity increase

275%

Average piston skirt vanish

9.0 minimum

Weighted piston deposits

4.0 minimum

Average cam-plus-lifter wear

20 μm maximum

Stuck rings

None

Hot oil consumption interpretability

5.2 L, maximum for NOACK<15%
6.5 L, maximum for NOACK>15%

MRV @ EOT

Report Only

 

PASS

FAIL

 

PASS

FAIL


For more information about the Sequence IIIF procedure capabilities at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Pat Lang at plang@swri.org or (210) 522-2820.

©1998-2009 Copyright Southwest Research Institute
Printed from:
http://www.swri.edu/4org/d08/GasTests/IIIFtest/default.htm?
Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,300 employees who perform contract work for industry and government clients.