API ENGINE SERVICE CLASSIFICATIONS

S Service CLASSIFICATION (Primarily for Petrol / Spark Ignition Engines)

Description Related Specifications
SM Introduced on 30 November 2004 SM oils are designed to provide improved
oxidation resistance, deposit protection, better wear protection, and low-
temperature performance over the life of the oil. Some SM oils may also meet
the latest ILSAC specification and/or qualify as Energy Conserving.
2004 Warranty approved.
Can carry ILSAC GF-4 where
viscosity qualifies
SL Introduced J uly 2001. SL oils are designed to provide better high temperature
deposit control and lower oil consumption.
2001 Warranty approved.
ILSAC GF-3
SJ For 1997 Gasoline Engine Warranty Maintenance Service. Service typical of
gasoline engines in current and earlier passenger car, van and light truck
operations under vehicle manufacturers recommended maintenance
procedures. First available 15
th
October 1996, oils in this category exceed the
minimum performance requirements of API Service Category SH in areas of oil
volatility, filterability, gelation, deposits and catalyst compatibility. Engine oils
meeting API Service Category SJ have been tested in accordance with the
Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) Code of Practice and may be used
where API Service Category SH and earlier categories have been
recommended.
1997 Warranty approved.
ILSAC GF-2
SH For 1994 Gasoline Engine Warranty Maintenance Service. Service typical of
gasoline engines beginning with 1994 passenger car, van and light truck
operation under vehicle manufacturers recommended maintenance
procedures. Oils in this category exceed the minimum performance
requirements of API Service Category SG in the areas of deposit control, oil
oxidation, wear, rust and corrosion. Engine Oils meeting API Service Category
SH have been tested in accordance with the Chemical Manufacturers
Association (CMA) Code of Practice and may be used where API Service
Category SG and earlier categories have been recommended.
1994 Warranty approved.
MIL-L-46152E
ILSAC GF-1
SG For 1989 Gasoline Engine Warranty Maintenance Service. Service typical of
gasoline engines beginning with 1989 model passenger cars, van and light
trucks operating under vehicle manufacturers recommended maintenance
procedures. Category SG oils include the performance properties of API
Service Category CC. (Certain manufacturers of gasoline engines require oils
that also meet the higher diesel engine Category CD.) Oils developed for this
service provide improved control of engine deposits, oil oxidation, and engine
wear relative to oils developed for previous categories. These oils also provide
protection against rust and corrosion. Oils meeting API Service Category SG
may be used when API Engine Service Categories SF, SE, SF/CC are
recommended.
1989 Warranty approved.
Ford: ESE-M2C-153E
GM: 6048M
MIL-L-46152D
SF For 1980 Petrol Engine Warranty Maintenance. Typically for petrol engines in
passenger cars and some trucks beginning with the 1980 models operating
under engine manufacturers recommended maintenance procedures. Oils
designed for these conditions provide increased oxidation stability and
improved anti-wear performance relative to oils which meet the minimum
requirements for API Engine Service Classification SE. These oils also provide
protection against engine deposits, rust and corrosion. They may be used when
API Engine Service Classifications SE, SD or SC are recommended.
1980 Warranty approved.
Ford: ESE-M2C-153B/C/D
GM: 6048M
Chrysler: MS 6395
MIL-L-46152B/C
SE For 1972 Petrol Engine Warranty Maintenance. Typically for petrol engines in
passenger cars and some trucks beginning with 1972 and certain 1971 US
models operating under engine manufacturers warranties. Oils designed for
these conditions provide more protection against oil oxidation, high temperature
engine deposits, rust and corrosion in petrol engines than oils which are
satisfactory for API Engine Service Classifications SD or SC and may be used
when either of these classifications is recommended.
1972 Warranty approved.
Ford: ESE-M2C-101C
GM: 6136M
MIL-L-46152A
SD For 1968 Petrol Engine Warranty Maintenance. 1968 Warranty approved.
SC For 1964 Petrol Engine Warranty Maintenance. 1964 Warranty approved.
SB For minimum Duty Petrol Engines. Inhibited oil, non-detergent.
SA For Utility Petrol and Diesel Engines. Straight mineral oil.


API ENGINE SERVICE CLASSIFICATIONS

C Commercial CLASSIFICATION (Primarily for Diesel / Compression Ignition Engines)

Description Related Specifications
CJ 4 Introduced in 2006, for high-speed, four-stroke engines designed to meet
2007 model on-highway exhaust emission standards. CJ -4 oils are suitable
for use in all applications with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 500
ppm (0.05% by weight). However, use of these oils with greater than 15 ppm
(0.0015% by weight) sulfur fuel may impact exhaust after treatment system
durability and/or oil drain interval. CJ -4 oils offer emission control system
durability where particulate filters and other advanced after treatment systems
are used. Optimum protection is provided for control of catalyst poisoning,
particulate filter blocking, engine wear, piston deposits, low- and high-
temperature stability, soot handling properties, oxidative thickening, foaming,
and viscosity loss due to shear. API CJ -4 oils exceed the performance criteria
of API CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CH-4, CG-4 and CF-4 and can effectively
lubricate engines calling for those API Service Categories. When using CJ -4
oil with higher than 15 ppm sulfur fuel, drain intervals maybe reduced. Consult
engine manufacturer.

CI4 + Introduced in 2004, CI4+is used in conjunction with API CI-4. CI-4 PLUS oils
are formulated to provide a higher level of protection against soot-related
viscosity increase and viscosity loss due to shear in diesel engines.

CI-4 Introduced September 2002. For high speed four-stroke engines designed to
meet 2004 exhaust standards implemented in 2002. CI-4 oils are formulated to
sustain engine durability where exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is used and
are intended for use with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 0.5%
weight. Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4 and CH-4 oils.
Cummins CES 20078
Mack EO-N Premium Plus
Caterpillar R1 Engine Test
CH-4 For Severe Duty Diesel Engine Service. API Service Category CH-4 describes
oils for use in high speed four stroke diesel engines designed to meet 1998
emission standards. CH-4 oils are specifically compounded for use with diesel
fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 0.5%M. May also be used in place of CD,
CE, CF-4 and CG-4 oils.
Cummins M11
Mack EO-M, EO-M Plus
Caterpillar 1P
CG-4 For Severe Duty Diesel Engine Service. API Service Category CG-4 describes
oils for use in high speed four stroke cycle diesel engines used in both heavy
duty on-highway (0.05%m sulfur fuel) and off-highway (less than 0.05%m
sulfur fuel) applications. CG-4 oils provide effective control over high
temperature piston deposits, wear, corrosion, foaming, oxidation stability and
soot accumulation. These oils are especially effective in engines designed to
meet 1994 U.S. exhaust emission standards and may also be used in engines
requiring API Service Categories CD, CE and CF-4. Oils designated for this
service have been in existence since 1994.
Caterpillar 1N
Mack EO-L
CF-4 For Severe Duty High Speed Four Stroke Cycle Diesel Engines. Service
typical of turbocharged or supercharged heavy duty diesel engines
manufactured since 1990. Particularly suited for on-highway, heavy truck
applications API CF-4 oils exceed the requirements of CE category oils and
are designed to replace CE category oils. It may also be used in place of
earlier categories CD or CC. API CF-4 is designed to provide improved control
of oil consumption and piston deposits.
Caterpillar 1K
CF-2 For Two Stroke Cycle Diesel Engine Service. Service Category CF-2 denotes
service typical of two stroke cycle engines requiring highly effective control
over cylinder and ring-face scuffing and deposits. Oils designated for this
service have been in existence since 1994 and may also be used when API
Engine Service Category CD-II is recommended. These oils do not necessarily
meet the requirements of CF or CF-4 unless passing test requirements for
these categories.
Caterpillar 1M-PC
Detroit Diesel 6V-92TA
CF For Indirect Injected Diesel Engine Service. Service Category CF denotes
service typical of indirect injected diesel engines, and other diesel engines
which use a broad range of fuel types including those using fuel with higher
sulfur content, for example over 0.5%m. Effective control of piston deposits,
wear and copper-containing bearing corrosion is essential for these engines
which may be naturally aspirated, turbocharged or supercharged. Oils
designated for this service have been in existence since 1994. Oils designated
for this service may also be used when API service category CD is
recommended.
Caterpillar 1M-PC
CE For Severe Duty Turbocharged Diesel Engines. Service typical of
turbocharged or supercharged heavy duty diesel engines manufactured since
1983 and operated under both low speed, high load and high speed, high load
conditions. Oil designated for this service may also be used when previous
API Engine Service Categories for diesel engines are recommended.
MIL-L-2104D/E
MIL-L-45199
Mack: EO-K/2
Cummins: NTC 400
CD-II For Severe Duty Two Stroke Cycle Diesel Engines. Service typical of two
stroke cycle diesel engines requiring highly effective control over wear and
deposits. Oils designated for this service also meet all the performance
requirements of API Service Category CD.
MIL-L-2104D
Detroit Diesel: 6V-53T
CD For Severe Duty Diesel Engines. Typically for certain naturally aspirated,
turbocharged or supercharged diesel engines where highly effective control of
wear and deposits is vital, or when run on fuels of a wide quality range
including those with a high sulfur content. Oils designed for these conditions
were introduced in 1955 and provide protection from bearing corrosion and
from high temperature deposits in these diesel engines.
MIL-L-2104C/D
MIL-L-45199
CC For Moderate Duty Diesel And Petrol Engines. Typically for certain naturally
aspirated, lightly turbocharged or supercharged diesel engines operated in
moderate to severe duty, and certain heavy duty petrol engines. Oils designed
for these conditions provide protection from high temperature deposits and
bearing corrosion in diesel engines and also from rust, corrosion and low
temperature deposits in petrol engines. These oils were introduced in 1961.
MIL-L-2104B
CB Obsolete MIL-L-2104A Supp. 1
CA Obsolete MIL-L-2104A

ILSAC ENGINE SERVICE CLASSIFICATIONS

The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the J apan Automobile Manufacturers Association
(J AMA), through an organization called the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC),
jointly developed and approved a Minimum Performance Standard for Passenger Car Motor Oils. The standard,
known as ILSAC GF-1, was issued in October 1990 and revised in October 1992. An upgraded standard, known as
ILSAC GF-2, was commercially released in October 1996, ILSAC GF-3 was released in 2000, and ILSAC GF-4 came
into effect in J une 2004.

ILSAC GF-4
Is effectively API SM API SM with Energy Conserving Requirements, sequence VI B fuel economy engine test.

ILSAC GF-3
Is effectively API SL plus the Sequence VI B fuel economy engine test.




ILSAC GF-2
Is effectively API SJ plus the Sequence VI A fuel economy engine test.

ILSAC GF-1
Is effectively API SH plus the Sequence VI fuel economy engine test.


API GEAR LUBRICANT CLASSIFICATIONS

Axle and Manual Transmission Lubricants SAE J308

Classification Type Typical Application
GL-1 Straight mineral oil. Some automotive manual transmissions under mild service.
GL-2 Usually contains fatty material. Worm drives and some industrial gear boxes.
GL-3 Contains mild EP additives. Manual transmissions and spiral bevel final drives under
moderate service conditions.
GL-4 Contains EP additives.
Equivalent to MIL-L-2105.
Manual transmissions and transaxles, spiral bevel and hypoid
gears in normal service without shock loading.
GL-5 Contains higher concentration of
EP additives.
Equivalent to MIL-L-2105 B/C/D.
Hypoid and all other types of gears in severest service including
shock loading. Primary field service recommendation for most
passenger cars and trucks. Also may be used in manual
transmissions.
GL-6 Obsolete Hypoid gears with very high pinion offset.
MT-1 Protection against the
combination of thermal
degradation, component wear and
oil seal deterioration. May or may
not contain EP additives.
Non synchronized manual transmissions used in buses and
heavy duty trucks.


ACEA LUBRICANT CLASSIFICATIONS
European Engine Service Classification

ACEA stands for Association des Constructuers Europeens IAutomobile. It is essentially a European equivalent of
Americas API classification system. The requirements are however stricter and more demanding in standard. Shear
stability and product volatility requirements are much more stringent than API equivalents. Therefore a lubricants
meeting both ACEA and API requirements uses a higher performance additive package when compared to one
claiming only API. It is broken down into three key groups
A Gasoline / Spark Ignition engines
B Light duty passenger type / 4wd / light commercial diesel engines.
C Catalyst compatibility for high speed passenger type / 4wd / light commercial diesel engines.
E Heavy Duty Diesel Engines.

A1 For use in Gasoline engines that are capable of using low friction, low viscosity, and low HT/HS shear oils. This
classification is a fuel economy guide, and this oil may not necessarily be used in used in all engines. Generally
pairs with B1 to offer A1/B1 combination.
A2 General purpose oil for use in most gasoline or spark ignition engines operating conventional drain intervals.
These products may not suitable for high performance engines. Now obsolete
A3 Highly stable product made to stay in grade. Ideally place for use in high performance gasoline / spark ignition
engines or where extended drain requirements are desired. Generally pairs with B3 or B4 to offer A3/B3 or
A3/B4 combination.
A5

Generally pairs with B5 to offer A5/B5 combination. Specified for conventional and low-viscosity oils suitable for
petrol and diesel engines. A reduction in fuel consumption of at least 2.5% compared to a 15W-40 viscosity oil
A5 Continued
must be demonstrated in a test engine for an oil to meet this specification. The limits for an acceptable level of
sludge handling in these lubricants have been raised to the highest level seen within ACEA, with all sequences
now required to provide the same level of performance.

B1 For use in light duty diesel engines that are capable of using low friction, low viscosity, and low HT/HS shear
oils. This classification is a fuel economy guide, and this oil may not necessarily be used in used in all engines.
B2 General purpose oil for use in most diesel or compression ignition engines (primarily in-direct injection) operating
conventional drain intervals. These products may not suitable for high performance engines. Now obsolete
B3 Highly stable product made to stay in grade. Ideally placed for use in high performance light duty diesel
engines or where extended drain requirements are desired.
B4 For use in direct injection diesel engines where a specific or dedicated engine oil may be required or desired
B5 Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use at extended drain intervals in high performance gasoline engines and
car& light van diesel engines designed to be capable of using low friction low viscosity oils with a High
temperature / High shear rate (HTHS) viscosity of 2.9 to 3.5 mPa.s. These oils are unsuitable for use in some
engines. Consult owner manual or handbook if in doubt.

C Catalyst compatibility oils
C1 Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high
Performance car and light van diesel and gasoline engines requiring low friction, low viscosity, low SAPS oils
with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 2.9 (Pascal seconds) mPa.s. These oils will increase the DPF and TWC life
and maintain the vehicles fuel economy. Classified as low SAPs & Fuel economy, they have a phosphorus
levels of 0.05% maximum (or about 0.055% zinc). Mainly for Mazda and Ford diesel engines. A5/B5 spec
accompanies C1, API SM cannot accompany this classification.
C2 Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high
performance car and light van diesel and gasoline engines designed to be capable of using low friction, low
viscosity oils with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 2.9 (Pascal seconds) mPa.s. These oils will increase the DPF
and TWC life and maintain the vehicles fuel economy. Classified as Mid SAPs & Fuel economy, they have
phosphorus levels of 0.07% to 0.09% and most oils tend to meet API SM as well. (API SM is 0.06% to 0.08%
phosphorus). Mainly for Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Nissan, and PSA diesel engines. A5/B5 spec accompanies C2
C3 Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high
performance car and light van diesel and gasoline engines, with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 3.5 (Pascal
seconds) mPa.s. These oils will increase the DPF and TWC life. Classified as Low SAPs like C1, they have
phosphorus levels of 0.07% to 0.09% and most oils tend to meet API SM as well. (API SM is 0.06% to 0.08%
phosphorus). Mainly for Isuzu, Mitsubishi, VW, Mercedes Benz, Opel, and BMW diesel engines. A3/B4 spec
accompanies C3 but with much tighter wear limits.
C4 Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high
performance car and light van diesel and gasoline engines requiring low SAPS oil with a minimum HTHS
viscosity of 3.5 (Pascal seconds) mPa.s. These oils will increase the DPF and TWC life. Classified as Low
SAPs, these oils cannot meet API SM like C1. Mainly for Renault diesel engines. Noack volatility requirement of
11%, and TBN of >6.
N
o
t
e
s

Warning: these oils are often unsuitable for use in some engines. As they are generally a low phosphorous /
zinc formulas this often makes them unsuitable in engines with flat tappets, or early roller cams as premature
wear can occur even with such sophisticated synthetic lubricants. Zinc in particular is a key component for wear
protection in earlier model motors. Consult owner manual or handbook if in doubt.
SAPS : Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, Sulphur DPF : Diesel Particulate Filter
TWC : Three way catalyst HTHS : High temperature / High shear rate viscosity

E2 For use in medium to heavy duty, naturally aspirated and turbo charged diesel engines. Drain intervals are
primarily conventional, and service conditions are considered normal.
E3 For use in Euro 1 & Euro 2 emission compliant diesel or compression ignition. Drain intervals are primarily
extended, and service conditions are considered severe.
E4 Highly stable product made to stay in grade, for more severe conditions than E3. Usually synthetic or mostly
synthetic. Made for Euro 3 emission compliance for European engines, and may not be used in Us made
engines unless otherwise specified. For use in significantly extended drain intervals.
E5 Designed for Euro 1,2 and 3 service European engines, for heavy duty service and drain intervals are at
maximum allowable. Service conditions are described as more severe than E3 but not as severe as E4.
E6


Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing excellent control of piston cleanliness, wear, soot handling and lubricant
stability. It is recommended for highly rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV and Euro V
emission requirements and running under very severe conditions, e.g. significantly extended oil drain intervals
E6

Continued
according to the manufacturers recommendations. It is suitable for EGR engines, with or without particulate
filters, and for engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction systems. E6 quality is strongly recommended for engines
fitted with particulate filters and is designed for use in combination with low sulphur diesel fuel. However,
recommendations may differ between engine manufacturers so Driver Manuals and/or Dealers shall be
consulted if in doubt.
E7 Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing effective control with respect to piston cleanliness and bore polishing. It further
provides excellent wear control, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly rated diesel
engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV and Euro V emission requirements and running under severe
conditions, e.g. extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturers recommendations. It is suitable for
engines without particulate filters, and for most EGR engines and most engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction
systems. However, recommendations may differ between engine manufacturers so Driver Manuals and/or
Dealers shall be consulted if in doubt.
E9 Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing effective control with respect to piston cleanliness and bore polishing. It further
provides excellent wear control, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly rated diesel
engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV and Euro V emission requirements and running under severe
conditions, e.g. extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturers recommendations. It is suitable for
engines with or without particulate filters, and for most EGR engines and for most engines fitted with SCR NOx
reduction systems. E9 is strongly recommended for engines fitted with particulate filters and is designed for use
in combination with low sulphur diesel fuel. However, recommendations may differ between engine
manufacturers so Drivers Manuals and/or Dealers should be consulted if in doubt

Base Oil Nomenclature
All oil starts of from an initial building block base oil. The various additives are than added to the base oil at blending
or manufacture. Base oils are not all the same and API classify the in Five ways as follows;

Group Sulphur % Saturates % V Index Manufacturing Method
I >0.03 % <90 % 80 - 119 Solvent refined product.
II <0.03 % >90 % 80 119 Hydro Processed
III <0.03 % >90 % 120 + Severely Hydro - Processed
IV Poly alpha olefins (PAOs) Oligomerization I.e man made.
V Others (Including esters) Various

Group III base oils are considered synthetic. Group II (Group II Plus) oils of the highest quality are considered to have
synthetic performance. Saturates listed in the table refers to the level of hydrocarbon molecules, and when viewed in
conjunction with Sulphur levels, is an indication of purity of the base oil.

Synthetic base oils are used for two main reasons, A/. For greater oxidization stability (longer oil life), and B/. and low
volatility (tendency to vaporize) to reduce oil consumption. Many finished product lubricants of lighter grading, and
made for Australian Group I base oil must use some percentage of synthetic base oil in order to meet ACEA volatility
criteria