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Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have been aggressively downsizing engines to meet strict fuel-economy and emissions standards while improving power and torque. Most new engines today use some combination of turbochargers, direct-fuel injection and variable valve timing to make more power than their larger counterparts while delivering improved fuel economy.

Lighter oil viscosities, such as 0W-16, have also emerged to help achieve better fuel economy. Ultra-light viscosities require special attention, so the industry responded by implementing the ILSAC GF-6 and API SP engine oil specifications.

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What is ILSAC GF-6?

The International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) set a precedent in the passenger car motor oil market by splitting their GF-6 specification into two parts:

GF-6A

  • 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30 AND 10W-30
  • BACKWARD COMPATIBLE
  • PROTECTION FOR OLDER AND NEWER VEHICLES
  • PROTECTION AGAINST LSPI

GF6B

  • OW-16
  • NOT BACKWARD COMPATIBLE
  • PROTECTION FOR SELECT NEW VEHICLES
  • PROTECTION AGAINST LSPI
  • MORE STRINGENT TEST FOR FUEL ECONOMY

Both versions of the specification have a focus on wear protection, low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) prevention and improved engine cleanliness. They also meet the industry standard API SP specification commonly found in owner’s manuals.
Engine oils can easily be identified as ILSAC GF-6A or 6B by the API emblem on the front label of the packaging.

ASTM D7583 cavitation test

NEW TECHNOLOGIES, NEW ISSUES

The move to smaller engines with more torque and better fuel economy might seem like all up-side for drivers, but today’s smaller, hotter-running engines pose significant challenges to lubricants. The latest is a phenomenon called low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), also known as "super knock," which can destroy pistons and connecting rods.

Piston Damage

WHAT IS LSPI?

LSPI is another version of engine knock, which has been around since engines were invented. In this case, it occurs under low-speed, high-torque conditions in turbocharged gasoline direct-injected engines and is more destructive than typical engine knock.

Under normal operation, spark-triggered ignition is timed to work in tandem with downward piston momentum. LSPI occurs when an oil/fuel droplet hiding in the piston crevice launches into the combustion chamber and ignites the fuel/air mixture too early. The resulting force clashes with the upward moving piston and can cause damage like that on the piston shown.

Vehicle manufacturers know this is an issue and have programmed vehicle software to avoid LSPI-inducing conditions. Doing so, however, limits fuel efficiency. To extract maximum efficiency from their advanced power plants, OEMs have implemented software updates that will increase the risk of LSPI. Engines without the protection of a motor oil formulated to combat LSPI will be at greater risk of severe damage. We are prepared for these future OEM updates.

Proving it can protect turbocharged direct-injected engines, AMSOIL achieved 100 percent protection against LSPI in the engine test required by the GM dexos1® Gen 2 specification.

New Signature Series Oil

The complete AMSOIL motor oil lineup has been upgraded to meet these new challenges.

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HAVE A QUESTION? TALK TO US

Contact your full-service AMSOIL Dealer or AMSOIL Technical Services at 715-399-TECH (8324).

 

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