The International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) plays a pivotal role in the automotive industry by establishing standards, licensing, and administering specifications for automotive lubricants. Founded in 1992, ILSAC serves as a bridge between automakers and the motor oil industry, ensuring that lubricants meet specific requirements for optimal vehicle performance and longevity.
Key Facts
- Purpose: ILSAC was formed in 1992 by AAMA (American Automobile Manufacturers Association) and JAMA (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association) to define the parameters, licensing, and administration of lubricant specifications for automobiles.
- Standards: ILSAC has established various oil specifications over the years, including GF-1, GF-2, GF-3, GF-4, GF-5, and GF-6.
- GF-1: Introduced in 1990, GF-1 was the minimum requirement for oil used in American and Japanese automobiles. It met both API SH and Energy Conserving II (EC-II) requirements.
- GF-2: GF-2 replaced GF-1 in 1996. It required oil to meet API SJ and EC-II requirements. GF-2 set more stringent requirements for phosphorus content, low-temperature operation, high-temperature deposits, and foam control.
- GF-3: GF-3 required oil to meet API SL and EC-II requirements. It had more stringent parameters regarding the long-term effects of the oil on the vehicle emission system, improved fuel economy, improved volatility, deposit control, and viscosity performance. GF-3 also aimed for less additive degradation and reduced oil consumption rates over the service life of the oil.
- GF-4: GF-4 was similar to the API SM service category but required an additional sequence VIB Fuel Economy Test (ASTM D6837).
- GF-5: Introduced in 2010, GF-5 aimed to provide improved high-temperature deposit protection for pistons and turbochargers, more stringent sludge control, improved fuel economy, enhanced emission control system compatibility, seal compatibility, and protection of engines operating on ethanol-containing fuels up to E85.
- GF-6: GF-6 is currently in development and will likely be divided into two sub-specifications. GF-6A will be fully backward compatible with GF-5 but offer better fuel economy, engine protection, and improved performance while maintaining durability. GF-6B will deliver similar performance as GF-5A but allow lower viscosity oils like xW-16, taking advantage of the fuel economy benefits offered by the new SAE 16 viscosity grade.
ILSAC’s Role in the Motor Oil Industry
ILSAC collaborates with the Tripartite system, comprising the American Petroleum Institute (API), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), to define lubricant specifications. This collaborative effort has resulted in the creation of the Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS), a voluntary program that allows motor oil marketers meeting specific criteria to utilize API Engine Oil Quality Marks. These marks assist consumers in identifying high-quality engine oils suitable for their gasoline-powered vehicles.
ILSAC Oil Specifications
ILSAC has developed various oil specifications designated as ILSAC GF-x. These specifications are based on API service categories but impose additional performance requirements and restrictions on viscosity grades that can claim to meet an ILSAC standard.
- ILSAC GF-1:
Introduced in 1990 and upgraded in 1992, GF-1 became the minimum requirement for oil used in American and Japanese automobiles. It signifies that the oil meets API SH and Energy Conserving II (EC-II) requirements.
- ILSAC GF-2:
Established in 1996 as a replacement for GF-1, GF-2 mandates that oil meets API SJ and EC-II requirements. It sets more stringent standards for phosphorus content, low-temperature operation, high-temperature deposits, and foam control.
- ILSAC GF-3:
This standard, requiring oil to meet API SL and EC-II requirements, was introduced with enhanced parameters concerning long-term effects on the vehicle’s emission system, improved fuel economy, improved volatility, deposit control, and viscosity performance. GF-3 also aims for less additive degradation and reduced oil consumption rates over the service life of the oil.
- ILSAC GF-4:
This standard is comparable to the API SM service category but necessitates an additional sequence VIB Fuel Economy Test (ASTM D6837).
- ILSAC GF-5:
Introduced in October 2010 for 2011 and older vehicles, this standard was designed to provide improved high-temperature deposit protection for pistons and turbochargers, more stringent sludge control, improved fuel economy, enhanced emission control system compatibility, seal compatibility, and protection of engines operating on ethanol-containing fuels up to E85.
- ILSAC GF-6:
The most recent ILSAC specification, GF-6, is divided into two sub-specifications, GF-6A and GF-6B. GF-6A is fully backward compatible with ILSAC GF-5, offering better fuel economy, engine protection, and improved performance while maintaining durability. GF-6B delivers similar performance to ILSAC GF-5A but permits lower viscosity oils like xW-16, capitalizing on the fuel economy advantages offered by the new SAE 16 viscosity grade.
Conclusion
ILSAC plays a crucial role in the motor oil industry by bridging the gap between motor oil manufacturers and automakers. ILSAC’s oil specifications ensure that automotive oils meet specific requirements, benefiting the performance and longevity of vehicles. By choosing motor oil that meets or exceeds the manufacturer’s specifications, optimal engine health and performance can be maintained.
References
- Rock Oil. (2023). Understanding ILSAC ratings for automotive lubricants. Retrieved from https://rockoil.co.uk/knowledgebase/understanding-ilsac-ratings-for-automotive-lubricants/
- Oil Specifications. (2023). ILSAC Oil Specifications. Retrieved from https://www.oilspecifications.org/ilsac.php
- API. (2023). Latest Oil Categories. Retrieved from https://www.api.org/products-and-services/engine-oil/eolcs-categories-and-classifications/latest-oil-categories
FAQs
What is ILSAC oil?
ILSAC oil is a type of motor oil that meets the standards set by the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC). ILSAC oil is designed to provide optimal performance and protection for gasoline-powered vehicles.
What are the different ILSAC oil specifications?
ILSAC has developed various oil specifications designated as ILSAC GF-x. These specifications include GF-1, GF-2, GF-3, GF-4, GF-5, and GF-6. Each specification has its own set of performance requirements and restrictions.
What are the benefits of using ILSAC oil?
ILSAC oil offers several benefits, including:
- Improved fuel economy
- Reduced emissions
- Enhanced engine protection
- Longer oil change intervals
- Improved performance in extreme temperatures
How do I know if my car requires ILSAC oil?
You can find the ILSAC oil specification required for your car in your owner’s manual. Most gasoline-powered vehicles manufactured after 1992 require ILSAC oil.
What is the difference between ILSAC GF-5 and GF-6 oil?
ILSAC GF-6 oil is the latest ILSAC specification and offers improved fuel economy, engine protection, and performance compared to GF-5 oil. GF-6 oil is also backward compatible with GF-5 engines.
Can I use ILSAC oil in my diesel engine?
No, ILSAC oil is specifically designed for gasoline-powered engines. Diesel engines require a different type of oil that meets the specifications set by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
Where can I find ILSAC oil?
ILSAC oil is available at most auto parts stores and automotive service centers. You can also purchase ILSAC oil online from reputable retailers.