GCC Standardization Organization (GSO)
 
 
 
  
  
Updated Standard  
Final Draft 
 
 
 
 
 
GSO  7/ FDS 
 :2012  
 
Prepared by GSO Sub -committee No. TC 07/SC01  
 
 
 
Lubricating Oils for Internal Combustion Engines  
 
 
 
ICS: 75. 100 
 
 
Prepared by  
 
Gulf Technical committee for Oil & Gas Industry  
______________________________________________________________________________________  
 
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT GSO STANDAR D CIRCULATED FOR COMMENT. IT IS, 
THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS GSO STANDARD 
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
 
Foreword  
 
GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) is a regional Organization which 
consists of the Na tional Standards Bodies of GCC member States. One of 
GSO main functions is to issue Gulf Standards / Technical regulations 
through specialized technical committees (TCs).  
 
GSO through the technical program of committee TC No7 " Gulf Technical  
committee for Oil & Gas Industry"  has updated the  Gulf technical  
Regulation   No. GSO 1785:200 7 “Lubricating Oils for Internal Combustion 
Engines " The Updated Standard has been prepared by ( UNITED ARAB 
EMIRATES ) this will withdrawn and replace GSO 1785:2007.  
 
The draft has been prepared based on relevant, International and National 
Standards and references.  
 
This technical Regulation has been approved as a Gulf (Standard / Technical 
Regulation) by GSO Board of Directors  in its meeting No. (       ) , held  on                                 
/     /             H,      /     /              G. The approved standard will replace and 
supersede the GSO standard N.(      /      ).  
 
GSO1785/2007
GSO 1785/2007
 
  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
Lubricating Oils for Internal Combustion Engines  
 
1. Scope And Field of Application  
The Gulf s tandard is concerned with lubricating oils for internal combustion 
engines suitable for gasoline and diesel engine services excluding marine 
application.  
 
2. Complementary References * 
2.1 GSO 12 6/1990 “Methods of Sampling lubricating Oils”.  
2.2 GSO ISO 3987:2011 “Petroleum products - Lubricating oils and 
additives - Determination of sulfated ash ”  
2.3 GSO 873/1997 “Determination of Apparent Viscosity for Engine Oils 
at Low Temperature Using the Cold  Crank Simulator”.  
2.4 GSO896/1997 “Determination of Phosphorous Content in Lubricating 
Oils and Additives”.  
2.5 GSO1078/2003 “Determination of  Kinematic Viscosity and Dynamic 
Viscosity for Petroleum Products”. . 
2.6 GSO ISO 2909/2008 “Calculation of Viscosity Index f rom Kinematic 
Viscosity”.  
2.7 GSO ISO 3771/2011  “Determination  of  Base Number -Perchloric 
Acid Potentiometric Titration Method” . 
2.8 GSO ISO 6247/2008 “Determination of Foaming Characteristics of 
Lubricating Oils”.  
3. Definition  
3.1 Mineral Base oil:  Petroleum product p roduced after refining, 
(separating fuel distillates) by extracting asphalt, aromatics, resins, 
unstable materials, wax and moisture to improve its characteristics.  
Also it can be  separate mineral oil base type s according to w hether 
they are Conventional o r hydro -processed . Conventional base oils are 
refined using traditional methods (applying chemicals) and tend to 
leave undesirables behind, such as sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon    
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
compounds, and trace metals. These can affect the performance of the 
oil. 
Mineral  base oils that have been hydro -processed have undergone 
additional, more advanced refining processes than their conventional 
counterparts. The name "hydro -processed" is derived from  the fact 
that refineries use hydrogen reactions (in a process k nown as hydro -
cracking) to remove impurities. When base oils are subjected to even 
more hydroprocessing,  they attain the status of “ severe” 
hydroprocessed oils, which means they contain minimal amounts of 
impurities.   
Hydro -isomerized mineral oils reconstr uct cracked waxes into 
branched paraffin’s.  This technology is growing globally to meet 
global standards for lubricants.  
3.2 Base stock:  Mineral or synthetic oil or mixture of both.  
3.3 Additives:  Chemical materials designed to be mixed with base stocks 
to enhance  its performance properties.  
3.4 Lubrication:  The act of adding lubricating oil to reduce friction and 
wear between the moving parts, to control the increase in temperature 
rise caused by the friction, to minimize corrosion and to remove 
residues resulting fro m internal combustion.  
 
4. Classification  
Lubricating oils are classified according to their viscosity and 
performance as follows:  
 
4.1 Classification according to viscosity  
 Lubricating oils are classified according to viscosity based on SAE 
classification ( see Table 1 ). 
 Multigrade oils are the combination of winter (W) and summer 
grades.  
 
4.2 Classification according to performance  
Lubricating oils are classified according to performance  based on API 
classification (see Table 2 & Table 3 ). 
Multigrade oils ar e the combination of winter (W) and summer 
grades.  
 
  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
 
4.2.1    Service  categories for passenger car oils:  
The lubricants covered by these categories are for gasoline 
passenger cars, some trucks and off -highway equipment. (Service 
category “S”). 
   Note: The letter following service category “S” indicates the performance  
category of the oils.  
  
4.2.1.1 . SJ-1997 Gasoline Engine Service  
Category SJ was adopted in 1996 to describe engine oil and was 
first mandated in 1997. It is for use in service typical of gasoline 
engines in present and earlier passenger cars, van and light trucks 
operating under vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance 
procedures. Oils meeting API SJ requirement have been tested 
according to The American Chemistry Council (ACC) Product 
Approva l Code of Practice and may utilize the API base oil 
interchange and viscosity grade engine testing guidelines. (They 
may be used where API Service Obsolete  Categories SH and earlier 
categories are recommended ). 
Note: SJ represents the minimum category used  in this gulf standard.  
 
4.2.1.2 . SL-2001 Gasoline Engine Service  
Category SL was adopted to describe engine oils for use in 2001. 
These oils are use in service typical of gasoline engines in present 
and earlier passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and ligh t 
trucks operating under vehicle manufacturers, recommended 
maintenance procedure. Engine oils that meet API service category 
SL requirements have been tested according to the American 
Chemistry Council (ACC) Product Approval Code of Practice and 
may utili ze the API Base Oil Interchange and Viscosity Grade 
Engine Testing Guidelines. They may be used where API Service 
Category SJ and earlier categories are recommended.  
 
4.2.1.3 . SM-2005 Gasoline Engine Service  
Category SM was adopted for use in describing engine oils  available 
in 2004. These oils are for use in service of gasoline engines in 
current and earlier passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and 
light-duty trucks operating under vehicle manufacturers 
recommended maintenance procedures.   
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
Engine oils that the API Service Category SM designation may be 
used where API Service Category SL and earlier S categories have 
been recommended.  
 
 
Engine oils meeting API Service Category SM requirements have 
been tested according to American chemistry Council (ACC) 
Prod uct Approval  Code of Practice and may utilize the API Base Oil 
Interchangeability and viscosity engine testing guidelines.  
 
4.2.1.4 . SN-2010 Gasoline Engine Service  
API Service Category SN was for use in describing Engine Oils 
available in 2010. These oils are for use in service typical gasoline 
engines in current and earlier passenger cars. Sport utility vehicles , 
vans, and light -duty trucks operating under vehicle manufacturers 
recommended maintenance procedures.  
 
The API lubricants Group finalized the user langua ge and test 
requirements for both API SN and its supplemental Category -
Resource Conserving (RC). This new supplemental category 
expands the previous Energy Conserving supplemental Category 
(which provided only fuel economy claims) by also adding greater 
emission system protection, turbocharger  
Protection  and enabling engines to operate on ethanol -containing 
fuels up to  E85. API SN, when licensed with Resource Conserving, 
is equivalent to ILSAC GF -5. 
The first allowable license date for API SN coincides wit h the 
ILSAC GF -5 first license date of October 1, 2010.  
 
4.2.2 .   Categories for Diesel Engines Oils  
The lubricants covered by this category commercial (category “C”) 
cover diesel engine trucks and diesel powered off -highway 
equipment (fleets, contractors, farme rs, etc.).  
Note: The letter following commercial category “ C” indicates the performance 
category of the oil.  
 
4.2.2.1    CH-4- 1998 Severe – Duty Diesel Engine Service   
            API Service Category CH -4 describes oils for use in high speed, 
four- strok e cycle diesel engines used in highway and off -road 
application. CH -4 oils provide effective control over engine deposits,  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
wear, corrosion, oxidation stability and soot accumulation. These oils 
are especially effective in engines designed to meet 1999 emis sion 
standard and may also be used in engines requiring API Service 
Category CG -4. Oils designated for this service have been in  
 
           existence since 1999. CH -4 oils are engineered for use with diesel 
fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 0.5% weigh t. 
           Note : CH-4 represents the minimum category used in this gulf standard  
 
4.2.2.2 CI-4-2002 Severe Duty Diesel Engine Service  
             The API CI-4  Service category describes oils for use in those high 
– speed , four - stroke cycle diesel e ngines designed to meet 2004 
exhaust emission standards and was implemented in October 2002 . 
These oils are compounded for use in all applications with diesel 
fuels ranging in sulfur content up 0.05% by weight. These oils are 
especially effective at susta ining engine durability where Exhaust 
Gas Recirculation (EGR) and other exhaust emission component  
may be used. Optimum  protection is provided for control of 
corrosive wear tendencies , low and high temperature stability , soot 
handling properties, piston  deposit control , valve  train wear , 
Oxidative  thickening,  foaming and viscosity loss due to shear. API 
CI-4 oils are superior in performance to those meeting API CH-4,  
CG-4 and CF-4 and can effectively lubricate engines calling for 
those API Service Ca tegories.  
 
4.2.2.3 CI- 4 PLUS in Conjunction with API Service Category CI -4 
  API Service  Category CI-4 engine oils that also carry the 
classification CI-4PLUS  are formulated to provide a higher level of 
protection against soot -related viscosity increase  and viscosity loss 
due to shear in vehicles powered by diesel engines.  
 
4.2.2.4   CJ-4-2007  Severe Duty Diesel Engine Service: - 
API service category CJ -4 describes oils for use in high -speed, four -
stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2007 exhaust emission 
standards as well as for previous model years.  
Engines using this higher performance motor oil can experience 
significantly  less wear in the valve train and power cylinder areas of  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
the engine. In addition, API CJ -4 motor oil provides increased 
protection against  heat and increased soot handling capabilities, which 
can help enforce engine cleanliness.  
API CJ -4 oil will be required to protect the engine and allow for 
maximum durability of the exhaust after -treatment system.  
 
 
 2007 diesel engine wil l also require the use of Ultra -low sulphur 
Diesel fuel.  
In 2007 the fuel sulphur levels for off -highway are being reduced to 
500 ppm – the same as today’s on -highway stand -and has 
demonstrated the performance and suitability of API CJ -4 oils in 
millions o f miles of testing using conventional <500 ppm sulphur fuel 
operators of off -highway who also have on -highway trucks can 
benefit from the convenience of one oil for virtually all applications.  
 
5. CHARACTERISTICS   
           The lubricating oils shall fulf ill the following characteristics:  
5. 1 They shall be homogeneously mixed, bright and clear and have 
acceptable odour.  
5. 2 They shall be free from water, sediments, dusts, abrasive matter and 
impurities  
5. 3 They shall contain some anti -oxidation, anti -rust, anti -corrosion, 
anti-wear, anti -foam, detergents/dispersants and pour point 
depressant additives and other additives, etc. to improve the quality 
and meet performance  requirements of Tables 2 and 3.  
5. 4 The additives (item 5.3), to be used shall be co mpletely soluble in 
the base oil. They shall neither partly precipitate nor separate if the 
temperature raised to 125oC. 
5. 5 The base oils to be used with the additives (item 5.4) shall be 
paraffinic base oils with viscosity index V.I  ≥ 90 and conforms to 
API classification of base oils given in Table 5 .  
            Nor-refined or recycled oil base oils to be used in formulating 
these lubricants  unless these oils are produced by internationally  
recognized licensed processes  and the bas e oil products have the  
           same quality of virgin Base Oils and conform to the API  
classification of Bas e oil given in Table 5 .  
 5. 6    They shall fulfill the pour point and flash point requirements of  
           Table  4.  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
5. 7 The viscosity ind ex of the  lubricating  oils shall not be less than 90.  
5. 8 The value of phosphorus, zinc, calcium, magnesium and other 
metals, sulphated ash, total acid number, total base number, and shall 
be mentioned as guidelines and reported in the test report.  
5. 9 The oils shall be stable and compatible.  
 
6 SAMPLING  
            Samples shall be drawn according to Standard mentioned in item 
(2.1).  
 
7 METHODS OF TESTING*  
The following tests shall be carried out according to the performance 
and application requirement and the representative sample taken in 
accordance with item (6).  
*Note   
           1) The tests shall be carried out according to the Gulf Standards given in item ( 2) 
or equivalents and according to international test methods standards (ISO or 
ASTM or IP)  
 2) Engine Test Requirements and Testing Methods for Gasoline and Diesel  
Engines Oils shall be carried out according to ASTM Standards mentioned  in 
the Table  6 and Table 7 . 
7. 1  Physical & Chemical Tests  
7.1.1   Visual inspection.  
7.1.2   Determination of  flash point . 
7.1.3   Determination of kinematic viscosity and dynamic viscosity.  
7.1.4   Calculation of viscosity index.  
7.1.5   Determination of pour point.  
7.1.6   Determination of phosphorus content.  
7.1.7   Determination of zinc content.  
7.1.8   Determinati on of calcium content.  
7.1.9   Determination of magnesium content.  
7.1.10   Determination of sulphated ash.  
7.1.11   Determination of nitrogen content.  
7.1.12    Determination of total base number  and total acid number.  
7.1.13   Determination of foaming  charact eristics of lubricating oils  
7.1.14   Determination of stability and compatibility.  
7.1.15   Determination of homogenously solubility.   
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
7.1.16    Determination of apparent viscosity.  
7.1.17   Determination of pumping viscosity.  
7.1.18     Determination of c onradson  carbon  residue . 
7.1.19    Determination of  sulfur content . 
7.2 Engine and Bench Tests  
       For the evaluation of lubricating oils used in internal combustion    
engines, as listed in Tables 2 and 3. 
                        
 8 PACKING  
 Lubricating  oils shall be packed in tightly closed and sealed 
containers preventing possibilities of oil leakage or oil contamination 
with any impurities; such containers neither shall affect nor be 
affected by the oil.  
 
9 LABELLING
           The following informati on shall be legibly and indelibly marked in    
both Arabic and English languages on each container of lubricating 
oils. 
9.1    Net volume, in liters.  
9.2    Producer’s name or his registered trade mark.  
9.3    Name of the country of origin.  
9.4  The classi fication of oils according to SAE viscosity, and API 
performance (as in item 4 ) ,and its intended use .  
9.5    Date of production and the batch number  
9.6    Precaution:  “Avoid Environmental Pollution . 
 9.7    Base Oil origin : virgin base oil or recycled.  
 
10 RULES FOR ACCEPTANCE AND REJECTION  
10.1 Each consignment of lubricating oils shall be accompanied with a 
certificate stating its compliance with this standard.  
10.2 The consignment shall be considered complying with this Gulf 
standard when the accompan ying certificate is accepted.  
10.3 In case the certificate is not accepted (because information is 
incomplete or subject to question), the information may be completed 
or (if necessary) substantial test mentioned in item (7.1) shall be 
carried out on sampl es taken in accordance with all the requirements 
of this standard.  When the withdrawn samples pass the entire  test the  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
consignment shall be considered as complying with this Gulf 
standard.  In case one or more of the lubricating oil samples fail to
 pass any of the tests, a second sample, double the number of samples  
of the first one shall be withdrawn from the same group and subjected 
to all the tests.  
 
 
The consignment shall be considered as complying with the 
requirements of this standard when  all the test samples of the second 
sample pass the re -tests.  Otherwise the consignment shall be 
considered as not complying  
 
 
 
 
 
REFERENCES  
 
 
Main Reference  
 
 Recommended Practices and Information Reports of Society of 
Automotive Engineers (SAE):  
SAE J 3 00/2007 “Engine Oil Viscosity Classification”  
 
 Standard of American Petroleum Institute (API):  
API 1509, “Engine Oil Licensing and certification System” 16th 
Edition, April 2007, and the Attachment 1 to API 1509 16th Ed. 
 
Other References  
 
 American Society  for Testing and Materials (ASTM),  
ASTM D4485 “Standard Specification for Performance of Engine 
Oils”  
 
 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE):  
SAE J 304/2007 “Engine Oil Tests”  
SAE J 183/2011 “Engine Oil Performance and Engine Service Oils”  
SAE J 357/2006 “ Physical and Chemical Of Engine Oils”  
  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
 
Tables  
 
Table     (1) SAE Viscosity Grades for Engine Oils  
Table s    (2) Performance Characteristics of Lubricating Oil 
for Gasoline Engine  
Table s     (3) Performance Characteristics of Lubricating Oil 
for D iesel Engine  
Table       (4) Pour Point and Flash Point of Engine Oils  
Table       (5) API Classifications of Base Oil Groups  
Table       (6) 
 Gasoline Engine oils  Classification , Engine Test     
Requirements  and ASTM Methods
Table        (7) 
 Diesel  Engi ne oils  Classification  , Engine Test 
Requirements  and ASTM Methods  
Table        (8)  API “S” (GASLINE) Service Categories  
Table        (9) API “C” (DIESEL) S ervice Categories  
Table        (10) The Addition / Elimination Item due to Updating 
Lubricating Oi ls in ICE   
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
Table 1  
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES FOR ENGINE OILS *
 
SAE 
Viscosity 
Grade Low –temperature (oC) 
Cranking 
Viscosity (3), mPa-s
 
 Low temperature (oC)  
Pumping  
Viscosity (4), mPa-s
with no yield stressLow-Shear -Rate
Kinematic 
Viscosity (5) (mm2/s)  
at 100 oC  High-shear -Rate  
 Viscosity (6) mPa-s  
at 150 oC  
, 
Max. Max.                 Min.  Max. Min. 
0 W¨** 6200 at -35  60 000 at -40  3.8 - - 
5 W 6600 at -30  60 000 at -35  3.8 - - 
10 W 7000 at -25  60 000 at -30  4.1 - - 
15 W 7000 at -20  60 000 at -25  5.6 - - 
20 W 9500 at -15  60 000 at -20  5.6 - - 
25 W 13000 at -10  60 000 at -15  9.3 - - 
20 - - 5.6 < 9.3 2.6 
30 - - 9.3 < 12.5 2.9 
40 - - 12.5 < 16.3 3.5 (0W -40, 5W -40 and 10W -40 grades)  
40 - - 12.5 < 16.3 3.7(15W -40,20W -40, 25W -40,40 grades)  
50 - - 16.3 < 21.9 3.7 
60 - - 21.9 < 26.1 3.7 
(1)    Notes    1 mPa.s=1 cP ;  1 mm2/s = 1 cS  
(2)    All values , with the exception of the low - temperature cran king viscosity are critical specification as defined by ASTM D3244 
(3)    ASTM D5293: Cranking viscosi ty- The non -critical specification  protocol in ASTM D3244 shall be applied with a P value of 0.95.  
(4)    ASTM D4684 : Note    that the presence of any yield stress detectable by this method constitutes a failure regardles s of viscosity.  
(5)    ASTM D445.  
(6)    ASTM D4683, CEC L -36-A-90 (ASTM D4741), or ASTM D5481.  
*   This document – SAE  J 300 revision of November 2007 – supersedes SAE J300 of May 2004. This revision becomes effective July 2010;  
     18 months after the revised    Standard became availa ble for voluntary compliance   
 * *     W: Is symbol for winter  
  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
Table (2 -0) 
API “S” (GASLINE) SERVICE CATEGORIES  
ENGINE AND BENCH TEST REQUIREMENT SUMMARY  
 
(SA)  (SB)  (SC)  (SD)  API CATERGORY  (SE) (SF) (SG)  (SH)  (SJ) (SL) (SM)  (SN)  
Grade  
Obsol  Obsol  Obso l Obsol  Timing  Obsol  Obsol  Obsol  Obsol  Current  Current Current Current 
 
None   
X 
- 
- 
- 
- 
IV 
- 
- 
- 
  
X 
- 
- 
IIA 
IIIA 
IV 
V 
- 
-  
X 
- 
- 
IIB 
IIIB 
IV 
VB 
L 1 or 1 H  
X 
  
L-38 
Ball Rust Test  
SEQ VIII  
SEQ II  
SEQ III  
SEQ IV  
SEQ V  
CATERPILLAR  
FORD FALCON  
 
 
  
X 
- 
- 
IID 
IIIC or IIID  
- 
VC or VD  
- 
- 
  
X 
- 
- 
IID 
IIID 
- 
VD 
- 
-  
X 
- 
- 
IID 
IIIE 
- 
VE 
1 H2  
-  
X 
- 
- 
IID 
IIIE 
- 
VE 
- 
-  
X or VIII  
- 
- 
IID or BRT  
IIIE or IIIF  
- 
VE or VG+IVA  
- 
- 
  
- 
X 
X 
- 
IIIF 
IVA 
VG 
- 
-  
- 
X 
X 
- 
IIIG 
IVA 
VG 
- 
-  
VIII 
- 
X 
IIIGB * 
IIIG 
IVA 
VID*  
- 
- 
 
 
 
SEE J 300  
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
SEA J 300  
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
SEA J 300  
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
 
  
SEA J 300  
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
Viscometrics  
Volatility  
Filterability  
Foaming  
Flash Point  
Homog. & Miscibility  
TEOST  
Gelation index  
L-38 Shear Stability  
Elastomer compatibility  
  
SEA J 300  
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
SEA J 300  
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
SEA J 300  
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
SEA J 300  
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
- 
X 
  
SEA J 300  
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
D6335  
X 
X 
  
SEA J 300  
X 
X 
X 
- 
X 
MHT -4 
X 
- 
  
SEA J 300  
X 
X 
X 
- 
X 
MHT -4 
X 
X 
  
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
MHT -4 
X 
- 
X 
 
 
 
*Require only for  SN-RC. Table 2 -1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 2-1 (Continues)  
 
 
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 2-2 
 
 
 
 
All Viscosity Grades  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
Table 2-3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All Viscosity Grades  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
                    
 
 
               ENGINE TESTS for API SN -RC 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All Viscosity Grades  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
         Requirements for API SN are the same as those for API SN -RC, except as noted in the table to the right.  Footnotes:  
1) Not required for SAE 0W -20. 
2) Not required for SN Non -ILSAC GF -5 Viscosity grades.  
3) 45 max for SN Non -ILSAC GF -5 Viscosity grades.  
4) No maximum for SN Non -ILSAC GF -5 Viscosity grades.  
5) If API CI -4 and/or CJ -4 categories precede the “S” category and there is no API C ertification Mark,  
the Sequence VG (ASTM D6593), Ball Rust (ASTM D6557), and Gelation Index (ASTM D5133) tests are not required.  
6) Viscosity Grades are limited to SAE 0W, 5W and 10W multigrade oils.  
7) Not required for monograde and SAE 15W, 20W, and 25W multi grade oils.  
8) Calculated conversions specified in ASTM D5800 are allowed.  
9) For all viscosity grades: If API CH -4, CI -4 and/or CJ -4 categories precede the “S” category and there is no API Certification Mark, the “S” category limits for phosphorus, sulfur,  and the TEOST MHT do not 
apply However, the CJ -4 limits for phosphorus and sulfur do apply for CJ -4 oils.  
10) This is a non -critical specification as described in ASTM D3244.  
11) After 1 -minute settling period for all ILSAC viscosity grades and all NS -RC oils.  
12) After 1 0-minute settling period for non -ILSAC GF -5 viscosity grades which are not SN -RC. 
13) Shall remain homogeneous and, when mixed with ASTM reference oils, shall remain miscible.  
14) To be evaluated from -5°C to temperature at which 40,000 cP is attained or -40°C, or  2 Celsius degrees below the appropriate MRV   TP -1 temperature (defined by SAE J300), whichever occurs first.  
15) Not Required for SN ILSAC GF -5 viscosity grades which do not also contain the API Certification Mark or are not SN -RC.  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
Table ( 3-0) 
API “C ” (DIES EL) SERVICE CATEGORIES  
ENGINE AND BENCH TEST REQUIREMENT SUMMARY  
 
(CA)  (CB)  (CC)  (CD)  (CD-II) (CE)  API CATERGORY  CF CF-2 CG-4 CG-4 CH-4 CI-4 CJ-4 
                                                                                                                                                                    Grade     
Obsol  Obsol  Obsol  Obsol  Obsol . Obsol . Timing  Obsol . Obsol . Obsol . Obsol . Current  Current Current 
 
X 
- 
- 
L1 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
X 
- 
- 
L1 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
X 
- 
- 
1H/1H  
2 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
X 
- 
- 
1G2 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
X 
- 
- 
1G2 
X 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
X 
- 
- 
1G2 
- 
- 
X 
X 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
L-38 
SEQ. VIII  
SEQ. III  
CATERPILLAR  
DD6V -53T 
DD6V -92TA  
MACK T -6 
MACK T -7 
MACK T -8 / T -8E 
MACK T -9 
MACK T -10 
CUMMINGS M11/M11EGR  
CUMMINS NTC -400 
RFWT  
EOAT Aeration Navistar  
MACK T -11 
MACK T -12  
- 
- 
- 
1M-PC 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
- 
X 
- 
1M-PC 
- 
X 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
- 
X 
- 
1K 
- 
- 
X or T -9 
X or T -8A 
- 
- 
- 
- 
X 
- 
  
- 
X 
IIIE 
1N 
- 
- 
- 
- 
T-8 
- 
- 
- 
- 
X 
  
- 
- 
IIIE 
1P+1K  
- 
- 
- 
- 
T-8E 
X 
- 
M11  
- 
X 
  
- 
- 
IIIE 
1R+(1K  
Or 1N) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
T-8E 
- 
X 
M11EGR  
X 
-  
- 
- 
IIIE 
1N+ 
C13 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
ISM & ISB  
- 
X 
X 
X 
X 
SAE J300  Visco. HT/HS.pumppad . SEA J300  
 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
 
  
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  
Cummins corrosion  
Metals, AN, BN  
Volatility  
Foaming  
Elastom er compatibility  
  
- 
X 
- 
- 
- 
  
- 
X 
- 
- 
- 
  
- 
X 
- 
- 
- 
  
X 
X 
- 
- 
- 
  
X 
X 
X 
- 
- 
  
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
  
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
Table 3 -1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All Viscosity Grades  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1) Not an ACC Test.  
2) MTAC is a statistical method for treating e ngine test results.  
 
 
 
All Viscosity Grades  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
Table 3 -2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All Viscosity Grades  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
 
 
 
 
1) Not an ACC Test.  
2) MTAC is a statistical method for treating engine test results.  
3) Limit of 30 pass for API CI-4, 90 pass for API CI -4 PLUS  
Table 3-3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All Visc osity Grades   
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All Viscosity Grades  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1) Not an ACC Test.  
2) MTAC is a statistical method for treating engine test results.  
3) Requires all individual merit ratings to be equal to or greater than zero.  
4) Passing Seq . IIIG viscosity increa se at API SM is an acceptable alternative.  
 
All Viscosity Grades  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
Table (4) 
Pour Point and Flash Point of Engine Oils  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                   * W: Is Symbol for winte r 
 Oil Grades  Pour Point  
oC (max.)  Flash Point  
oC (min.)  
 
0 W*   
-39  
185 
   
5 W -36 195 
   
10 W  -33 205 
   
15 W  -27 210 
   
20 W  -24 215 
   
25 W  -24 220 
   
20 -21 215 
   
30 -18 220 
   
40 -15 230 
   
50 -9 235 
   
60 -9 240 
    
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
Table (5) 
 
API Base Oil Classification  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Companies also use their own marketing phrases: “Grou p 1-1/2” and “Group 2+”  
 “Group III” can be legally labeled “Synthetic”  
-The word “Synthetic” is not part of the API Classify  
-“Synthetic” is a marketing term, not a technical term 
 
 
 
 Group  Saturates (%)               Sulfur (%)  Vis. Index  Other 
 
I       <  90        and/or           >  0.03 ≥80 - < 120  - 
II       ≥ 90         and             ≤ 0.03 ≥80 - < 120  - 
III       ≥ 90         and            ≤ 0.03 ≥  120 - 
IV  PAO  (poly Alpha Olefins)  
V           Everything Else   
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
 
Table (6) 
Service Classification Engine oils , Engine Test Requirem ents  
& ASTM Methods  
 
API Engine Test Requirement  ASTM Test Method  
SJ CRC L -38 ASTM D 5119  
Sequence IIIE  ASTM D 5533  
Sequence V G ASTM D 6953  
Sequence IVA ASTM D 6891  
   
SL Sequence IIIF  ASTM D  6984  
Sequence IVA  ASTM D 6891  
Sequence VG  ASTM D 6 593 
Sequence VIII  ASTM D 6709  
   
 
 
SM Sequence VIII  ASTM D 6709  
BRT  ASTM D 6557  
Sequence IVA  ASTM D 6891  
Sequence VG  ASTM D 6593  
Sequence III G ASTM D 7320  
   
 
 
 
SN Sequence IIIG  ASTM D 7320  
Sequence I VA  ASTM D 6891  
Sequence VIII  ASTM D 67 09 
Sequence IIIG B*  ASTM D 7320  
Sequence VID*  ASTM D 7589  
   
 
* Required onl y for ILSAC GF -5 and SN -RC only   
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
Table (7) 
 
Commercial  Classification Engine oils , Engine Test  Requirements  
& ASTM Methods  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 December 30, 2010 API ceased licensing new oils against CF Specificat ion. 
 After February 1, 2010 API ceased licensing new oils against the CF -2 Specification.  
 After August 31, 2009 API will no longer approve new licenses against the CG -4 Specification.  API Engine Test Requirement  ASTM Test Method  
CH-4 Sequence IIIF  ASTM RR:D02 -1491  
Roller Follower Wear  ASTM D 5966  
Mack T -8E ASTM D 5967  
Mack T -9 ASTM D 6483  
Cummins M 11  ASTM RR D02 -1439  
Caterpillar 1P  ASTM D 6681  
Caterpillar 1K  ASTM RR D02 -1273  
   
CI-4 Caterpillar 1R  ASTM D 6923  
Cummins  M 11  ASTM D6975  
Mack T -8E ASTM D 5967  
Mack T -10 ASTM RR D02 -BO 
Roller Follower Wear  ASTM D 5966  
Caterpillar 1K or 1N ,  Heui  ASTM D 6750  
Sequence IIIF  ASTM D 6984  
   
 
 
 
 
CJ-4 Mack T -11 ASTM D 7156  
Mack T -12 ASTM D 7422 
Cummins ISB  --- 
Cummins ISM  --- 
Caterpillar  IN ASTM D 6750 
Caterpillar  C13 --- 
Engine Oil Aeration  ASTM D 6894 
RFWT  ASTM D 5966 
Sequence IIIG or IIIF  ASTM D 7320 / D 6984   
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
                                                  Table (8) 
API “S….”  (GASLINE) SERVICE CATEGORIES  
 
GASOLINE ENGINES  
(FOLLOW YOUR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON OIL PERFORMANCE LEVEL ) 
 
 
CATEGORY  STATUS  
SN CURRENT  
SM CURRENT 
SL CURRENT 
SH OBSOLETE  
SG OBSOLETE 
SF OBSOLETE 
SE OBSOLETE 
SD OBSOLETE 
SC OBSOLE TE  
SB OBSOLETE 
SA OBSOLETE 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
Table (9) 
API “C” …. (DIESEL) SERVICE CATEGORIES  
 
DIESEL ENGINES  
(FOLLOW YOUR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON OIL PERFORMANCE LEVEL)  
 
 
CATEGORY  STATUS  
CJ-4 CURRENT  
CI-4 CURRENT 
CH-4 CURRENT 
CG-4 OBSOLETE  
CF-4 OBSOLETE 
CF-2 OBSOLETE 
CF OBSOLETE 
CE OBSOLETE 
CD-II OBSOLETE 
CD OBSOLETE 
CC OBSOLETE 
CB OBSOLETE 
CA OBSOLETE 
 
  
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                         GSO  
 /2012  
 
Table (10) 
The Addition / Elimination Items due to Updating  GSO 1785/2007  in ICE  
 
 
 Change done  on GSO 1785/2007  Reason  
1- In Se rvice Categories for Passenger  Car Oils. 4.2.1  
    Addition of: SN -2010 Gasoline Engine  Service 4.2.14  New: Categories available in 2010 for  
          Gasoline Engine Service.   
2- In Categories for Diesel Engine Oils   Service 4.2.2  
a) Removing CF Categ ories  
    Removing CF -2 Categories  
    Removing CG -4 Categories  
 
b) Addition of: CJ -4-2007 Severe Duty Diesel Engine Service.   
Ceased Licensing after December 30, 2010.  
 Ceased Licensing after February 1, 2010.  
Ceased Licensing after August 31, 2009.  
 
New Categories in 2007 for Diesel Engine Service.  
3- Updating Table (1) SAE Viscosity Grades for Engine Oils.  New version of SAE J 300 :2007  
4- Addition of Table 2 -3 Passenger Car Engine Oil Laboratory / Engine Tests.  
The New Categories API SN -RC. 
5- Elim ination of CF, CF -2 and CG -4 
    Categories Tables for Laboratory and Engine Tests.  Ceased Licensing in 2009 and 2010.  
6- Addition of Table 3 -3 The Categories API CJ -4 Heavy -Duty Diesel  
Engine Laboratory/Engine Tests.  
7- Addition of Engine Tests Required  For API SN in Table (6).  New API Categories.  
8- Removing of CF, CF2 and CG -4 Engine Tests Required in Table (7).  Ceased Licensing in 2009 and 2010.  
9- Addition of Engine Tests Required  For API CJ -4 in Table (7).  New API Categories.