What engine oils are used in CAFE Testing?

[GravelRoad]

Was wondering if when a car manufacture test their engines for CAFE, do they have to use a specific engine oil(s)?

Example: If the engine passes on 0w20, does that 0w20 have to meet an exact base stock, additives, cst?

Or can any approved 0w20 be used in CAFE testing? Such as the thickest or thinnest, most or least additives, etc?


What got me thinking of this is at an OPE class I was in a few years ago. They said that the gasoline used in OPE testing for EPA has specific specs that all OPE engine manufactures have to use (at least in the USA).

 

[Ohle_Manezzini]

They do all measurements at normal operational temperature. Thay way, the difference is too small to make any difference, if one thin 0w20 or another is used.

 

[SonofJoe]

Interesting question. Wish I knew the answer!
I know that, as with fuels, the industry does have access to several reference engine oils which could be used for CAFE certification. However my gut feel is that car companies are free to use more of less anything they like provided this is one of the oils they recommend for future servicing.

 

[Pajamarama]

I believe that the auto manufacturer can use their oil of choice as long as it is the same grade recommended in the owner's manual/service manual. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[goodtimes]

On my 07 Toyota I had just noticed it said, your vehicle came with Genuine Toyota Motor Oil from the factory. They still sell this at the dealer. I think it is a good quality mineral oil, 5w30 in my case, maybe it is more but it doesn't say synthetic.
My guess is they almost have to use that factory oil for the tests as the car one buys should perform the same as the test under the test conditions.

 

[mehullica]

Originally Posted By: Pajamarama
I believe that the auto manufacturer can use their oil of choice as long as it is the same grade recommended in the owner's manual/service manual. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
You're correct. They choose their oil & then use it as the recommend oil in the manual

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I think they just use the regular FF for that car

 

[Shannow]

Originally Posted By: Pajamarama
I believe that the auto manufacturer can use their oil of choice as long as it is the same grade recommended in the owner's manual/service manual. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.


That's my reading, and also why the Japanese OEMS put pressure on API to increase the TEOST limits for the 0W20 grade only.

High VII, with poor shear stability (CATERHAM's testing showed the Nippon manufactured TGMO dropped to 2.4HTHS in 150 miles), and lots of additives mean maximum MPG in the testing.

Then they have to put 0W20 in their manuals, and YMMV.

 

[Bamaro]

They are suppose to use the FF

 

[bluesubie]

Originally Posted By: Shannow
Originally Posted By: Pajamarama
I believe that the auto manufacturer can use their oil of choice as long as it is the same grade recommended in the owner's manual/service manual. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.


That's my reading, and also why the Japanese OEMS put pressure on API to increase the TEOST limits for the 0W20 grade only.

High VII, with poor shear stability (CATERHAM's testing showed the Nippon manufactured TGMO dropped to 2.4HTHS in 150 miles), and lots of additives mean maximum MPG in the testing.

Then they have to put 0W20 in their manuals, and YMMV.

While the Subaru 5w30 factory fill for U.S. bound Subies has cut back on moly over the past couple of years (with the exception of the STI), I don't think I've ever seen a factory fill on any Subaru come back as a 30 grade in cars where 5w30 is recommended. If it is indeed a 30 grade oil, it must shear to a 20 grade with the very first start of the engine!

 

[Solarent]

In addition to using the oil for CAFE testing that is recommended as FF and SF in the owners manual, the selected oil must also be "readily available" in the market as deemed so by the EPA. For example the first use of 0W20 engine oils occured in North America around 2000, but the EPA didn't approve it as suitable for CAFE testing until 2008. This is one of the reasons that North American OEM's are not unilaterally recommending 0W16 today. Even though the product exists, and is marketed in North America it doesn't yet meet the EPA's requirements and cannot be used for CAFE testing.

It's kind of a stupid chicken and egg scenario - the OEM's aren't going to be out recommending it if they can't use it to get CAFE credits, but the major oil marketers aren't going to make it widely available until there is enough demand (which is typically driven by FF and OEM recommendations).

 

[CR94]

Originally Posted By: Shannow
... That's my reading, and also why the Japanese OEMS put pressure on API to increase the TEOST limits for the 0W20 grade only. ...
Interesting! Could that help explain the persistent anecdotes of supposedly well maintained recent Japanese cars starting to guzzle oil at moderate mileages due to ring coking, plugged piston drain holes, etc.? What are our chances of avoiding that fate by switching to 5W-20 or 5w30?