ASTM D8256-23
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Automotive Engine Oils for Inhibition of Deposit Formation in the Sequence VH Spark-Ignition Engine Fueled with Gasoline and Operated Under Low-Temperature, Light-Duty Conditions
Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Automotive Engine Oils for Inhibition of Deposit Formation in the Sequence VH Spark-Ignition Engine Fueled with Gasoline and Operated Under Low-Temperature, Light-Duty Conditions
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is used to evaluate an automotive engine oil's control of engine deposits under operating conditions deliberately selected to accelerate deposit formation. This VH test method was correlated with the previous VG test method, which was correlated with field service data, determined from side-by-side comparisons of two or more oils in police, taxi fleets, and delivery van services.
5.2 This test method, along with other test methods are used to define an engine oils minimum performance level necessary to meet certification requirements for API Category Specifications as outlined in Specification D4485. This test method may also be incorporated in automobile manufacturers’ factory–fill specifications.
5.3 The basic engine used in this test method is representative of many that are in modern automobiles. This factor, along with the accelerated operating conditions, should be considered when interpreting test results.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is commonly referred to as the Sequence VH test, and it has been correlated with the Sequence VG test. The Sequence VG test was previously correlated with vehicles used in stop-and-go service prior to 1996, particularly with regard to sludge and varnish formation.3 It is one of the test methods required to evaluate oils intended to satisfy the API SN, SN Plus performance category.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.2.1 Exception—Where there is no direct SI equivalent such as screw threads, national pipe threads/diameters, tubing size, or specified single source equipment.
1.3 A table of contents follows:
Section
Scope
1
Referenced Documents
2
Terminology
3
Summary of Test Method
4
Significance and Use
5
Apparatus (General Description)
6
Apparatus (The Test Engine)
7
Sequence VH Test Engine
7.1
Required New Engine Parts
7.2
Reusable Engine Parts
7.3
Specially Fabricated Engine Parts
7.4
Special Engine Measurement and Assembly Equipment
7.5
Miscellaneous Engine Components—Preparation
7.6
Solvents and Cleaners Required
7.7
Assembling the Test Engine—Preparations
7.8
Assembling the Test Engine—Installations
7.9
Engine Installation on the Test Stand
7.10
Engine Fluids (Supply/Discharge Systems)
8
Intake Air
8.1
Fuel and Fuel System
8.2
Engine Oil and Engine Oil System
8.3
Coolants
8.4
Measurement Instrumentation
9
Temperatures
9.1
Pressures
9.2
Flow Rates
9.3
Fuel Consumption
9.4
Speed and Torque
9.5
Exhaust Gas
9.6
Humidity
9.7
Miscellaneous Laboratory Equipment
10
Test Stand Calibration
11
Test Procedure
12
Pre-Test Procedure
12.1
Engine Operating Procedure
12.2
Periodic Measurements and Functions
12.3
Special Maintenance Procedures
12.4
Diagnostic Data Review
12.5
End of Test Procedure
12.6
Interpretation of Test Results
13
Parts Rating Area—Environment
13.1
Sludge Ratings
13.2
Varnish Ratings
13.3
Clogging
13.4
Sticking
13.5
Used Oil Analyses
13.6
Assessment of Test Validity
14
General
14.1
Used Oil Analyses—Interpretation
14.2
Blowby Flow Rate
14.3
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)
14.4
Fuel Consumption Rate
14.5
Oil Consumption
14.6
Engine Parts Replacement
14.7
Quality Index
14.8
Final Test Report
15
Report Forms
15.1
Precision and Bias
16
Keywords
17
ANNEXES
ASTM TMC: Organization
Annex A1
ASTM TMC: Calibration Procedures
Annex A2
ASTM TMC: Maintenance Activities
Annex A3
ASTM TMC: Related Information
Annex A4
Safety Precautions
Annex A5
Control and Data Acquis...
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D8256 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Evaluation of Automotive Engine Oils for Inhibition of
Deposit Formation in the Sequence VH Spark-Ignition
Engine Fueled with Gasoline and Operated Under Low-
1
Temperature, Light-Duty Conditions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8256; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Portions of this test method are written for use by laboratories that make use of ASTM Test
2
Monitoring Center (TMC ) services (see Annex A1).
The TMC provides reference oils, and engineering and statistical services to laboratories that desire
to produce test results that are statistically similar to those produced by laboratories previously
calibrated by the TMC.
In general, the Test Purchaser decides if a calibrated test stand is to be used. Organizations such as
the American Chemistry Council require that a laboratory use the TMC services as part of their test
registration process. In addition, the American Petroleum Institute and the Gear Lubricant Review
Committee of the Lubricant Review Institute (SAE International) require that a laboratory use the
TMC services in seeking qualification of oils against their specifications.
The advantage of using the TMC services to calibrate test stands is that the test laboratory (and
hence the Test Purchaser) has an assurance that the test stand was operating at the proper level of test
severity. It should also be borne in mind that results obtained in a non-calibrated test stand may not
be the same as those obtained in a test stand participating in the ASTM TMC services process.
Laboratories that choose not to use the TMC services may simply disregard these portions.
ASTM International policy is to encourage the development of test procedures based on generic
equipment. It is recognized that there are occasions where critical/sole-source equipment has been
approved by the technical committee (surveillance panel/task force) and is required by the test
procedure. The technical committee that oversees the test procedure is encouraged to clearly identify
if the part is considered critical in the test procedure. If a part is deemed to be critical, ASTM
encourages alternative suppliers to be given the opportunity for consideration of supplying the critical
part/component providing they meet the approval process set forth by the technical committee.
An alternative supplier can start the process by initiating contact with the technical committee
(current chairs shown on ASTM TMC website). The supplier should advise on the details of the part
that is intended to be supplied. The technical committee will review the request and determine
feasibility of an alternative supplier for the requested replacement critical part. In the event that a
replacement critical part has been identified and proven equivalent the sole-source supplier footnote
shall be removed from the test procedure.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
2
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Until the next revision of this test method, the ASTM Test Monitoring Center
Subcommittee D02.B0.01 on Passenger Car Engine Oils. will update changes in the test method by means of information letters. Information
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved letters may be obtained from the ASTM Test Monitoring Center, 203 Armstrong
in 2019. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as D8256 – 22a. DOI: 10.1520/ Drive, Freeport, PA 16229. Attention: Director. This edition incorporates revisions
D8256-23. in all Information Letters through No. 23-1.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D8256 − 23
1. Scope*
Section
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) 14.4
1.1 This test method is commonly referred to as the Se-
Fuel Consumption Rate 14.5
quence VH test, and it has been correlated with the Sequence Oil Consumption 14.6
Engine Parts Replacement 14.7
VG test. The Sequence VG test was previously correlated with
Quality Index 14.8
vehicles used in stop-and-go service prior to 1996, particularly
Final Test Report 15
3
Report Forms 15.1
with regard to sludge and varnish formation. It is one of the
Precision and Bias 16
test methods required to evaluate oils intended to
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D8256 − 22a D8256 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Evaluation of Automotive Engine Oils for Inhibition of
Deposit Formation in the Sequence VH Spark-Ignition
Engine Fueled with Gasoline and Operated Under Low-
1
Temperature, Light-Duty Conditions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8256; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Portions of this test method are written for use by laboratories that make use of ASTM Test
2
Monitoring Center (TMC ) services (see Annex A1).
The TMC provides reference oils, and engineering and statistical services to laboratories that desire
to produce test results that are statistically similar to those produced by laboratories previously
calibrated by the TMC.
In general, the Test Purchaser decides if a calibrated test stand is to be used. Organizations such as
the American Chemistry Council require that a laboratory use the TMC services as part of their test
registration process. In addition, the American Petroleum Institute and the Gear Lubricant Review
Committee of the Lubricant Review Institute (SAE International) require that a laboratory use the
TMC services in seeking qualification of oils against their specifications.
The advantage of using the TMC services to calibrate test stands is that the test laboratory (and
hence the Test Purchaser) has an assurance that the test stand was operating at the proper level of test
severity. It should also be borne in mind that results obtained in a non-calibrated test stand may not
be the same as those obtained in a test stand participating in the ASTM TMC services process.
Laboratories that choose not to use the TMC services may simply disregard these portions.
ASTM International policy is to encourage the development of test procedures based on generic
equipment. It is recognized that there are occasions where critical/sole-source equipment has been
approved by the technical committee (surveillance panel/task force) and is required by the test
procedure. The technical committee that oversees the test procedure is encouraged to clearly identify
if the part is considered critical in the test procedure. If a part is deemed to be critical, ASTM
encourages alternative suppliers to be given the opportunity for consideration of supplying the critical
part/component providing they meet the approval process set forth by the technical committee.
An alternative supplier can start the process by initiating contact with the technical committee
(current chairs shown on ASTM TMC website). The supplier should advise on the details of the part
that is intended to be supplied. The technical committee will review the request and determine
feasibility of an alternative supplier for the requested replacement critical part. In the event that a
replacement critical part has been identified and proven equivalent the sole-source supplier footnote
shall be removed from the test procedure.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.B0.01 on Passenger Car Engine Oils.
Current edition approved April 1, 2022July 1, 2023. Published April 2022July 2023. Originally approved in 2019. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as
D8256 – 22.D8256 – 22a. DOI: 10.1520/D8256-22A.10.1520/D8256-23.
2
Until the next revision of this test method, the ASTM Test Monitoring Center will update changes in the test method by means of information letters. Information letters
may be obtained from the ASTM Test Monitoring Center, 203 Armstrong Drive, Freeport, PA 16229. Attention: Director. This edition incorporates revisions in all Information
Letters through No. 21-2.23-1.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D8256 − 23
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method is commonly referred to as the Sequence VH test, and it has been correlated with the Sequence VG test. The
Sequence VG test was previously correlated with vehicles used in stop-and-go service prior to 1996, particularly with regard to
3
sludge and varnish formation. It is one of the test methods required to evaluate oils intended to satisfy the API
...
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