Despite continued opposition from the car makers, API's Lubricants Committe has approved the SN and SN Resource Conserving categories.
The approval, revealed in Lubes Report now means the standards for passenger car engine oil will launch in October alongside GF-5. The SN and SN Resource Conserving categories sit alongside the new ILSAC GF-5 specification. The worldwide SN specifications are set by API alone, whilst ILSAC's standard is agreed with Japanese and North American car makers, oil and additive producers.
As highlighed in OATS news last month, approval for the new categories has been hanging in the balance, with auto manufacturers threatening to withdraw their support for all API licensed oils and calling for a re-ballot. According to the API's engine oil licencing manager, Kevin Ferrick, quoted in Lube Report, the OEMs were basically happy with the SN Resource Conserving standard, but not with SN. As the manufacturers only have the right of 'feedback' rather than votes, the API took their comments into account but decided to approve the standards despite the manufacturers' concerns.
The API appeared keen to provide a similar standard to GF-5 outside the US and Japan while noting the OEM's concerns regarding misapplication of SN oils being used in cars where GF-5 or SN with Resource Conserving is required.
The API's Lubricants Committe has apparently agreed to additional wording in SN servicing recommendations to now include: “Vehicle owners and operators should follow their vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations on engine oil viscosity and performance standard.”
The API also agreed to enhance overall communications regarding the appropriate application of SN, SN with Resource Conserving and GF-5 lubricants.