Further delays to test development sees the latest engine oil specification slip.
According to latest reports, licences for the new ILSAC GF-6 pssenger car engine oil specification are unlikely to appear until 2019. However, the US-based Auto-Oil Advisory Panel (AOAP) has remained cautious on advising category licencer, the American Petroleum Institute (API of an exact date.
The challenge is finalising the main engine tests for the new lube standard, in particular those that replace the current ILSAC GF-5 spec, despite the existing test equipment having a finite lifespan.
There are four sequence tests that require replacement, as well as two new ones - timing chain wear and low-speed pre-ignition - which are proving challenging and are likely to be in place by May 2017. This leaves an approximate two year development and testing period before licences can be issued.
Because of the uncertainty, the AOAP was not prepared to give a definitive timescale for licence release.
This is not the first delay to the new specification. OATS reported expected slippage more than two years ago.