Development of a Wear Test Procedure to Evaluate Automotive Lubricating Oils

Engine tests are generally time consuming and expensive. Alternatively, bench tests have been used to evaluate antiwear characteristics of engine oils; however, few correlations have been published. In this study, a wear test procedure to simulate ASTM sequence valve train wear was developed. Passing, borderline and failing Sequence VE reference oils were previously aged by heating while supplying a synthetic blow-by gas, consisting of fuel pyrolisis products, NO, SO₂ and air. Wear characteristics were assessed by SRV test equipment. An acceptable correlation between Sequence VE wear ratings, and SRV wear scar diameters was found. Some recommendations for testing improvement are given.