A Revised Sequence IIIC Engine Oil Test

The ASTM Sequence IIIC test was established to evaluate the thickening characteristics of engine oils as well as to determine their control of high-temperature deposits. It is one of several tests used to define SE-quality engine oils.

This paper describes the replacement of the obsolete 1967, 7.0 L Oldsmobile engine with a 1978, 5.7 L Oldsmobile spark-ignition engine. While retaining the capability to evaluate engine oil thickening resistance and deposit control, the revised test also includes the capability to evaluate valve train wear. The valve train wear results with the new test correlate well with valve train wear observed in field tests.