The ACEA Oil Sequences describe, amid others, “E” category service-fill oils for heavy duty diesel engines. These sequences define the minimum performance level for engine oils to meet ACEA requirements. Performance parameters other than those covered by the sequences or more stringent limits, may be specified by individual engine manufacturers – hence OEM specifications such as Mercedes-Benz 228.3, Volvo VDS-3, etc.
The ACEA Oil Sequences are subject to constant development to stay abreast of new engine designs, the increasing use of biofuels and more stringent emission requirements.
Each new issue of the sequences may exclude a previous sequence or include a new one, incorporate an increase in severity for an existing sequence or a change in testing method. As new editions are published older editions are withdrawn. The table below summarises the changes that have occurred since the first ACEA Oil Sequences were introduced in 1996.
ACEA intentionally omitted “E8” from the sequences.
A change in year linked to a specific sequence (i.e. E4-99 to E4-07) in the table above indicates a change in the sequence requirements. The four current ACEA Oil Sequences for heavy duty diesel engines are described below followed by a brief outline of the relevance of the sequence in italics:
E4 Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing excellent control of piston cleanliness, wear, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV and Euro V emission requirements and running under very severe conditions, e.g. significantly extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is suitable for engines without particulate filters, and for some EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) engines and some engines fitted with SCR NOx (Selective Catalytic Nitrogen Oxides) reduction systems.
UHPD (Ultra High Performance Diesel) category and the highest level of engine oil performance in the global heavy duty diesel market. Mostly SAE 10W-40 formulated with Group III base oils. Extended drain oils suitable for use in vehicles without a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter).
E6 Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing excellent control of piston cleanliness, wear, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV, Euro V and Euro VI emission requirements and running under very severe conditions, e.g. significantly extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is suitable for EGR engines, with or without particulate filters, and for engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction systems. Designed for use in combination with low sulphur diesel fuel.
UHPD category and the highest level of engine oil performance seen in the global heavy duty diesel market. Mostly SAE 10W-40 formulated with Group III base oils. Extended drain low SAPS oils suitable for use in vehicles with or without a DPF.
E7 Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing effective control with respect to piston cleanliness and bore polishing. It further provides excellent wear control, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV and Euro V emission requirements and running under severe conditions, e.g. extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is suitable for engines without particulate filters, and for most EGR engines and most engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction systems.
SHPD (Super High Performance Diesel) tier of mainly SAE 15W-40 engine oils designed for use in medium severity operations. Suitable for use in vehicles without a DPF. Often combined with API CI-4.
E9 Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing effective control with respect to piston cleanliness and bore polishing. It further provides excellent wear control, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV, Euro V and Euro VI emission requirements and running under severe conditions, e.g. extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is suitable for engines with or without particulate filters, and for most EGR engines and for most engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction systems. Designed for use in combination with low sulphur diesel fuel.
SHPD tier of mainly SAE 15W-40 engine oils designed for use in medium severity operations. Suitable for use in vehicles with and without a DPF. Often combined with API CJ-4.
Claims against the ACEA Oil Sequences can be made on a self-certification basis. ACEA, however, requires that any claims for oil performance relating to these sequences must be based on credible data and controlled tests in accredited test facilities.
It is expected that new ACEA Oil Sequences will be issued during the third quarter of 2016. ACEA 2016 marks the first update since 2012, a break from the specification’s typical biennial update schedule. So what are some of the sequence changes that we can expect to see in ACEA 2016?
Biofuels. New fuel alternatives are becoming increasingly prominent, particularly the use of biodiesel fuels for the heavy duty market. These fuels can lead to increased oxidation, degradation and thickening of the oil. ACEA 2016 may therefore include new tests to assess lubricant effectiveness to prevent oxidation and deposit formation.
Seal Materials. Modern engines have introduced new elastomer sealing materials, necessitating an update of the seal test methods in ACEA 2016.
Soot. A new test may possible be added to assess oil resistance to soot-related thickening and deposits in diesel engines. The expected test will reflect the cleaner operation of modern low-soot heavy duty diesel engine oils.
In summary, modern diesel engines are being forced to become more fuel efficient, less polluting, and longer lasting. Subsequently their lubrication needs have changed dramatically since 2012. In addition, oil change intervals are being extended and the use of biodiesel is increasing. These changes require the use of superior heavy duty diesel engine oils. ACEA 2016 is expected to address all these issues and it is therefore not surprising that its pending release is anticipated globally with great interest.
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Always consult your vehicle owner’s manual to determine what engine oil you should use, and READ THE LABELS ON THE OIL YOU BUY.