Hefty Price Tag For PC-10 Lubricants

New diesel oil catagory PC-10 is expected to be released by next year, but preliminary estimates predict it may cost somewhere between $10.8 and $24 million to conduct the matrix. The Multicylinder Tests that have been proposed by ASTM's Heavy Duty Engine Oil Classification Panel for PC-10 will cost between $90,000 and $120,000 per test run. Five new engine tests are in development and a sixth for catalyst aftertreatment compatibility in under consideration.

"The five new engine tests include:
1. The Caterpillar C-12 Test, addressing piston deposits and oil consumption.
2. The Mack T-12 Test, addressing corrosive ring, liner wear and bearing corrosion.
3. The Cummins ISB Test, addressing soot-related valve train wear in slider follower designs.
4. The CUmmins ISM EGR Test, addressing abrasive and corrosive soot related valve train wear in engines equipped with exhaust gas recirculation.
5. The Mack T-11 Test, addressing soot related viscosity increase.

By comparison, new gasoline engine oil catagory, GF-4 includes just one new test, the Sequence IIIG for measuring high temperature deposits, wear and oxidation. The cost matrix testing is estimated at $420,000, a small fraction of the estimated PC-10."
From - Amsoil Direct Line, May 1, 2003
Synthetic lubricant manufacturer, Amsoil Inc. will meet these tests in its diesel and gasoline engine lubricants because it is the leader in the automtive lubricant industry.