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The low-temperature portion of SAE J300 Engine Oil Viscosity classification has been analyzed in terms of its scope and its use by domestic engine manufacturers. Also, its ability to protect against pumping failures has been analyzed. The analysis shows that the use is not in accord with the stated scope, and that protection against pumping failures is not adequate for a significant portion of engines. An alternative scope for J300 is proposed which is based on minimum-use temperatures for each grade. The results of this analysis will assist in formulating a future revision of SAE J300 based on the results of the ASTM Low Temperature Engine Performance program.

To assist in the development of a bench shear stability test, computer models of shear degradation and thermal/oxidation (T/O) degradation processes of VI improvers in engine oils have been developed. The effects of the three elements of the process: VI improver, base fluid, and degradation device were separated. The models include adjustable parameters for each element. The models then allow physical degradation devices to be characterized by adjusting the parameters of the model of the device until the molecular weight distributions match the distributions produced by the device. Attempts were made to characterize the ASTM D 3945 test this way using molecular weight distributions as determined by gel permeation chromatography. This was done for two different types of VI improver. However, the shear device characteristics which produced a good match for one did not produce a good match for the other, and vice versa.