Fuels and Driveline  Lubricants Research Department

Michael Lochte, Director, (210) 522-5430

Brent Shoffner, Manager, Fuels Performance Evaluations, (210) 522-3579
Larry Eckhardt, Manager, Fleet and Field Evaluations, (210) 522-2980

Transmission Fluid Testing

General Motors Automatic Transmissions Fluids Testing
SwRI conducts the following procedures associated with the General Motors automatic transmission service fill fluid specification, DEXRON®III. 

F-1 DEXRON®III Chemical and Bench Tests (DEXRON®III Items A-K, M, and N) 
These procedures include tests to evaluate automatic transmission fluids for miscibility, high- and low-temperature viscosity, flash and fire points, copper-strip corrosion, anti-foaming properties, corrosion and rust protection, and effects on seals. 

F-2 DEXRON®III Oxidation Test 
This test is run with an electric motor-driven General Motors Powertrain 4L60-E automatic transmission. The 450-hour test is used to determine the oxidation resistance, thermal stability, and corrosion-protection characteristics of a fluid.

F-3 DEXRON®III Cycling Test 
This procedure determines the performance of an automatic transmission fluid with respect to friction characteristics stability, viscosity stability, lubricating properties, oxidation resistance, and corrosion protection. The test is run for 32,000 cycles in a 5.7-liter, V-8 engine-driven General Motors 4L60 automatic transmission.

F-4 DEXRON®-III Plate Clutch Friction Test 
Using the SAE No. 2 Friction Test Machine, this test determines the friction characteristics and durability of an automatic transmission fluid with plate clutch operation. Fluids must provide satisfactory performance for 150 hours (23,000 cycles) of continuous operation. For the latest DEXRON®VI specification, the test time will be 200 hours or 36,000 cycles.

F-5 DEXRON®III Band Clutch Friction Test 
This test is the same as the DEXRON®-III Plate Clutch Friction Test except that it is for band clutch operation. Fluids must perform for 100 hours (24,000 cycles) of continuous operation. For DEXRON®VI, the test must be run 150 hours (36,000 cycles).

F-6 DEXRON®III Wear Test 
This test determines the anti-wear properties of automatic transmission fluids using an electric motor-driven model 104-C hydraulic pump. Anti-wear performance is determined by measuring the weight loss of the pump's vanes and cam ring after 100 hours of continuous operation. 

F-7 DEXRON®III Vehicle Performance Evaluation (Shift Feel) 
This procedure is conducted using a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with a 5.3-liter, V-8 engine and a General Motors 4L60-E automatic transmission. An automatic transmission fluid must provide essentially the same shift characteristics as a reference fluid previously evaluated at four temperatures and three throttle settings.

F-8 DEXRON®III ECCC Vehicle Performance Test 
This procedure is conducted using a 1997 Buick Riviera equipped with a General Motors Powertrain 4T65-E automatic transmission with an "electronically controlled capacity clutch". This type of "slipping" torque converter clutch is evaluated under various load and speed conditions with a reference fluid and the candidate fluid. The candidate fluid must provide the same driveability performance as the reference fluid. 

F-9 DEXRON®III Sprag Wear Test (S.C.O.W.T.) 
This test determines the anti-wear properties of automatic transmission fluids using an electric motor-driven automatic transmission sprag clutch assembly. Anti-wear performance is determined by measuring the weight loss of the sprag inner race after one hour of high-speed operation.

F-10 DEXRON®III Aeration Test 
The DEXRON®III Aeration Test Rig utilizes a VTi pump, operated under load, to determine the air entrainment and density properties of automatic transmission fluid as a function of temperature.

F-11 DEXRON®III Low Speed Clutch Friction and Torque Capacity Test
The DEXRON®III Low Speed Clutch and Torque Capacity Test Rig utilizes a 30 hp variable speed electric drive that provides input power to a Greening SAE No. 2 Universal Wet Friction Material Test Machine through a speed-reducing gearbox. The purpose of the test is to determine the torque capacity and shudder tendency of automatic transmission fluid on ECCC, carbon fiber friction material, at low rotational speeds. 

Ford Automatic Transmission Fluids

SwRI conducts the following Ford Motor Company automatic transmission service fill fluid MERCON® and MERCON®-V specification procedures: 

F-12 MERCON® Chemical and Bench Tests  (MERCON® Items 3.1 thru 3.5, 3.7, 3.9, and 3.10) 
These procedures evaluate automatic transmission fluids for miscibility, high- and low-temperature viscosity, flash point, copper-strip corrosion, corrosion and rust protection, color, anti-foaming properties, and elastomer compatibility.

F-13 MERCON® Aluminum Beaker Oxidation Test (ABOT) 
This bench test determines the oxidation stability of automatic transmission fluids in the presence of some of the materials used in automatic transmissions. The 300-hour test is conducted in an aluminum beaker heated by an aluminum block test fixture.

F-14 MERCON® Cycling Test 
This procedure determines the performance of automatic transmission fluids with respect to friction characteristics, stability, viscosity stability, lubricating properties, oxidation resistance, and corrosion protection. The test is run for 32,000 cycles in a 5.7-liter, V-8 engine-driven General Motors 4L60 automatic transmission. This is the same test as specified by DEXRON®III. 

F-15 MERCON® Clutch Friction Durability Test 
This test determines the static and dynamic torque capacity of an automatic transmission fluid when new and after 20,000 cycles of continuous operation. The test uses the SAE No. 2 Friction Test Machine. 

F-16 MERCON® Vane Pump Wear Test 
This test determines the anti-wear properties of automatic transmission fluids using an electric motor-driven hydraulic pump. Anti-wear performance is determined by measuring the weight loss of the pump's vanes and cam ring after 100 hours of continuous operation. 

F-18 MERCON®V Chemical and Bench Tests  (MERCON-V items 3.1 thru 3.6, 3.10, and 3.11) 

F-19 MERCON®V Aluminum Beaker Oxidation Test (ABOT) (Same as MERCON ABOT) 
This bench test determines the oxidation stability of automatic transmission fluids in the presence of some of the materials used in automatic transmissions. The 300-hour test is conducted in an aluminum beaker heated by an aluminum block test fixture. 

F-20 MERCON®-V Cycling Test (Same as MERCON Cycling) 
This procedure determines the performance of automatic transmission fluids with respect to friction characteristics, stability, viscosity stability, lubricating properties, oxidation resistance, and corrosion protection. The test is run for 32,000 cycles in a 5.7-liter, V-8 engine-driven General Motors 4L60 automatic transmission. For DEXRON®VI, the test will be run 42,000 cycles. 

F-21 MERCON®-V Clutch Friction Durability Test 
This test determines the static and dynamic torque capacity of an automatic transmission fluid when new and after 30,000 cycles of continuous operation. The test uses the SAE No. 2 Friction Test Machine. 

F-22 MERCON®-V Wear Tests 
The anti-wear properties of an automatic transmission fluid are determined by the Vickers Vane Pump Wear Test, FZG Wear Test, Four-Ball Wear Test, Falex EP Test, and Timken Wear Test. 

F-24 MERCON®-V µV Characterization 
This test measures the low speed anti-shudder durability of an automatic transmission fluid. This test is run for 115 hours with a clutch plate sliding speed of 160 rpm. Anti-shudder evaluations are done at 0, 15, then 10-hour increments to 115 hours at sliding speeds of 2, 6, 10, 14, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 120 rpm.

F-25 MERCON®-SP Anti-Shudder Durability
The MERCON®-SP Anti-Shudder Durability (ASD) Test Rig utilizes a Greening SAE No. 2 Universal Wet Friction Test Machine test head, operated to determine the frictional characteristics of a fluid through high-speed clutch engagements, low-speed aging and torque sweeps, as well as static breakaway measurements. A copper coupon is immersed in the test fluid, which is pumped into the test head along with instrument air.

F-25A Ford Over-Running Clutch (AX4N OWC) Wear Test Procedure
The goal of this test is to determine if the oil can protect the inner race of the overrunning clutch in a free wheeling situation. The test result will be "no trenching" which means inner race intact or "trenching" which means that the rollers have worn a visible grove in the inner race.

Heavy-Duty Automatic Transmission Fluid Testing

Using several testing procedures, SwRI evaluates heavy-duty automatic transmission fluids according to the Allison Transmission C-4 Heavy-Duty Automatic Transmission Fluid Specification.

F-26 Allison C-4 Chemical and Bench Test
These tests evaluate fluids for high- and low-temperature viscosity, pour point, antifoaming properties, rust protection, and effects on rubber seals. 

F-27 Allison C-4 Oxidation Test 
This 300-hour test determines the oxidation resistance, thermal stability, and corrosion protection characteristics of fluids. This test, conducted with an electric motor-driven Hydra-matic 4L60-E automatic transmission, is the same as the test specified by DEXRON®-III. 

F-28 Allison C-4 Graphite High-Energy Friction Test 
Using the SAE No. 2 Friction Test Machine, the friction characteristics and durability of fluids are determined on heavy-duty graphite clutch plates. Fluids must provide satisfactory performance for 5500 cycles of continuous operation. 

F-29 Allison C-4 Paper High-Energy Friction Test 
Using the SAE No. 2 Friction Test Machine, the friction characteristics and durability of fluids are determined on heavy-duty paper-composite clutch plates. Fluids must provide satisfactory performance for 10,000 cycles of continuous operation. 

F-30 Allison C-4 Anti-wear Property Test (C-4) 
This test determines the anti-wear properties of automatic transmission fluids using an electric motor-driven hydraulic pump. Anti-wear performance is determined by measuring the weight loss of the pump's vanes and cam ring after 100 hours of continuous operation. 

JASO SAE #2 Testing

F-43 JASO T 904-98 and M348-95 Clutch Friction Test 
This test determines the friction characteristics and friction durability of test fluid. This procedure simulates satisfactory performance in a normally functioning transmission under service conditions. Performance of this test requires the SAE No. 2 friction test machine. A total of 5,000 cycles (41.6 hours), each of 30 seconds duration, is required. Clutches are engaged once each cycle and absorb 24,500 joules of total energy. Fluid temperature is maintained at 100°C. The steel and composition plates are evaluated. 

F-44 DIN 51389-2 Vane Pump Wear Test 
The purpose of this test is to determine the anti-wear properties of hydraulic fluids. The fluid is run through an electric-driven vane pump for 250 hours at an inlet temperature selected to maintain a kinematic viscosity of 13 mm2/sec. The pump's vanes and cam ring are weighed before and after the test. Weight loss determines the fluid performance.

Caterpillar Transmission and Drivetrain Fluid Testing

Caterpillar, Inc., has powershift transmission and drive train fluid test procedures required for fluids used in Caterpillar equipment. The Institute tests fluids to meet the following Caterpillar, Inc., transmission and drive train fluid requirements: 

F-31 TO-4 Physical Properties 
These tests evaluate fluids for rust control, copper corrosion, fluid compatibility, fluid homogeneity, foaming characteristics, and flash point. 

F-32 TO-4 Elastomer Compatibility 
These tests evaluate compatibility with fluoroelastomer compounds, seals, O-rings, and other elastomeric materials. 

F-33 TO-4 Oxidation Stability 
This 300-hour test determines the oxidation resistance, thermal stability, and corrosion protection characteristics of fluids. This test, conducted with an electric motor-driven Hydra-matic 4L60-E automatic transmission, is the same as the test specified by DEXRON®III. 

F-34 TO-4 Viscometric Properties 
The viscometric properties of lubricants are evaluated in cold and hot ambient conditions.

F-35 TO-4 Gear Wear Test (ASTM D 4998) 
Using the FZG rig, the gear-wear protection provided by lubricants is evaluated according to ASTM D 4998. 

F-36 TO-4 Pump Wear Test 
This test evaluates the anti-wear characteristics of hydraulic oils by measuring cam ring and vane weight loss for a 35VQ25A pump. For 50 hours, the pump operates at an outlet pressure of 3000 psi and an inlet oil temperature of 200°F. This test is the same as the Vickers 35VQ25A wear test. The first three, or four of five tests, must pass. 

F-37 TO-4 Friction Properties 
Using six different materials and seven total tests, the frictional characteristics of lubricating oils are evaluated using the Link Engineering Model M1158 Test Machine.

Hydraulic Fluid Testing

F-38 Connestoga Pump Test (ASTM) D 7043 
The purpose of this test is to determine the anti-wear properties of hydraulic fluids. The fluid is run through an electric-driven Model 104-C hydraulic pump for 100 hours. The pump's vanes and cam ring are weighed before and after the test. Weight loss determines the fluid performance.

F-39 Denison P-46 Piston Pump 
This test determines the effects of hydraulic oil on flow, deposits, and wear in a Denison 46 series piston pump. Test duration is 100 hours at a pump outlet pressure of 5000 psi. Two stages are run: one for 60 hours at 71°C (160°F) and another for 40 hours at 99°C (210°F). This test is obsolete, but still available.

F-40 Eaton 35VQ25A Pump Test 
This test evaluates the anti-wear characteristics of hydraulic oils by measuring cam ring and vane weight loss for a 35VQ25A pump. For 50 hours, the pump operates at an outlet pressure of 3000 psi and an inlet oil temperature of 93°C (200°F). This test is the same as the Vickers 35VQ25A wear test. The first three, or four of five tests, must pass.

Universal Hydraulic Test Stand

Nonstandard hydraulic fluid or hardware investigations can be performed using the universal hydraulic test stand. A variable speed drive enables operational speeds of up to 3000 rpm in either clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. The prime mover is a 200 horsepower electric motor that can provide up to 325 horsepower through a bootstrapping arrangement. A computerized data acquisition and control system monitors in-line fluid density, mass flow, and drive torque, while controlling fluid pressure, motor speed, and operating temperature. The test fixture is configured so that virtually any type of hydraulic pump can be installed to evaluate hydraulic fluid or equipment performance under a multitude of conditions.

F-41 Denison T6H20C Hybrid Pump - Phase I 
F-42 Denison T6H20C Hybrid Pump - Phase II
These new tests sponsored by Denison evaluate the effect of a hydraulic oil on flow, pressure loss, and wear using a hybrid T6H style piston and vane pump run near rated conditions. The tests are made up of a break-in phase, a dry oil testing phase (no water added), and a wet oil (water added) testing phase. The dry and wet phases are a little over 300 hours long each and are priced separately. These are cyclic tests with the outlet pressures for both pumps changing every 2 seconds. The same test pump is used for both wet and dry phases.

Manual Transmission and Rear Axle Gear Oil Performance Testing

Required bench and performance tests are conducted to qualify automotive gear lubricants under various specifications. Numerous other test procedures for the oil and additive industries may be conducted, as well as custom programs tailored to clients' individual needs. 

F-45 L-20 High-Torque Test 
This test determines the load-carrying, wear, and extreme pressure characteristics of gear lubricants under low-speed, high-torque operating conditions. A test axle is operated for 30 hours at 32,311 lb-in. of ring gear torque, while the axle lubricant is cycled between 93°C (200°F) and 121°C (250°F). No longer part of U.S. requirements, this procedure has been replaced by L-37, although L-20 is used for some foreign clients and for screening and research in the United States.

F-46 L-33-1 Moisture Corrosion Test 
To determine the corrosion prevention properties of gear lubricants, an axle is filled with 40 ounces of test oil and one ounce of distilled water and operated for four hours at 2500 rpm and 180°F. After being soaked for 162 hours at 51°C (125°F), the axle is disassembled and rated for rust. This test is referred to in FTMS No. 791, MIL-PRF-2105E, SAE J2360, API GL-5, and Federal Test Method 5326.1. 

F-47 L-37 High-Torque Test (ASTM D 6121) 
To determine the load-carrying, wear, and extreme pressure characteristics of gear lubricants, a test axle is operated under high-speed, low-torque and low-speed, high-torque conditions. A test axle is first operated for 100 minutes at 440 axle rpm, 146°C (295°F) lubricant temperature, and 9460 lb-in. of ring gear torque and then operated for 24 hours at 80 axle rpm, 135°C (275°F) lubricant temperature, and 41,800 lb-in. of ring gear torque. This method is referred to in FTMS No. 791, MIL-PRF-2105E, SAE J2360, API GL-5, and Federal Test Method 6507.1.

F-48 ASTM L-42 High-Speed Shock Axle Test 
This high-speed shock test determines a lubricant's ability to prevent coast-side pinion and ring gear scoring. The axle torque and coast down rates are measured and recorded. This method is referred to in FTMS No. 791, MIL-PRF-2105E, SAE J2360, API GL-5, and Federal Test Method 6507.1.

F-49 L-60-1 Thermal and Oxidative Stability Test  (ASTM D 5704) 
This method determines lubricant deterioration under severe thermal and oxidative conditions. A set of spur gears is rotated at 1750 rpm for 50 hours. The lubricant is maintained at 163°C (325°F) with controlled airflow in the presence of a copper catalyst. The physical and chemical properties of the oil and deposits on the test gears are evaluated at the end of the test. This method is referred to in FTMS No. 791, MIL-PRF-2105E, SAE J2360, API GL-5, Federal Test Method 2504, and API MT-1 (ASTM D 5760). 

F-50 FZG Gear Wear Test (ASTM D 4998) 
To evaluate the anti-wear properties of lubricants, particularly hydraulic fluids for tractors, test gears on the FZG rig are operated at 100 rpm for 20 hours at 121°C (250°F) and load stage 10. The gears are weighed before and after the test and the weight loss associated with wear indicates lubricant anti-wear performance. 

F-51 FZG Load Stage Test (ASTM D 5182) 
Various speeds, temperatures, etc. are available to evaluate the load-carrying capacity of lubricants. The variable speed FZG test rig runs through a dozen 15-minute stages with incremental increases in load until failure or until the test sequence is complete. Twenty millimeters of tooth scuffing indicate test failure. This test method is referenced in API MT-1 (ASTM D 5760).

Axle Efficiency Test
SwRI has two stands, one on campus at SwRI and the other one at ALI in Chicago. The ALI stand is manually controlled and equipped with a data acquisition system, and is primarily used for the torque sweep method. The other is a new generation stand designed and constructed at SwRI. It was designed to accept various types of rear-wheel drive axle assemblies. This stand is equipped with a UDACS data acquisition system and is computer controlled. It has the capability of running the torque sweep method, simulating the Federal Test Procedure (FTP) light-duty truck highway fuel economy test cycle using a dynamic procedure, and the heavy-duty SAE J 1321, also using a dynamic procedure. In addition, the stand has the capability of programming test procedures/profiles specifically designed by customers.

F-52 FZG Pitting Test with Type C Gear
This test procedure is used to discriminate different lubricants based upon their ability to prevent pitting, a fatigue failure due to rolling contact. The test consists of a break- in phase and a durability phase. Depending on lubricant viscosity, the durability phase loading will vary. The test normally runs 300 hours long and is usually carried out in triplicate to cover outliers.

F-53 FZG Step Load (A10/16.6R/90:120)
This test procedure is for industrial or automotive gear oils that exceed the load-carrying capacity of the standard FZG load stage test (A/8.3/90). The smaller 10-mm wide gears are run in the reverse direction through a dozen 7.5- minute stages with incremental increases in load until failure or until the test sequence is complete. The test can run at either 90°C or 120°C (194°F or 248°F). Ten millimeters of tooth scuffing indicates test failure. A pass in load stage 9 at 90°C (194°F) indicates GL-5 or better performance. 

F-54 Manual Transmission High-Temperature Cyclic Durability Test (ASTM D 5579) 
The high-low range synchronizer of a Mack T-2180 transmission is cycled with lubricant temperatures at 121°C (250°F). The shift time is monitored continuously during the test. As the lubricant degrades, the shift time increases. The test continues until two "missed shifts" are reached. This test is part of Mack Trucks, Inc., Gear Oil Specifications GO-H and GO-H/S, as well as the industry specification API MT-1 (ASTM D 5760) and MIL-PRF-2105E (ASTM D 5760). 

F-55 SSP 180 Synchronizer 
The purpose of this test is to evaluate the frictional performance of a lubricant using a synchronizer assembly. 

Mack GO-J/J+ and Eaton PS-163 Test Procedures 
Mack and Eaton call for modified versions of some of the axle tests listed above. SwRI can perform the modified tests for these procedures and act as an intermediary for OEM contact when requested.

Tractor Testing

Tractor Field Tests
Tractors across the country operate with test oils monitored by SwRI personnel. Lubricant-related testing has been conducted on Massey-Ferguson, New Holland, John Deere, and Case I.H. tractors. 

New Holland Tractor Fluids Specification Testing

New Holland specifications for tractor hydraulic fluids require satisfactory performance in gear wear protection, independent power take off (IPTO) and powershift clutch capacity, and brake chatter protection. 

Ford IPTO Clutch Stall Test
Details of this test are confidential.

F-56 Ford 8340 16X16 Transmission Driveline Stall Test 
Details of this test are confidential.

F-57 New Holland Wet Brake Noise and Capacity for Transmission Oil Test
Details of this test are confidential.

F-58 Modified Ford 8340 16X16 High-Energy Clutch Test 
Details of this test are confidential.

Jenkins Cycle Test 
Details of this test are confidential.

Tractor Hydraulic Fluid Testing
Specifications for tractor hydraulic fluid and Super Tractor Oil Universal (STOU) require satisfactory performance of test lubricants in tests that simulate severe duty of farm tractor and industrial equipment components.

F-59 JDQ-84 Dynamic Corrosion Sauer-Danfoss Pump Test 
This test screens oils that cause corrosion of copper-containing metals in high-pressure pumps. A Sauer-Danfoss 90 Series axial piston pump is operated for 25 hours at 3000 psi. Water is then added to the test oil. The output pressure of the pump is increased to 5500 psi and maintained at that pressure for another 200 hours.

F-60 JDQ-94 Powershift Transmission Clutch Friction Test 
This test assesses the effects of tractor hydraulic fluids on wet clutch capacity, dynamic friction coefficient, and clutch disc wear. A 200-hp John Deere engine drives a modified John Deere 4850 15-speed, powershift transmission, loaded by an eddy current dynamometer. A typical test cycle consists of eight seconds of slipping the clutch at high dynamometer load and engine power. 

F-61 JDQ-95 Spiral Bevel/Final Drive Wear Test
This 50-hour test evaluates how effectively tractor hydraulic fluids protect the spiral bevel gears from scoring and the final drive planetary reduction gears from surface distress and wear. A John Deere engine and powershift transmission drive an industrial axle housing the test gears. A pair of high torque dynamometers provide the load. 

F-62 JDQ-96 Torque Variation and Brake Friction Retention Test 
A John Deere 4640 tractor with a modified power shift transmission drives a John Deere 1400 series industrial axle equipped with annular wet disk brakes. The brake chatter test consists of 30,000 brake engagements. After 1,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 30,000 brake engagements, a series of brake chatter tests are performed at different wheel speeds, brake pressures, and temperatures.

F-63 John Deere 6000 Series Brake Test
A series of six tests was designed by John Deere Werke Mannheim's Product Engineering Department in order to evaluate the effect of different formulations of tractor hydraulic fluid (THF) on the brakes and PTO and MFWD clutches of a John Deere 6000 series tractor. The candidate fluid's performance is compared to that of the reference oil. 

F-64 John Deere Synchromesh Test 
This 510-hour test is designed to evaluate the effect of different formulations of tractor hydraulic fluid on the synchronizers of a John Deere 6010 series tractor. This is an endurance test; the synchronizers must last through the test and continue to function normally for the test to be successful. The two-gear transmission synchronizers are cycled 15,000 times each, and the two range synchronizers are cycled 100,000 times each.

Massey-Ferguson Tractor Fluids Testing

Massey-Ferguson's various tractor hydraulic fluid and STOU fluid specifications require laboratory tests to evaluate the gear wear protection, wet brake noise control, and IPTO clutch capacity of lubricants.

F-65 Massey-Ferguson Four Square Gear Wear Test
The 12-hour test is designed to evaluate the oil's ability to protect against gear stress in high-load conditions. The test stand consists of two tractor transmissions in a four- square arrangement. A modified 100-hour test to evaluate gear pitting can also be performed. 

F-66 Massey-Ferguson IPTO Clutch Test 
Using an electric motor and flywheel, this friction rig creates an inertial load for the clutch to stop. The output shaft for the IPTO is locked and strain gauged. A computer measures the IPTO clutch pressure, flywheel speed, output shaft torque, and calculates a high- and low-speed coefficient for each of the 1,000 cycles. 

F-67 Massey-Ferguson Wet Brake Noise Test 
Candidate oils are compared to a reference oil to subjectively evaluate wet brake noise. A trained operator applies the brakes during normal driving and operating temperature conditions. The operator judges the noise produced with the candidate oil against that produced with the reference oil to make a pass or fail recommendation. 

Automotive Fleet Testing

To assist new product development, SwRI applies a variety of fleet and laboratory procedures that can be adapted to a variety of research requirements. Services include gear and gear oil evaluations, fleet evaluation of experimental engines and components, and examination of fuel deposit tendencies in vehicles.

Axle and Axle Oil Evaluations, Heavy-Duty 
The Institute conducts in-service evaluations of heavy-duty axles, frequently for MIL-PRF-2105E and/or Standard FAE J 2360 gear oil qualification programs. Three or four trucks are operated for 100,000 miles on test oils. Performance of an oil is judged from the appearance of gears, bearings, and carrier. Periodic oil samples are analyzed for wear metals, additives, and contaminants. 

Axle and Axle Oil Evaluations, Light-Duty 
SwRI conducts 100,000-mile in-service evaluations of gear oils in light-duty vehicles, such as pickups and cargo vans. These evaluations are frequently related to MIL-PRF-2105E and/or Standard SAE J2360 qualification programs. 

GM Big Wheel/Little Wheel Axle Oil Evaluation 
To evaluate the special properties of limited-slip differential oils, a car equipped with a limited-slip differential is operated with different diameter tires on each side of the drive axle. Periodic checks of axle noise, feel, and bias retention are conducted. 

Truck Axle Oil Fuel Economy 
The fuel economy benefits of axle oils in light- and heavy-duty trucks are evaluated using SAE procedures. Heavy-duty trucks outfitted with precision fuel consumption measurement equipment are operated on road routes with precise control of speed, time, and distance. Light-duty trucks operate similarly, but on a chassis dynamometer following a prescribed cycle.

Crankcase Engine Oil Fuel Economy 
The fuel economy benefits associated with engine oils in heavy-duty vehicles are evaluated by SAE procedures that involve operation on road routes with precision fuel consumption measuring equipment and precise control of speed, time, and distance. 

Truck Fuel Economy Improvements 
The fuel economy benefits associated with various fuel additives, wheels, tires, aerodynamic devices, etc., in heavy-duty trucks are evaluated by SAE procedures. Trucks operate on road routes with precision fuel consumption measuring equipment and precise control of speed, time, and distance.

Comparative Evaluation of Heavy-Duty Trucks 
Heavy-duty diesel trucks are compared for oil consumption, vehicle noise, acceleration, and fuel economy on short- and long-haul cycles. 

Engineering Evaluation of Trucks 
SwRI establishes comparative stopping distances, drive-by noise levels, interior noise levels, and velocity versus time profiles of domestic and imported trucks. 

Brake System Evaluation and Stopping Performance of a Special-Purpose Vehicle 
Technical and engineering support is available to document the ability of a special-purpose vehicle to meet performance and braking/stopping distance requirements. 

Durability and Reliability Evaluation of Engine/Vehicle Compatibility 
Durability and reliability of medium- and heavy-duty diesel- and alternative-fueled engines are evaluated in Class 7 and 8 trucks and buses on city and highway routes. Engine performance, reliability, and maintainability are determined by this 100,000-mile test. 

Mileage Accumulation Dynamometer Testing 
SwRI offers around-the-clock mileage accumulation at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. To complement its fleet-testing capabilities, the Institute has installed 20 mileage accumulation dynamometers (MADs) that accommodate most cars and light trucks up to 7,000 pounds. Virtually any transient or steady-state driving cycle can be accurately reproduced in this facility. 

Tire Testing 

Today's tires are quite complex as new transportation technologies rapidly evolve. The Institute is involved in the investigation and implementation of new tire technology.

Tire Durability and Performance Evaluation 
Controlled tests for passenger and truck tires are conducted with specific vehicles and speed, load, and roadway conditions. 

Commercial Fleet Tire Testing 
Using commercial fleets, SwRI performs field tests on passenger and truck tires, monitoring the type of service, mileage accumulation, tread wear, etc. These tests are often piggybacked with other component or performance evaluations. 

Proving Ground Traction and Specialized Evaluations 
Tire traction and other specialized tests are conducted at facilities readily available to SwRI fleet activities. 

Tire Technology Applications and Study 
Projects concerning tire manufacturing, materials, performance, and serviceability are tackled using advanced and contemporary technologies. 

Off-Highway Evaluations 
The Institute provides multiple courses with varying configurations on its grounds for off-highway evaluations of vehicles such as agricultural machinery, recreational and sport/utility vehicles, and industrial equipment. Vehicle operation parameters can be monitored on a real-time basis. 

AAMVA Series of Tests For Antifreeze

SwRI is approved by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) to perform antifreeze acceptability tests required in some states. The association specifies an allowable range in the results of 10 ASTM tests. 

ASTM 3306 Series of Tests for Antifreeze 
SwRI conducts the 15 tests that determine whether candidate antifreezes used in automotive cooling systems will provide year-round protection against freezing, boiling, and corrosion. The ASTM D 15 Antifreeze Committee specifies an allowable range in the results of 15 different tests to establish antifreeze effectiveness. Many of the tests are identical to the AAMVA series and others required by commercial and military specifications. 

Military and Commercial Specifications for Antifreeze 
Military and some large commercial organizations have specifications for antifreeze that list acceptable tolerances for a required test series. Most tests are standard ASTM or identical procedures. Tests are conducted in accordance with MIL-A- 46153B, MIL-A-11755D, GM 1899M, GM 1825M, Ford ESE-M97B44-A, and other specifications. 

Field Tests of Antifreeze 
Field tests, conducted in various car and truck fleets, are designed to meet customer requirements, usually following the guidelines explained in ASTM D 2847.

John Deere Engine Coolant Cavitation Test
A 250-hour test on a Deere 6101H engine is used to evaluate a coolant's ability to suppress cavitation and corrosion damage to power cylinder liners. 

Specialized Fuel Testing

Vehicle Evaluations for Fuel Injector Plugging 
Vehicles equipped with multi-port fuel injection systems encounter injector-plugging problems associated with gasolines with inadequate amounts of detergents. In severe cases, this problem can render a vehicle inoperative. This test reproduces fuel injector plugging under controlled conditions to assess the effect of fuel additives as they relate to injector "clean-up" and "keep-clean." The keep-clean test is conducted according to ASTM D 5598 protocol. During the test, injector flows and spray patterns are evaluated. Fuel injector spray patterns can be photo-documented to provide a visual record of test results. 

Intake System and Combustion Chamber Deposits 
The Institute evaluates fuels and fuel additives for intake system cleanliness. The BMW 10,000-Mile and Ford 2.3 Liter Intake Valve Deposit Tests help qualify fuels and fuel additives for the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board. Specialized fuel evaluation programs focus on current vehicles, both foreign and domestic. The relationship between engine design, fuel properties, and additive performance is investigated. Evaluation techniques include deposit analysis, combustion chamber deposit thickness measurements, and deposit weight measurements. 

Intake Valve-Sticking Evaluations 
Vehicle test programs are conducted to assess the effect of fuels and fuel additives on intake valve sticking. The ability of fuels to prevent intake valve stem deposits from causing the intake valves to stick at cold temperatures -20°C (-4°F) can be evaluated.

Vehicle Driveability and Performance Testing 
SwRI conducts CRC-type vehicle driveability and performance tests to evaluate vehicle operation as it relates to test fuels, additives, and vehicle components. Onsite track facilities, as well as the trained personnel and specialized equipment necessary for these tests, are available. Cold chambers allow vehicle soak temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). 

Vehicle Octane Requirement and ORI Evaluations 
Fleet programs for octane requirement and octane requirement increase (ORI) assess engine-operating parameters as related to fuel octane number and combustion requirements. The CRC-E-15 Road Test method is used for these evaluations, and the prescribed reference fuels are in inventory.

Exhaust Valve Seat Recession 
This procedure determines how gasoline additives and/or lead (Pb) content reduce or eliminate exhaust valve seat recession in engines designed to run on leaded gasoline. 

Alternative Fuels Testing 
(Methanol, Ethanol, Natural Gas, and Others) 
For spark-ignition engines, the test evaluates how test fuels affect engine durability or lubricant suitability. 

Octane Requirement Increase (ORI) 
While determining how well various gasolines/additives prevent combustion chamber deposits, this test also measures the resulting octane requirement increase. 

Other Specialized Tests

Bearing Oil Film Thickness (BOFT) 
This test method determines the oil film thickness under fired-engine conditions of either the main bearing or the "big-end" rod bearing.

Turbocharger Durability/Lubrication 
Turbocharger durability or engine lubricant suitability tests are performed for turbocharged spark-ignition engines.