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Sequence L38 Test
(ASTM D 5119)
 

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Sequence L38 (ASTM D 5119) tests are 40- or 80-hour tests that evaluate bearing corrosion and permanent shear stability.


In addition to measuring viscous shear stability using leaded fuel, the Sequence L38 test evaluates a lubricant's ability to prevent corrosion of:

  • Copper bearings

  • Lead bearings

  • Tin bearings

High-temperature, corrosive service using copper, lead, or tin bearings is simulated.


The specifications for the Sequence L38 test are:
 

  • API CF-4

  • API CF

  • API CF-2

  • API CG-4

  • APE SH

  • API SJ

  • API SL

  • ILSAC GF-1

  • ILSAC GF-2

  • MIL-L-46152E

  • MIL-L-2104F

  • MIL-L-2126D

  • MIL-L-46167B

Sequence L38 Test Equipment and Procedure

A 42.5-CID (cubic inch displacement) carbureted, single-cylinder, spark-ignition, Coordinated Lubricants Research (CLR) oil test engine, operated with an external oil heater circuit, is used for the Sequence L38 test.


The engine runs 40 hours at 35.5 brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) using a leaded isooctane fuel. The engine is shut down at 10-hour intervals for an oil-level check. Test speed is 3,150 rpm, and the oil temperature is raised to 290 °F (143 °C) using an external oil heater circuit.

 

 

Sequence L38 Test Results

At test end:

  • The engine is inspected for sludge and varnish deposits.

  • The connecting rod bearing weight loss is measured.

  • Used lubricant analysis includes:

    • Kinematic viscosity

    • Neutralization number


Sequence L38 Pass/Fail Criteria

Multigrade oils require a 10-hour stripped viscosity. A 40-mg weight loss maximum is allowed, and stripped viscosity must stay in grade.

 

PARAMETER

PASS LIMIT

Bearing weight loss, mg max

40

Stripped viscosity, cSt

Stay in grade

 

For more information about the Sequence L38 test capabilities at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) or how you can contract with SwRI, please e-mail Fred Gerhart, or call (210) 522-3842.
 

Contact Information

Fred Gerhart

Sequence L38 Tests

(210) 522-3842

fgerhart@swri.org

Related Terminology

Sequence L38 test

ASTM D 5119

bearing corrosion

permanent shear stability

lubricant

viscous shear stability

API CF-4, CF, CF-2, CG-4, SH, SJ, SL

ILSAC GF-1/GF-2

MIL-L-46152E

MIL-L-2104F

MIL-L-2126D

MIL-L-46167B

connecting rod

bearing weight loss

Related Information

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| Engine Lubricants Research Department | Fuels and Lubricants Research Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

September 06, 2007