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	The Sequence VG procedure evaluates a lubricant's ability to prevent sludge and varnish formation.

The Sequence VG test evaluates a lubricant's ability to prevent sludge and varnish formation. It is a replacement test for Sequence VE, ASTM D 5302, sludge and varnish. Moderate temperature taxicab service, urban and suburban delivery service, or job commuting service is simulated.

The Sequence VG lubricant test is an engine dynamometer test that duplicates the Sequence VE application, except that wear is not evaluated.

Specifications are:

• API SL

• API SM

• ILSAC GF-3

• ILSAC GF-4

Sequence VG Test Equipment and Procedure

A 2000 Ford 8-cylinder, 4.6-liter fuel-injected gasoline engine, with roller followers, coolant-jacketed rocker covers, and camshaft baffles is used. This 216-hour test involves 54 cycles, each cycle consisting of three differing operating specifications or stages.

Unleaded Haltermann SVGM2 fuel is used, and engine blowby is intentionally increased. Rocker cover jacket temperature is cycled.

Sequence VG Test parameters are as follows:

Sequence VG Test Results

At test end, experienced technicians evaluate:

• Sludge deposits

  • Rocker arm covers

  • Cam baffles

  • Timing chain cover

  • Oil pan and oil pan baffle

  • Valve decks

• Varnish deposits

  • Piston skirts

  • Cam baffles

• Clogging

  • Oil pump screen

  • Piston oil rings

Inspections are conducted for:

• “Hot” stuck piston compression rings

• “Cold” stuck piston compression rings

Measurements are conducted for wear on:

• Roller follower pins

• Piston ring gaps

Used lubricant analysis includes:

• Kinematic viscosity

• Tin content

• Iron content

• Silicon content

• Copper content

• Pentane insolubles

• Aluminum content

• Fuel dilution

• Lead content

• Total base number

Sequence VG Pass/Fail Criteria

For more information about the Sequence VG procedure, or how you can contract with Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), please contact Dan Worcester at dworcester@swri.org or (210) 522-2405.

sequencevg.swri.org

| 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.

December 28, 2012