SwRI: Volkswagen DI Diesel Piston Cleanliness and Ring Sticking Test, CEC L-78-T-99, International Lubricant Testing, ACEA Lubricant Test

	Apparatus that runs the Volkswagen DI diesel piston cleanliness and ring sticking test at SwRI

Volkswagen TDI diesel piston cleanliness and ring sticking evaluation CEC L-78-T-99 is offered by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) to evaluate engine oil performance with regard to piston cleanliness and tendency for piston ring sticking.

ACEA 2008 Specifications

The Volkswagen TDI diesel piston cleanliness and ring sticking evaluation is part of ACEA 2008 Specifications:

Field Service Simulated

The CEC L-78-T-99 test simulates typical European high-speed operation, followed by idling.

CEC L-78-T-99 Test Fixture

A Volkswagen 1.9-liter, inline, 4-cylinder, turbocharged, direct injection automotive diesel engine (VW TDI) mounted on an engine dynamometer test stand is used for this test.

CEC L-78-T-99 Test Parameters

The 54-hour, 2-phase test cycle alternates between idle (30 minutes with 40°C oil sump) and 4,150 rpm, full power (150 minutes with 145°C oil sump). No oil top-ups are allowed during the test.

CEC L-78-T-99 Test Parts Evaluations

Pistons are rated for carbon, lacquer deposits, and groove carbon filling. Piston rings are evaluated for ring sticking.

Used Engine Oil Analysis

New and used oil samples are tested for kinematic viscosity at 40°C and 100°C and total base number. Oil samples are also tested for iron, chromium, copper, and soot content.
 

Pass/Fail Criteria

*Association des Constructeurs Européens d'Automobiles/European Automobile Manufacturers Association.

For more information about VW TDI diesel piston cleanliness and ring sticking evaluation capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Raham Kirkwood at rkirkwood@swri.org or (210) 522-5905.