ASTM D6709-10 - 1.5.2010
 
Significance and Use

This test method is used to evaluate automotive engine oils for protection of engines against bearing weight loss.

This test method is also used to evaluate the SIG capabilities of multiviscosity-graded oils.

Correlation of test results with those obtained in automotive service has not been established.

UseThe Sequence VIII test method is useful for engine oil specification acceptance. It is used in specifications and classifications of engine lubricating oils, such as the following:

Specification D4485.

API Publication 1509 Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System.

SAE Classification J304.

 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the evaluation of automotive engine oils (SAE grades 5W, 10W, 20, 30, 40, and 50, and multiviscosity grades) intended for use in spark-ignition gasoline engines. The test procedure is conducted using a carbureted, spark-ignition Cooperative Lubrication Research (CLR) Oil Test Engine (also referred to as the Sequence VIII test engine in this test method) run on unleaded fuel. An oil is evaluated for its ability to protect the engine and the oil from deterioration under high-temperature and severe service conditions. The test method can also be used to evaluate the viscosity stability of multiviscosity-graded oils. Companion test methods used to evaluate engine oil performance for specification requirements are discussed in the latest revision of Specification D4485.

1.2 Correlation of test results with those obtained in automotive service has not been established. Furthermore, the results obtained in this test are not necessarily indicative of results that will be obtained in a full-scale automotive spark-ignition or compression-ignition engine, or in an engine operated under conditions different from those of the test. The test can be used to compare one oil with another.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3.1 ExceptionsThe values stated in inch-pounds for certain tube measurements, screw thread specifications, and sole source supply equipment are to be regarded as standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are provided throughout this test method.

1.5 This test method is arranged as follows:

 
2. Referenced Documents

D3343-22

Standard Test Method for Estimation of Hydrogen Content of Aviation Fuels

D4052-22

Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter

D4175-24e2

Standard Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants (Includes all amendments and changes 6/9/2026).

D4294-24

Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum and Petroleum Products by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

D4485-24

Standard Specification for Performance of Active API Service Category Engine Oils

D1319-26

Standard Test Method for Hydrocarbon Types in Liquid Petroleum Products by Fluorescent Indicator Adsorption

D86-23ae2

Standard Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products and Liquid Fuels at Atmospheric Pressure (Includes all amendments and changes 11/4/2024).

D130-26

Standard Test Method for Corrosiveness to Copper from Petroleum Products by Copper Strip Test

D240-25

Standard Test Method for Heat of Combustion of Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels by Bomb Calorimeter

D323-26

Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method)

D445-26

Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)

D235-22

Standard Specification for Mineral Spirits (Petroleum Spirits) (Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning Solvent)

D3237-22

Standard Test Method for Lead in Gasoline by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

D3231-25

Standard Test Method for Phosphorus in Gasoline

D2700-26b

Standard Test Method for Motor Octane Number of Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel (Includes all amendments and changes 7/13/2026).

D2699-26

Standard Test Method for Research Octane Number of Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel

D2422-24

Standard Classification of Industrial Fluid Lubricants by Viscosity System

D525-12a(2025)

Standard Test Method for Oxidation Stability of Gasoline (Induction Period Method) (Includes all amendments and changes 12/24/2025).

D381-25

Standard Test Method for Gum Content in Fuels by Jet Evaporation

J304

Engine Oil Tests

J183

E191-64(1999)e1

Standard Specification for Apparatus For Microdetermination of Carbon and Hydrogen in Organic and Organo-Metallic Compounds

E29-22

Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications

D4815-22

Standard Test Method for Determination of MTBE, ETBE, TAME, DIPE, tertiary-Amyl Alcohol and C1 to C4 Alcohols in Gasoline by Gas Chromatography

D7422-25

Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Diesel Engine Oils in T-12 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Diesel Engine