Mack Volvo Specifications Update

Mack/Volvo has announced a change to their Mack EOS-4.5 and Volvo VDS-4.5 HDEO specifications which will impact products currently approved against them.  

The updated specifications will no longer follow API’s base oil interchange rules for the Volvo T-13 oxidation test. 

API allows full Group II base oil interchange in the Volvo T-13 oxidation test, meaning any Group II base oil can be used with an additive technology that has demonstrated passing results in the test.

Mack/Volvo has instituted a new rule that permits Group II interchange if the base oil Saturates, Sulfur and Viscosity Index of an oil fall within an established range.

In order to establish a range, a minimum of 4 passing Volvo T-13 tests must be achieved in a given additive technology. The highest and lowest Saturates, Sulfur and VI values from the testing will then be used to establish a base oil interchange range for those parameters.  

The new rule impacts the entire industry and goes into effect January 1, 2019. The phasing of the new rule will be as follows:

New approval requests

• If submitted before January 1, 2019 -  Will follow the current base oil interchange rules and will be valid until December 31st, 2019
• If submitted after January 1, 2019 - Will require a Volvo T-13 test matrix and will be valid for 2 years

Re-approval requests (for oils with existing approvals seeking re-approval)

• If approval expires in 2018 - 2 year extension will be granted irrespective if a Volvo T13 test matrix is available or not
• If approval expires in 2019 - Will be granted a one year extension if a Volvo T13 STM is not available. If a Volvo T13 STM is available, a two year extension will be granted.

Afton Chemical is in the process of completing the 4 test Volvo T-13 matrix and will have it in place prior to the January 1, 2019 deadline.  

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