ILSAC Standards vs. SAE Viscosity Grades
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
ILSAC GF-6 (developed by the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee of Japanese and American automakers) defines fuel economy, timing chain wear reduction, and engine durability standards. Splitting into GF-6A (backward-compatible for 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30) and GF-6B (dedicated to ultra-low viscosity 0W-16 oils).
SAE J300 is the universal standard defining engine oil viscosity grades. Multigrade oils (e.g. 0W-20, 5W-30) specify two metrics: a low-temperature Winter ('W') grade governing Cold Cranking Simulator (CCS) and Mini-Rotary Viscometer (MRV) pumpability at sub-zero temperatures (-40°C to -10°C), and a high-temperature 100°C kinematic viscosity (cSt) and High-Temperature High-Shear (HTHS) rating.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standardization
|
ILSAC GF-6A / ILSAC GF-6B (Mandated May 2020) | SAE J300 / ASTM D445 / ASTM D5293 (CCS) / ASTM D4684 (MRV) |
|
ILSAC GF-6A (Starburst Symbol)
|
Backward compatible with older GF-5 and GF-4 specifications for SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, 10W-30 | — |
|
ILSAC GF-6B (Shield Symbol)
|
Exclusively for SAE 0W-16 viscosity oils (NOT backward compatible with engines requiring GF-6A / GF-5) | — |
|
Timing Chain Wear Test (Sequence X)
|
A mandatory ASTM test that limits acceptable timing chain elongation over an extended multi-day cyclic engine run (specific pass/fail thresholds are set by the ASTM Sequence X test procedure, not reproduced here in full) | — |
|
Piston Deposit & Cleanliness (Sequence IIIH)
|
A high-temperature ASTM oxidation/deposit test that runs the oil under sustained elevated temperature to evaluate resistance to ring sticking and varnish formation (exact duration/temperature are set by the ASTM Sequence IIIH test procedure) | — |
|
Automaker Backing
|
Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Ford, GM, Stellantis) and Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (Toyota, Honda, Nissan) | — |
|
Winter 'W' Cold Cranking Limits
|
— | 0W: Max 6200 cP @ -35°C | 5W: Max 6600 cP @ -30°C | 10W: Max 7000 cP @ -25°C | 15W: Max 7000 cP @ -20°C |
|
Winter 'W' Low-Temp Pumping (MRV)
|
— | 0W: Max 60,000 cP @ -40°C | 5W: Max 60,000 cP @ -35°C | 10W: Max 60,000 cP @ -30°C |
|
100°C Kinematic Viscosity (SAE 20)
|
— | 6.9 to <9.3 cSt (mm²/s) — Modern fuel-efficient gasoline engines (0W-20, 5W-20) |
|
100°C Kinematic Viscosity (SAE 30)
|
— | 9.3 to <12.5 cSt (mm²/s) — Universal all-around benchmark (5W-30, 0W-30) |
|
100°C Kinematic Viscosity (SAE 40)
|
— | 12.5 to <16.3 cSt (mm²/s) — European performance and diesel engines (0W-40, 5W-40) |
|
Ultra-Low Viscosity (SAE 16 / 12 / 8)
|
— | SAE 16 (6.1-8.2 cSt), SAE 12, SAE 8: Ultra-thin oils for next-generation hybrid powertrains |