Oil is confusing. Shoot, GM has 4 different 5-30 specs for use worldwide. It's tough to keep it all straight.
To have a more consistant product worldwide, and more consistancy with Oil Life Moniters GM is creating a new spec called GEOS (Global Engine Oil Specification).
GM GEOS consolidates everything to 2 oils.
GEOS A Factory and service fill for Gasoline engines worldwide EXCEPT Europe.
GEOS B Factory fill for Diesel worldwide AND Gasoline European engines.
These oils are both very good spec wise, using either a base III or base IV oil. I'll scan the spec sheet later this week.
The difference for flat lifter engines(Like Rover) is the sheer rating. GEOS B, being suitable for diesel will be a excellent choice.
Almost everyone seems to feel that it will probably be pretty close to ILSAC GF-5 much like GM 6094M is very similar to ILSAC GF-4.
However, GM is making comparisons to their 4718M instead of 6094M. So, that may mean that ILSAC GF-5 is going to be a giant leap forward due to pressure from GM amd other OEMs, or GEOS A is going to compromise under pressure from API.
It is likely that GM will take a route similar to what Ford and Honda did with their double time standard for 5W-20. That is: duplicate the API test sequences with increased time intervals and more stringent cut points. That allows any lab that is set up to evaluate API compliance can also evaluate GEOS compliance. But, the GEOS standard could still be considerably more stringent.
Only time will tell. But, you can bet that quick lubes,some/many independent shops and some industry organizations will be kicking and screaming about GM "locking them out"when warranties are denied for non-compliance. the oil companies will certainly take steps to insulate themselves from liability but still offer the cheaper products that these groups will insist on.
This oil spec is going to start being introduced later this year.
GM Set to Unveil GEOS - January 2009
API Scrutinizes GM GEOS
To have a more consistant product worldwide, and more consistancy with Oil Life Moniters GM is creating a new spec called GEOS (Global Engine Oil Specification).
GM GEOS consolidates everything to 2 oils.
GEOS A Factory and service fill for Gasoline engines worldwide EXCEPT Europe.
GEOS B Factory fill for Diesel worldwide AND Gasoline European engines.
These oils are both very good spec wise, using either a base III or base IV oil. I'll scan the spec sheet later this week.
The difference for flat lifter engines(Like Rover) is the sheer rating. GEOS B, being suitable for diesel will be a excellent choice.
Almost everyone seems to feel that it will probably be pretty close to ILSAC GF-5 much like GM 6094M is very similar to ILSAC GF-4.
However, GM is making comparisons to their 4718M instead of 6094M. So, that may mean that ILSAC GF-5 is going to be a giant leap forward due to pressure from GM amd other OEMs, or GEOS A is going to compromise under pressure from API.
It is likely that GM will take a route similar to what Ford and Honda did with their double time standard for 5W-20. That is: duplicate the API test sequences with increased time intervals and more stringent cut points. That allows any lab that is set up to evaluate API compliance can also evaluate GEOS compliance. But, the GEOS standard could still be considerably more stringent.
Only time will tell. But, you can bet that quick lubes,some/many independent shops and some industry organizations will be kicking and screaming about GM "locking them out"when warranties are denied for non-compliance. the oil companies will certainly take steps to insulate themselves from liability but still offer the cheaper products that these groups will insist on.
This oil spec is going to start being introduced later this year.
GM Set to Unveil GEOS - January 2009
API Scrutinizes GM GEOS