VLS Bulletin – December 2024 – Case 010183
VLS 010183 – Westway Lubricants 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil
On 8th February 2023 the case was accepted by VLS.
VLS received a complaint about the above product concerning its compliance with SAE J306. The complainant stated that they procured and tested the product for SAE 75W compliance at -40oC as per ASTM D2983 – the Standard Test Method for Low Temperature Viscosity using a Rotational Viscometer (Brookfield). They claimed it was not possible to obtain a result as the product set solid during the test.
The complainant stated that the result showed the product was not SAE 75W compliant and would therefore not provide adequate circulation in gear systems.
Additionally, the complainant stated that the product also claims MB 235.8 on the label. This performance level they say, can only be achieved using a specific additive chemistry from one additive company and is full polyalphaolefin (PAO) giving a pour point of circa -57oC. The product in question has a pour point of -30oC. This they believe, indicated incorrect base oil choice and non-compliance with the original validated formulation.
VLS independently procured a sample of the product within the UK, and tested it for low temperature properties against ASTM D2983. The test results demonstrated that the product was not in compliance with SAE J306 against test standard ASTM D2983, and MB 235.8.
In response to the complaint, the Named Party quarantined all stock and arranged an uplift of product from the warehouse with the supplier. They also changed supplier and removed reference to the MB 235.8 specification from the product label.
VLS believes that the product is in compliance and the investigation can be closed, subject to a six-month review in line with VLS’s stated procedure.
On 05/01/2024 VLS undertook a six-month review in line with its stated process as part of which it procured and tested a new sample of the product. The new sample tested did not meet the low temperature requirements of SAE 75W. As the label has been updated to exclude MB 235.8, VLS has assumed that this is stock provided by the new supplier, which is not in compliance.
Consequently, the product’s non-compliance was notified to Trading Standards with whom VLS has a Primary Authority relationship.
David Wright, Company Secretary of VLS said “We want to ensure we have the highest standards in Europe for lubricant manufacture, blending and marketing, and we want a ‘level playing field’ for all participants, so that we protect the interests of the consumer and other end users.
In the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (UK) Ltd, we have set our course for stronger industry self-regulation by working positively towards more open and transparent competition that benefits all lubricant organisations.”
December 2024
