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What is the NOACK Volatility Test?
Volatility is measured by the principal, European test called NOACK, is the amount of oil lost (the light molecules) over time at a given temperature and pressure. It has a direct impact on high temperature engine oil effectiveness -- especially on viscosity, emissions and oil consumption. Today's oils have a NOACK volatility limit of 22 percent. Volatility losses for the coming ILSAC GF-3 oils -- due on store shelves just after the turn of the century -- could quite possibly be limited to 15 percent for all grades.
When an oil suffers from high volatility, and the lighter molecules evaporate, the oil thickens gradually getting out of "spec" and adversely effecting the performance of the lubricant and placing the engine at risk.
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