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SAE J2363: Lubricating Oil for Wheeled Military Vehicles with Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines
SAE J2363, cancelled in January 2008, established the performance, physical, and chemical requirements for lubricating oils intended for wheeled military vehicles equipped with heavy-duty diesel engines. This standard superseded the military Commercial Item Description CID A-A-52306 and aligned with the American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System. It specified API performance categories CF, CF-2, CI-4, and CI-4 PLUS alongside SAE J300 viscosity grades.
Specification Overview
The standard defined four viscosity grades with corresponding performance levels:
| Viscosity Grade | API Performance Level |
|---|---|
| SAE 5W-40 | CI-4 PLUS |
| SAE 15W-40 | CI-4 PLUS |
| SAE 30 | CF or CF-2 |
| SAE 40 | CF or CF-2 |
Multigrade oils (SAE 5W-40 and 15W-40) required CI-4 PLUS performance, while monograde oils (SAE 30 and 40) required API CF or CF-2. The oils also had to meet physical and chemical properties such as pour point, flash point, sulfated ash, and specific element content, as listed in the standard’s Table 2. Test methods included ASTM D 97 for pour point, ASTM D 92 for flash point, and others.
⚠️ Cancellation Notice: SAE J2363 was cancelled in January 2008. It is no longer active. Always refer to the latest applicable military or commercial standards for current procurement specifications.
Design and Formulation Insights
The standard allowed base stocks derived from petroleum, synthetics, or blends, including re-refined stocks. Formulations required functional additives such as detergents, dispersants, and inhibitors to meet performance targets. A key design insight is that the required API performance level depends on the viscosity grade: CI-4 PLUS for multigrade oils and CF or CF-2 for monograde oils.
Manufacturers had to submit detailed formulation data—including base stock names, additive packages, and performance test correlations—to the Lubricant Review Institute (LRI) Engine Oil Review Committee for pre-review before products could be listed on the Qualified Products List (QPL).
🔍 Intended Use: This standard applies only to wheeled military vehicles with heavy-duty diesel engines. It does not cover combat or tactical military vehicles—those fall under SAE J2359. It also is not for transmissions or hydraulic systems.
Regulatory and Compliance Considerations
Compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication Standard was required, and base stocks used could not be considered carcinogenic under that standard. Toxicity evaluations were necessary, and the use of recovered and re-refined materials was encouraged per Public Law 94-580.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What API performance categories are required for each viscosity grade?
SAE 5W-40 and 15W-40 require CI-4 PLUS. SAE 30 and 40 require API CF or CF-2.
2. What are the viscosity grades specified in SAE J2363?
The standard specifies SAE 5W-40, 15W-40, 30, and 40 according to SAE J300.
3. How does SAE J2363 relate to SAE J2359?
SAE J2363 is for wheeled military vehicles; SAE J2359 covers lubricating oils for combat/tactical military vehicles. They are not interchangeable.
4. Is SAE J2363 still active?
No, it was cancelled in January 2008. Always check current standards for procurement.
