Designation: D6594 − 08

Standard Test Method for

Evaluation of Corrosiveness of Diesel Engine Oil at 135°C1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6594; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

INTRODUCTION

Any properly equipped laboratory, without outside assistance, can use the procedure described in
this test method. However, the ASTM Test Monitoring Center (TMC)2 provides reference oils and an
assessment of the test results obtained on those oils by the laboratory (see Annex A1). By these means,
the laboratory will know whether their use of the test method gives results statistically similar to those
obtained by other laboratories. Furthermore, various agencies require that a laboratory utilize the TMC
services in seeking qualification of oils against specifications. For example, the U.S. Army imposes
such a requirement in connection with several Army engine lubricating oil specifications.
Accordingly, this test method is written for use by laboratories that utilize the TMC services.
Laboratories that choose not to use those services may simply ignore those portions of the test method
that refer to the TMC.
This test method may be modified by means of information letters issued by the TMC. In addition,
the TMC may issue supplementary memoranda related to the method (see Annex A1). For other
information, refer to the research report of this test method.3

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method covers testing diesel engine lubricants 2.1 ASTM Standards:4
to determine their tendency to corrode various metals, specifi- D130 Test Method for Corrosiveness to Copper from Petro-
cally alloys of lead and copper commonly used in cam leum Products by Copper Strip Test
followers and bearings. D5185 Test Method for Determination of Additive Elements,
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as Wear Metals, and Contaminants in Used Lubricating Oils
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this and Determination of Selected Elements in Base Oils by
standard. Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrom-
etry (ICP-AES)
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the D5844 Test Method for Evaluation of Automotive Engine
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Oils for Inhibition of Rusting (Sequence IID) (Withdrawn
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 2003)5
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- D6557 Test Method for Evaluation of Rust Preventive Char-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. acteristics of Automotive Engine Oils

3. Terminology
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
3.1 Definitions:
D02.B0.02 on Heavy Duty Engine Oils. 3.1.1 corrosion, n—the chemical or electrochemical reac-
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 2008. Published November 2008. Originally tion between a material, usually a metal surface, and its
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D6594–06. DOI:
10.1520/D6594-08.
2
The ASTM Test Monitoring Center will update changes in this test method by
4
means of Information Letters. This edition incorporates revisions contained in all For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, [Link], or
Information Letters through 07-1. Information Letters may be obtained from the contact ASTM Customer Service at service@[Link]. For Annual Book of ASTM
ASTM Test Monitoring Center, 6555 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206-4489, Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Attention: Administrator. the ASTM website.
3 5
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D02-1443. [Link].

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D6594 − 08
environment that can produce a deterioration of the material
and its properties. D5844
3.1.2 developer, n—of an ASTM test method, the assigned
ASTM group, working under the supervision of its governing
subcommittee and main committee, that formats the test
method in accordance with the Form and Style for ASTM
Standards, and continually refines the test method.
3.1.3 developer, n—of a test procedure, an individual or
organization that selects the test apparatus and operating
conditions.
3.1.4 non-reference oil, n—any oil other than a reference
oil; such as a research formulation, commercial oil, or candi-
date oil. D5844
3.1.5 reference oil, n—an oil of known performance char-
acteristics, used as a basis for comparison. D5844
[Link] Discussion—Reference oils are used to calibrate
testing facilities, to compare the performance of other oils, or
to evaluate other materials (such as seals) that interact with
oils.
3.1.6 specimen, n—a piece or portion of a sample used to
make a test.
3.1.7 sponsor, n—of an ASTM test method, an organization
that is responsible for ensuring supply of the apparatus used in FIG. 1 Sample Tube
the test procedure portion of the test method.
[Link] Discussion—In some instances, such as a test
method for chemical analysis, an ASTM working group can be
the sponsor of a test method. In other instances, a company
with a self-interest may or may not be the developer of the test
procedure used within the test method, but is the sponsor of the
test method.
3.1.8 test oil, n—any oil subjected to evaluation in an
established procedure. D6557

4. Summary of Test Method

4.1 Four metal specimens of copper, lead, tin, and phosphor
bronze are immersed in a measured amount of engine oil. The
oil, at an elevated temperature, is blown with air for a period of
time. When the test is completed, the copper specimen and the
stressed oil are examined to detect corrosion and corrosion
products, respectively.
4.2 A reference oil is tested with each group of tests to
verify test acceptability.

5. Significance and Use

5.1 This test method is intended to simulate the corrosion
process of non-ferrous metals in diesel lubricants. The corro-
sion process under investigation is that believed to be induced FIG. 2 Sample Tube Head
primarily by inappropriate lubricant chemistry rather than
lubricant degradation or contamination. This test method has
been found to correlate with an extensive fleet database 6.1.2 Sample Tube Head, Fig. 2.
containing corrosion-induced cam and bearing failures.3 6.1.3 Air Tube, Fig. 3.
6.1.4 Thermocouple Tube, Fig. 4.
6. Apparatus 6.1.5 Condenser, Allihn Type, Fig. 5.
6.1 The main apparatus consists of the following items of 6.1.6 Assembled Apparatus, Fig. 6.
standard wall borosilicate glassware as shown in Figs. 1-6. 6.2 Additional glassware items and assembly accessories
6.1.1 Main Sample Tube, Fig. 1. needed are:

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 D6594 − 08

FIG. 5 Condenser, Allihn Type

FIG. 3 Air Tube

FIG. 6 Assembled Apparatus

FIG. 4 Thermocouple Tube

exposed hot surfaces on apparatus. Avoid skin contact by use of

6.2.1 Hanger (for metal specimens), of stainless steel, protective equipment.)
having the dimensions listed in Fig. 7. 6.3.2 Ventilation, to adequately remove fumes during heat-
6.2.2 Adapter, polytetrafluoroethylene for 10/18 joint for ing.
sealing of the air tube to the sample tube head. 6.3.3 Air Supply, use air from a clean, dry source.
6.3 Other items and equipment are: [Link] An air drier is required when air needs to be
6.3.1 Heating bath, with constant temperature control within conditioned. The method used is optional provided the air
60.5°C of test temperature with an immersion depth of 23 to characteristics of 6.3.3 are attained. For drying, a satisfactory
35 cm. Oil baths are recommended. (Warning—There are method is the use of a glass column containing 8-mesh

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 D6594 − 08

NOTE 1—All dimensions in mm.

FIG. 7 Specimen Hanger

anhydrous calcium sulfate with a column diameter such that 7.2.1 Specimens are 0.081 cm thick by 2.5 cm square,
velocity of air does not exceed 1.2 m/min. except that lead specimen that is 0.178 cm thick. One specimen
6.3.4 Flowmeter, capable of measuring 10 6 1 L/h. from each of the following metal types, each with two drilled
6.3.5 Syringe, capable of accurately measuring out 100 mL holes, is required:
of liquid. [Link] Copper (R401-A),
6.3.6 Oven, optional, to dry glassware at elevated tempera- [Link] Lead (R401-lead),
ture. [Link] Tin (R401-tin), and
6.3.7 Forceps, stainless steel; or gloves (powder free). [Link] Phosphor Bronze (R401-PBz).
6.3.8 Thermocouple, or equivalent. Use sheathed thermo- 7.3 Abrasive Paper,9 240-grit aluminum oxide and 400-grit
couple when the thermocouple is in direct contact with oil. silicon carbide. Do not use iron-containing abrasives such as
When a thermocouple well is used, use a sheathed or un- natural emery.
sheathed thermocouple in the well to control sample tempera-
ture; fill thermocouple well with a heat transfer medium. 7.4 Cotton, 100 %.
6.3.9 Sanding Block and Holder, for specimen preparation. 7.5 Acetone (ACS), sulfur free. (Warning—Flammable.
Health hazard.)
7. Reagents and Materials 7.6 Glassware Cleaning Solution , NOCHROMIX.8,10
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Use reagent grade chemicals in all (Warning—Causes severe burns.)
tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all reagents 7.7 Heptane. (Warning—Flammable. Health hazard.)
conform to the specifications maintained by the Committee on
Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society.6 7.8 Cleaning Solvent— Cyclohexane or heptane, industrial
7,8 grade. (Warning—Both are flammable and health hazards.)
7.2 Metal Specimens
7.9 Reference Oil.2

8. Preparation of Apparatus
6
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American
Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For Suggestions on the testing of reagents not 8.1 Cleaning:
listed by the American Chemical Society, see Annual Standards for Laboratory 8.1.1 Rinse all items and the air tube adapter with cleaning
Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia solvent to remove residual oil, and air-dry.
and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville,
MD.
8.1.2 Wash all glassware items and the air tube adapter with
7
Obtain metal specimens from Test Engineering, Inc. (TEI), 12718 Cimarron detergent. Rinse with tap water, distilled water, and dry.
Path, San Antonio, TX 78249-3423.
8
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
9
is noted in the adjoining footnote. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please Suitable abrasive paper meeting these specifications is included with the metal
provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will specimens when the specimens are ordered.
10
receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, Obtain NOCHROMIX from Godax Laboratories, Inc., 720-B Erie Avenue,
which you may attend. Takoma Park, MD 20912.

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 D6594 − 08
8.1.3 The following more thorough glassware cleaning 9.6 Start the flow of the cooling water through the con-
procedure can be used, if it is required for a given situation: denser jacket.
[Link] Fill and immerse all glassware items with glassware 9.7 To begin testing, connect the source of clean, dry air (5
cleaning solution (see 7.6) and soak for 3 to 16 h. (Warning— 6 0.5 L/h) to the air tube and allow the air to flow for 168 h.
Corrosive, causes severe burns.) Use a calibrated flow meter in setting airflow rates.
[Link] Remove glassware from cleaning solution; rinse
several times with tap water, followed by distilled water, and 9.8 End of Test— After 168 h at 135°C, shut off the airflow
oven-dry. and disassemble.
[Link] This more thorough glass cleaning procedure is 9.8.1 Remove air supply and disconnect condenser.
necessary in a referee situation, unless an alternative glassware 9.8.2 Remove sample tube from the bath, and allow it to
cleaning solution is available which is satisfactory to all parties cool to room temperature.
involved. 10. Test Results
8.2 Assembled Apparatus, shown in Fig. 6. 10.1 Remove the air tube with the attached specimens from
8.3 Preparation of Metal Specimens : the sample tube. Do not touch the specimens with hands.
8.3.1 In all succeeding steps, handle the specimens only Retain the sample tube and test oil for further examination.
with stainless steel forceps or powder-free gloves until the final 10.2 Using forceps, wash the copper specimen in heptane,
weighing. If large defects or particles are present on the metal and discard the other specimens.
specimens, remove them first using coarse sandpaper, followed
by polishing with the 240 and 400-grit abrasive papers, as 10.3 Rate the copper specimen for tarnish according to the
described in 8.3.2. Strip Examination, Interpretation, and Report sections of Test
8.3.2 Remove any burrs from the drilled holes with a 1⁄16-in. Method D130.
drill bit. Using a sanding block with a specimen holder, remove 10.4 Immediately after calibration of the ICP-AES instru-
all surface blemishes from both sides and all four edges of each ment (as specified in Test Method D5185), use Test Method
specimen with 240-grit abrasive paper. Finish polishing with D5185 to determine the concentration of copper, lead, and tin
400-grit paper wetted by acetone to remove marks from in both the new and used oil.
previous polishing. 10.5 Calculations— Change in metal concentration in the
[Link] A good technique is to rub the specimen with used test oil:
longitudinal strokes in a direction perpendicular to that used
D C 5 C2 2 C1 (1)
with 240-grit paper. Use a different sheet of paper for each
metal type. where:
[Link] Make sure that the specimen edges are polished in D C = change in metal concentration before and after test,
the same manner as the surfaces. Carry out this procedure C1 = measurement of metal concentration in new test oil
using normal room lighting and without magnification of the (as determined in 10.4), and
specimen surface. Do not scribe or otherwise mark the sur- C2 = measurement of metal concentration in used test oil
faces. (as determined in 10.4).
8.3.3 Store the polished metal specimens in acetone.
8.3.4 Just prior to a test start, remove each specimen from 11. Reference Oil Testing
the acetone, and clean all metal dust from the specimen using 11.1 Test a TMC-coded reference oil along with each batch
100 % cotton. Rub with a light-to-medium touch to remove of non-reference oil tests. Run the reference oil simultaneously
particles but do not polish the specimen further. with, and in the same bath as, the non-reference oils.
8.3.5 Wash specimens in acetone, and allow them to dry in
NOTE 1—Annex A1 discusses the involvement of the ASTM TMC with
a desiccator. respect to the reference test-monitoring program.

9. Procedure 11.1.1 Prior to requiring a reference oil test, procure a

supply of reference oils directly from the TMC. These oils have
9.1 Add 100 6 1 mL of oil to the sample tube by syringe. been formulated or selected to represent specific chemistry
9.2 Place the specimen hanger onto the air tube, and hang types, or performance levels, or both. Each reference oil
test specimens on their respective hooks. sample is identified using a unique set of identification codes
9.2.1 Arrange the specimens on the hanger in the sequence: on the container labels. The coded reference samples provide
lead, copper, tin, and phosphor bronze. for a blind reference-testing program to protect against the
possibility of bias in the results.
9.3 Insert the air tube with the attached specimens into the
[Link] The testing laboratory tacitly agrees to use the
sample tube so that the air tube rests on the bottom of the
TMC reference oils exclusively in accordance with the TMC’s
sample tube.
published Policies for Use and Analysis of ASTM Reference
9.4 Place the sample tube head on the sample tube. Oils, and to run and report the reference oil test according to
9.5 Place the assembled sample tube and condenser into the TMC guidelines.
bath so that the sample tube is submerged 23 to 35 cm in the NOTE 2—Policies for the Use and Analysis of ASTM Reference Oils is
bath with the test oil temperature set at 135 6 0.5°C. available from the TMC.

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 D6594 − 08
11.1.2 Request a reference oil assignment from the TMC for and procedural revisions, it may be necessary to evaluate the
this test method. The TMC will determine the specific refer- possible effects on severity and precision levels. The surveil-
ence oil to be tested by the laboratory. Assignments will be lance panel may choose to conduct a program of donated
made by the unique identifying codes on the reference oil reference oil tests in those laboratories participating in the
container labels. Provide the TMC with the bath identification monitoring system, in order to quantify the effect of a particu-
number for the test. lar change on severity and precision. Typically, the surveillance
11.1.3 Run the TMC reference oil test according to the test panel requests its panel members to volunteer enough reference
method and in the same manner as the non-reference oil test(s). oil test results to create a robust data set. Broad laboratory
11.1.4 Reporting of Reference Oil Test Results—Report the participation is needed to provide a representative sampling of
results of all reference oil tests to the TMC according to the the industry. To ensure the quality of the data obtained, donated
following directives: tests are conducted on calibrated test baths. The surveillance
[Link] Use the data reporting formats detailed in Annex panel shall arrange an appropriate number of donated tests and
A2 for reporting all TMC reference oil test data to the TMC. ensure completion of the test program in a timely manner.
Report only the reference oil results to the TMC. Do not
12. Report
include any non-reference test data. Complete all of the
required blank fields on the forms. The report forms and data 12.1 Report (see Annex A2 for Report Format) the tarnish
dictionary are available on the ASTM Test Monitoring Center rating of the copper specimen (as determined in 10.3) based on
Web Page at [Link] or can be obtained the highest rating (most corrosion) if the rating is different for
in hardcopy format from the TMC. either side.
[Link] Transmit reference test data to the TMC by elec- 12.2 Report the concentrations of copper and lead in the
tronic means or by telephone facsimile immediately upon new oil (C1 in 10.5) and stressed oil (C2 in 10.5), and the
completion of the test analysis. Include all of the reporting respective changes in metal concentrations (D C in 10.5).
forms in the transmission.
13. Precision and Bias
NOTE 3—Specific protocols for the electronic transmission of test data
to the TMC are available from the TMC. 13.1 Test Precision—Reference Oils:
13.1.1 Intermediate Precision Conditions —Conditions
11.1.5 Evaluation of Reference Test Oil Results—Upon
where test results are obtained with the same test method using
receipt of the transmitted TMC reference oil test results, the
the same test oil, with changing conditions such as operators,
TMC will review the test for operational adherence to the
measuring equipment, test stands, test engines, and time.
published test method. If the test is found to be operationally
valid, the reference oil results will be evaluated using accep- NOTE 4—Intermediate precision is the appropriate term for this method
tance criteria established by the governing surveillance panel. rather than repeatability which defines more rigorous within-laboratory
conditions.
The reference oil acceptance criteria are subject to change at
the discretion of the surveillance panel. [Link] Intermediate Precision Limit (i.p.)—The difference
[Link] If the transmitted test is found to be both opera- between two results obtained under intermediate precision
tionally valid and statistically acceptable, the testing laboratory conditions that would, in the long run, in the normal and
will be notified of the acceptable status of the reference test. correct conduct of the test method, exceed the values shown in
The uncoded TMC reference oil identification will also be Table 1 in only one case in twenty. When only a single test
disclosed to the testing laboratory. result is available, the Intermediate Precision Limit can be used
[Link] In the event that a TMC reference oil test is found to calculate a range (test result 6 Intermediate Precision Limit)
to be unacceptable, an explanation of the problem relating to outside of which a second test result would be expected to fall
the failure will be provided to the testing laboratory. If there is about one time in twenty.
an obvious operational reason for the failed test, the problem
shall be corrected before requesting another TMC reference oil TABLE 1 Reference Oil StatisticsA
assignment. If the reason for the failure is not obvious, all Test Result Intermediate Reproducibility
test-related equipment shall be re-checked for compliance to Precision
the test method and good laboratory practice. Following this Si.p. i.p. SR R
D Copper, ppmB 0.318 0.890 0.349 0.977
re-check, the TMC will assign another TMC reference oil for D Lead, ppm 15.54 43.51 17.16 48.05
testing. Legend:
11.1.6 Status of Non-reference Oil Tests Relative to TMC Si.p. = intermediate precision standard deviation
i.p. = intermediate precision limitC
Reference Oil Tests—The batch of non-reference tests is SR = reproducibility standard deviation
considered valid only if the results of the TMC reference oil R = reproducibility limitC
test meet the predetermined acceptance specifications for the A
These statistics are based on results obtained on Test Monitoring Center
particular reference oil tested. Reference Oils 42 and 1005.
B
This parameter is transformed using a natural log. When comparing two test
11.2 Donated Reference Oil Test Programs—The surveil- results on this parameter, first apply this transformation to each test result.
lance panel is charged with maintaining effective reference oil Compare the absolute difference between the transformed results with the
appropriate (intermediate or reproducibility) precision limit.
test severity and precision monitoring. During times of new C
This value is obtained by multiplying the standard deviation by 2.8.
parts introductions, new or re-blended reference oil additions,

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 D6594 − 08
13.1.2 Reproducibility Conditions —Conditions where test result 6 Reproducibility Limit) outside of which a second test
results are obtained with the same test method using the same result would be expected to fall about one time in twenty.
test oil in different laboratories with different operators using 13.1.3 The test precision, as of Jan. 1, 2005, is shown in
different equipment. Table 1.
[Link] Reproducibility Limit (R)—The difference between
results obtained under reproducibility conditions that would, in 13.2 Bias is unknown at this time, but will be determined as
the long run, in the normal and correct conduct of the test more data are collected.
method, exceed the values in Table 1 in only one case in
twenty. When only a single test result is available, the 14. Keywords
Reproducibility Limit can be used to calculate a range (test 14.1 corrosion; diesel engine; lubricant

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. THE ROLE OF THE ASTM TEST MONITORING CENTER AND THE CALIBRATION PROGRAM

A1.1 Nature and Functions of the ASTM Test Monitoring the test method. It is also the laboratories’ responsibility to
Center (TMC)—The TMC2 is a non-profit organization located keep an on-site reference oil inventory at or above the
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA). The TMC is staffed to minimum level specified by the TMC test representative.
administer technical studies, conduct laboratory visits, perform
statistical analyses of reference oil test data, blend, store and A1.6 New Laboratories —Laboratories wishing to partici-
ship reference oils, and provide associated administrative pate in the ASTM Test Monitoring System will be requested to
functions to maintain the referencing calibration program for conduct reference oil tests to ensure that the laboratory is using
various lubricant tests as directed by Subcommittee D02.B0 the proper testing techniques. Information concerning fees,
and the Test Monitoring Board. The TMC coordinates its laboratory inspections, reagents, testing practices, appropriate
activities with the test sponsors, the test developers, the committee membership, and rater training can be obtained by
surveillance panels, and the testing laboratories through a contacting the TMC Administrator.2
consensus process. A1.7 Introducing New Reference Oils—The calibrating ref-
A1.2 Rules of Operation of the TMC—The TMC operates in erence oils produce various corrosion characteristics. When
accordance with the ASTM Charter, the ASTM Bylaws, the new reference oils are selected, member laboratories will be
Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, the requested to run their share of the tests needed to enable the
Bylaws Governing ASTM Committee D02, and the Rules and TMC to recommend proper industry performance and preci-
Regulations Governing the ASTM Test Monitoring System. sion targets and performance acceptance limits. These donated
tests will be run as required by the ASTM D02.B02 Corrosive-
A1.3 Management of the TMC—The management of the ness of Diesel Lubricants Surveillance Panel to establish these
Test Monitoring System is vested in the Test Monitoring Board targets and acceptance limits for new oils.
(TMB) elected by Subcommittee D02.B0. The TMB selects the
TMC Administrator who is responsible for directing the A1.8 TMC Information Letters:
activities of the TMC staff. A1.8.1 Occasionally it may become necessary to change the
test method, and notify the test laboratories of the change, prior
A1.4 Operating Income of the TMC—The TMC’s Operat- to consideration of the change by either Subcommittee D02.B0
ing income is obtained from fees levied on the reference oils on Automotive Lubricants, or Committee D02 on Petroleum
supplied, and on the calibration tests conducted. Fee schedules Products and Lubricants. In such a case, the TMC will issue an
are established and reviewed by Subcommittee D02.B0. Information Letter. Subsequently, prior to each semiannual
A1.5 Conducting a Reference Oil Test—For those laborato- Committee D02 meeting, the accumulated Information Letters
ries choosing to utilize the services of the TMC in maintaining are balloted by Subcommittee D02.B0. Following this action,
the calibration of test methods and apparatus, calibration the approved Information Letters are used to revise the affected
testing is conducted at regular intervals as determined by the standards, and these are balloted in the main committee, and
Diesel Lubricants Surveillance Panel. These tests are con- finally, the Society. By this means, the Society due process
ducted using coded reference oils supplied by the TMC as procedures are applied to these Information Letters.
outlined in 11.1 of this test method. It is the laboratories’ A1.8.2 The review of an Information Letter prior to its
responsibility to maintain the calibration in accordance with original issue will differ according to its nature. In the case of

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 D6594 − 08
an Information Letter concerning a part number change, which disclaimer to the effect that such has not obtained ASTM
does not affect test results, the TMC is authorized to issue such consensus. These Information Letters should be moved to such
a letter. Long-term studies by the Surveillance Panel to consensus as rapidly as possible.”
improve test procedures through improved operation and
hardware control may result in a recommendation to issue an A1.9 TMC Memoranda —In addition to the Information
Information Letter. If obvious procedural items affecting test Letters discussed under A1.8, supplementary memoranda may
results need immediate attention, the test sponsor and the TMC be issued by the TMC. These memoranda are developed by the
will issue an Information Letter and present the background TMC, often under the guidance of the surveillance panel, and
and data to the Surveillance Panel for approval prior to the distributed to the Corrosiveness of Diesel Lubricants Surveil-
semiannual Subcommittee D02.B0 meeting. lance Panel, and to participating laboratories. The memoranda
A1.8.3 The ASTM Committee on Technical Committee convey such information as approval for test parts or materials,
Operations (COTCO) in 1984 gave authority for the issuance clarification of the test procedure, notes and suggestions of the
of Information Letters, as follows: “COTCO recognizes that collection and analysis of special data that the TMC may
D02 has a unique and complex situation. The use of Informa- request, or for any other pertinent matters having no direct
tion Letters is approved providing each letter contains a affect on test performance, results, precision and bias.

A2. REPORT FORMAT AND DATA DICTIONARY

A2.1 The required report forms and data dictionary are

available on the ASTM Test Monitoring Center web page at
[Link] or can be obtained in hardcopy
format from the TMC.
Final Report Cover Sheets
Summary of Test Results
Comments
Data Dictionary

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in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
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