Management Board

Unconfirmed Minutes from the last Management Board meeting, held on 11th March 2009, are now available to CEC Group members on the CEC Web Site.

Transmissions Groups

These are generally small Groups that only collect data for statistical analysis once every year.  
Most Groups are actively participating in the Test Monitoring system so Progress Reports will now only be provided each Spring for these Groups.  More participation is needed from members to take on officer positions in the Groups.  New Chairmen are urgently required for SG-T-011 and SG-T-091.

SG-L-093 – DV4

The current EURO IV DV4 engine will be available until mid/late 2011 and the new EURO V engine specification is likely to be different.  
The Industry Associations will meet to advise if a replacement test needs to be developed.  If yes, a template and Terms of Reference will be agreed in Industry and then proposed to CEC so that a new TDG can be formed with a lead laboratory and sponsors in the usual way.

SG-F-098 – DW10

This test is still attracting new members.
The Group is increasing in size and all the companies, except one, that have purchased a licence to use the Test from CEC are participating in the Group.  Funds from the sales of these licences can be used by the Group to further improve the test, or they will be returned to the original sponsors in equal parts.

SG-L-101 – OM501 LA Bore Polishing and Piston Cleanliness Test

The Group has met to discuss the statistical analysis available.
Further issues have recently been raised, which need to be addressed before the test can be finally approved and accepted by the CEC Board.

TDG-L-100 – Turbo Deposits Test

The Group recently met.  Further clarification is being sought from the OEM that provided some test data.
The request has been put out to all OEMs to provide any data they have from the recent past that relates to turbo charger deposits and/or power loss problems.  
This development started as a Heavy Duty test proposal, with some interest from the Passenger Car Industry. Apparently the need for the test may have been changed in light of developments made by the engine builders.
ACEA has been asked to clarify if this test is still required for Heavy Duty as well as for PCMO /light duty. If needed, then ACEA will advise if the test rig needs to be calibrated with a HDDO for HD oil evaluations, as well as with a PCMO for passenger car/light duty operations, in light of the different chemistries used for these lubricants.

New ‘Effects of Biodiesel’ Lubricant Test using OM646

Various issues are being discussed around the choice of the type of biodiesel to be used for the test, as well as FAME dilution levels, sump injection and the availability of calibration fluids of known performance prior to the start of the test development. 
It was suggested that this test could involve a lengthy development time and may be out of date before development is completed.  ACEA confirmed their wish for this test to be developed with two of their member companies requesting it, but undertook to review and respond to Industry concerns.
ATIEL has concerns about the proposed choice of fuel. CONCAWE has already provided information to assist in selecting test fuel representative for the EU. ATC currently opposes the test development but will review its position if their concerns can be addressed.
It was suggested that any new test should reflect the market and a B15 fuel might be more appropriate.
It is clear that the test as proposed cannot go ahead.  The Board have referred it back to the AAA Industry Group with a request that they understand the degree and nature of the problems highlighted and if the need remains and examples of problems can be addressed, the Template and Terms of Reference could be revised and re-submitted to the CEC.

New Sludge Test to Replace CEC L-53-95 (M111)

ACEA advised that it has no proposal for a replacement sludge test.  
An indication of interest by one ACEA member has now been withdrawn.  Discussion continues within ACEA to find a solution.

CEC Guidelines

A number of changes to the CEC Guidelines were proposed and agreed for the purpose of providing both clarity and more flexibility for Working Groups. Please take a look at these changes in Guideline 4, 5, 6, 11 and Proforma 2 which will be published soon.
In addition a proposal for an improved version of the Progress Report is under review.  This is aimed at providing better information for the reader, as well as being easier to complete by the Working Group Chairman.

CEC Web Site

The CEC Web Site is getting a facelift.  Expect the new look Web Site, with improved user facilities soon!

CEC Help Desk

Support is available from Lyn, Barry and Monique.  See the CEC Web Site for details:  www.cectests.org