ASTM D381-04

The true significance of this test method for determining gum in motor gasoline is not firmly established. It has been proved that high gum can cause induction-system deposits and sticking of intake valves, and in most instances, it can be assumed that low gum will ensure absence of induction-system difficulties. The user should, however, realize that the test method is not of itself correlative to induction-system deposits. The primary purpose of the test method, as applied to motor gasoline, is the measurement of the oxidation products formed in the sample prior to or during the comparatively mild conditions of the test procedure. Since many motor gasolines are purposely blended with nonvolatile oils or additives, the heptane extraction step is necessary to remove these from the evaporation residue so that the deleterious material, gum, may be determined. With respect to aviation turbine fuels, large quantities of gum are indicative of contamination of fuel by higher boiling oils or particulate matter and generally reflect poor handling practices in distribution downstream of the refinery.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the existent gum content of aviation fuels, and the gum content of motor gasolines or other volatile distillates in their finished form, (including those containing alcohol and ether type oxygenates and deposit control additives) at the time of test.

1.2 Provisions are made for the determination of the heptane insoluble portion of the residue of non-aviation fuels.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The accepted SI unit of pressure is the Pascal (Pa); the accepted SI unit for temperature is degrees Celsius.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements, see 6.4, 7.4, and 9.1.