Petroleum Quality Institute of America

The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) is an independent resource for information and insights on the quality and performance of lubricants in the marketplace.  Our mission is to serve the consumer of lubricants by reporting on the quality and integrity of lubricants in the marketplace.

 

 

 

 

 

PETROLEUM QUALITY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA TEST PROGRAM

The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) is an independent resource for information and insights on the quality of lubricants in the marketplace. Our mission is to serve the consumer of lubricants by randomly sampling and independently testing lubricants taken from the field. Test results are posted along with the brand names on the PQIA website. Although laboratory tests alone cannot be used to establish if engine oil meets an API Service Category, they can be used to determine if it doesn't.

 

 Evolve API SN/ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-30 motor oil.



Evolve 5W-30 API SN/GF-5 with Re-refined base oil
Manufactured by:
DA Lubricants, Lebanon, IN
Purchased at:  Lagrange, IN

Date of purchase:
2-6-2014

The sample tested does not meet the NOACK Volatility requirements of an API SN ILSAC GF-5, 5W-30 Motor Oil. The initial test result of 15.5% NOACK volatility, and the recheck at 15.8, however, fall within the API acceptable "Expanded Range" of 16.62% maximum for an API SN ILSAC GF-5.
PHYSICAL TESTS Standard EVOLVE 
 TBN, mg KOH/g, (ASTM D2896)   7.31
 Viscosity @ 100ºC, cSt, (ASTM D445)  9.3 to 12.5 9.62
 Viscosity @ 40ºC, cSt, ASTM D445   56.8
 Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270)   154
 Viscosity @ -30ºC mPa s (cP) (ASTM D5293) 6,600 Max 6,335
  Volatility, mass % loss, 1 hr, @ 250ºC (ASTM D5800) 15 Max -c 15.5/ (recheck 15.8)
ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS-b      
Additives
    Calcium   1,886
    Magnesium   6
    Phosphorus,  ppm 600 to 800 638
    Zinc, ppm   724
    Molybdenum,  ppm   144
    Barium, ppm   <1
 
    Boron, ppm   91
    Silicon,  ppm-d   4
    Potassium, ppm   <5
    Manganese, ppm   <1
    Titanium, ppm   <1
    Copper, ppm   <1
    Sodium, ppm   <5
    Vanadium, ppm   <1
Contaminants
    Silver, ppm   <1
    Aluminum, ppm   2
    Chromium, ppm   <1
    Iron, ppm   <1
    Nickel, ppm   <1
    Lead, ppm   <1
    Antimony, ppm   <1
    Tin, ppm   <1

a- Standards, shown in yellow are established by API, SAE and others.

b-Test Method for metal analysis is ASTM ASTM D5185.

c - This specification is expressed to two significant figures, therefore results up to 15.5 are considered on specification.

 

 

 
 API SN, ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-30

The American Petroleum Institute sets forth a number of laboratory and engine tests required to meet their performance specification. Although laboratory tests alone cannot be used to establish if an engine oil meets API specifications they can be used to determine if it doesn't.

The viscometrics, Noack volatility, and phosphorus meet the required targets for a SAE 5W-30, API SN, ILSAC GF-5.

 
 
   
FRONT AND BACK LABELS FROM PRODUCT TESTED