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.

 

 Orbit 5W30 motor oil.
CLICK FOR LARGER IMAGE   Orbit 10-40 Motor Oil   

Manufactured by: Orbit Oil, Gary Indiana

 

Purchased at:  South Bend, Indiana

Date of purchase: 2/6/2014

 

Consumer Alert: The label on this product says "10-40", implying that the oil is a 10W-40 motor oil.  In fact, the viscosity for this product is 69% below the minimum requirements for a 10W-40 oil.  In addition, the test results for this product show that the oil lacks the critical additives necessary to protect engines from wear, sludge, rust, and corrosion, and contains high levels of potentially abrasive silicon.  Use of this oil will cause damage to automotive engines.

 
PHYSICAL TESTS Standard Orbit 10-40 Test Results
 TBN, mg KOH/g, (ASTM D2896)   0.54
 Viscosity @ 100ºC, cSt, (ASTM D445) 12.5 to <16.3 3.9
 Viscosity @ 40ºC, cSt, ASTM D445   19.2
 Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270)   92
 Viscosity @ -25ºC mPa s (cP) (ASTM D5293) 6,600 Max 1,439
  Volatility, mass % loss, 1 hr, @ 250ºC (ASTM D5800) 15 Max n/r
ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS-b      
 
    Calcium   4
    Magnesium   <1
    Phosphorus,  ppm 600 to 800 37
    Zinc, ppm   5
    Molybdenum,  ppm   <1
    Barium, ppm   <1
 
    Boron, ppm   <1
    Silicon,  ppm-d   40
    Potassium, ppm   1
    Manganese, ppm   <1
    Titanium, ppm   <1
    Copper, ppm   <1
    Sodium, ppm   <1
    Vanadium, ppm   <1
Contaminants
    Silver, ppm   <1
    Aluminum, ppm   <1
    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.

 

 

  
   
FRONT AND BACK LABELS FROM PRODUCT TESTED