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 themarketplace.

 

Supporters

 

 

 
 

U.S. Economy Motor Oil 5-30

GMD Inc., Chicago, IL

 

Purchased in: Sunny's Foodmart, Jacksonville, FL

Date of purchase: 11/27/2011

 

Consumer Alert:  U.S. Economy Motor Oil 5-30 states on the front label in large print "5-30", which may mislead an average consumer to believe that the oil meets the "SAE 5W-30" viscosity grade.  PQIA's test results show this oil is not a 5W-30, but rather is a 10W-30 or 15W-30 oil.  The labels go on to state "5-30 means the viscosity range from 5 to 30" but does not define the units, and at the bottom of the back label says "This is not a 5W-30 oil."  Therefore the labels give the consumer no clue as to the actual viscosity or viscosity grade of this oil, other than it is not a 5W-30.

The back label states "Always consult your owner's manual for proper service requirement," but does not say what service requirement or viscosity grade this oil meets.  While the labels state "For older cars" and "for top off only," many consumers may not understand these vague and undefined terms.  In addition, the analysis of this oil shows unusually high levels of silicon, potassium, and iron which may indicate contamination with anti-freeze or used oil.

 

 

PETROLEUM QUALITY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

TEST PROGRAM

 

 

Test Results
The ranges and averages shown in the table below are for
current specifications (API SN GF-5).  Comparison of sample tested is shown at right.
PHYSICAL TESTS Standard/ranges-b Average-e
 TBN, mg KOH/g, (ASTM D2896) 6.1 to 8.3 7.2 n/r
 Viscosity @ 100ºC, cSt, (ASTM D445) 9.3 to 12.5 10.5 9.7
 Viscosity @ 40ºC, cSt, ASTM D445 55.8 to 65.2 61.88 65.2
 Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270) 156 to 169 160 131
 Viscosity @ -30ºC mPa s (cP) (ASTM D5293) 6,600 Max 5,775 18,586
 Volatility, mass % loss, 1 hr, @ 250ºC (ASTM D5800) 15 Max 14.2 n/r
ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS-c      
Additives
    Nitrogen μg/g (ASTM D-5762) 599 to 990 804.2 n/r
    Calcium  1,570 to 2,460 2,051 884
    Magnesium, ppm  6 to 46 12.3 64
    Phosphorus,  ppm 600 to 800 703 650
    Zinc, ppm  766 to 868 791 512
    Molybdenum,  ppm  <1 to 269 60 37
    Barium, ppm  <1 <1 <1
 
    Boron,  ppm  <1 to 237 79 85
    Silicon,  ppm-d  3 to 9 5 16
    Potassium, ppm 9 to 17 11 39
    Manganese, ppm  <1 <1 <1
    Titanium, ppm  <1 to 114 11 2
    Sulfur, ppm  5,000 max 2,785 3,276
    Copper, ppm  <1  <1 <1
    Sodium, ppm  5 to 454 172 19
    Vanadium, ppm  <1 <1 <1
Contaminants
    Silver, ppm  <1 <1 <1
    Aluminum, ppm  <1 to 3 1 4
    Chromium, ppm  <1 <1 <1
    Iron, ppm  <1 to 1 1 19
    Nickel, ppm  <1 <1 <1
    Lead, ppm  <1 <1 <1
    Antimony, ppm  <1 <1 <1
    Tin, ppm  <1 <1 <1

a- Click here for product label.

b- Standards, shown in yellow are established by API, SAE and others. Ranges, shown in teal, represent the high and low data for the 13 major brands of API SN ILSAC GF-5 tested in September 2011.

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

d- Although silicon is used as an antifoam additive in lubricants, concentrations above 7ppm have been linked to contamination from abrasive material,

e- Average of the 13 major brands of API SN ILSAC GF-5 tested in September 2011.

 

  
U.S. Economy Motor Oil 5-30
The American Petroleum Institute sets forth a number of laboratory and engine tests required to meet an API SN ILSAC GF-5  performance specification. Although laboratory tests alone cannot be used to establish if an engine oil meets API SN, they can be used to determine if it doesn't.

The following is a comparison of the test results for the sample of U.S. Economy 5-30 tested with the API SN ILSAC GF-5 requirements.

 
Viscometrics

The viscometrics do not meet the required targets for a 5W-30.

Viscosity @ 100șC, cSt, (ASTM D445)
This text is replaced by the Flash movie.
  Viscosity @ -30șC mPa s (cP) (ASTM D5293)
This text is replaced by the Flash movie.

Click here for more on chart and Viscosity@100șC,cSt                Click here for about chart and Viscosity @ -30șC

 
   
Volatility Phosphorus
The volatility meets the requirements for an API SN ILSAC GF-5 designation.
This text is replaced by the Flash movie.


  The phosphorus content meets the requirements
for an API SN ILSAC GF-5 designation.
This text is replaced by the Flash movie.
Click here for more on chart and Volatilty Click here for more on chart and phosphorus
 

  
FRONT AND BACK LABELS FROM PRODUCT TESTED