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.

 

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Wolf's Head Super-Duty Semi-Synthetic 5W-20 API SN/CF, ILSAC GF-5 DPF Approved

Wolf's Head Oil Company, Tampa Florida

 

Purchased in: Shell, Newburgh, NY

Date of purchase: 3-1-2012

 























 

 

 

The results of the tests conducted on this sample meet the requirements of an API SN and

ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-20 Engine oil.

Advisory: The back label on this product states "Recommended for all Gasoline/Diesel Engines latest warranty requirements of manufacturers around the world, including U.S., Japanese, Korean, and European manufacturers specifying API Service: SN, SM/CF ILSAC GF-5".   

While API SN and ILSAC GF-5 satisfy the latest warranty requirements for most gasoline engines in the US, they do not satisfy the latest warranty requirements for most engines built in Europe and the latest diesel engines built by manufacturers around the world. PQIA is not aware of any diesel engine manufacturer that calls for an SAE 5W-20 API SN/CF, DPF approved engine oil. In addition, a 5W-20 viscosity could potentially cause damage to modern heavy duty diesel engines.  Furthermore, the label fails to give adequate notice that API Service CF is an outdated and obsolete category and is not suitable for the latest warranty requirements for diesel engines.

In addition, whereas the front label states "DPF Approved," and the back label states "Approved for diesel particulate filter (DPF)," it should be noted that there are no industry standards for such approvals.

 

 

 

PETROLEUM QUALITY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

TEST PROGRAM 

 

Wolf's Head
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 6.9
 Viscosity @ 100ºC, cSt, (ASTM D445) 5.6 to 9.3   8.66
 Viscosity @ 40ºC, cSt, ASTM D445     50.79
 Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270)     149
 Viscosity @ -30ºC mPa s (cP) (ASTM D5293) 6,600 Max   6,051
 Volatility, mass % loss, 1 hr, @ 250ºC (ASTM D5800) 15 Max 14.2 14.2
ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS-c      
Additives
    Nitrogen μg/g (ASTM D-5762) 599 to 990 804.2 780.7
    Calcium  1,570 to 2,460 2,051 1,862
    Magnesium, ppm  6 to 46 12.3 8
    Phosphorus,  ppm 600 to 800 703 623
    Zinc, ppm  766 to 868 791 728
    Molybdenum,  ppm  <1 to 269 60 67
    Barium, ppm  <1 <1 <1
 
    Boron,  ppm  <1 to 237 79 210
    Silicon,  ppm-d  3 to 9 5 4
    Potassium, ppm 9 to 17 11 7
    Manganese, ppm  <1 <1 <1
    Titanium, ppm  <1 to 114 11 <1
    Sulfur, ppm  5,000 max 2,785 2,617
    Copper, ppm  <1  <1 <1
    Sodium, ppm  5 to 454 172 <5
    Vanadium, ppm  <1 <1 <1
Contaminants
    Silver, ppm  <1 <1 <1
    Aluminum, ppm  <1 to 3 1 1
    Chromium, ppm  <1 <1 <1
    Iron, ppm  <1 to 1 1 <1
    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.

 

  
Wolf's Head 5W-20
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 Wolf's Head tested with the API SN ILSAC GF-5 requirements.

 
Viscometrics

The viscometrics meet the required targets for a 5W-20.

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