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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Lucas Synthetic SAE 5W-30 API SM

Lucas Oil Products, Corana, CA

 

Purchased in: AUS Auto Parts, Phoenix, AZ

Date of purchase: 12-3-2011

 

 

 

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

 SAE 5W-30 Engine oil.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PETROLEUM QUALITY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

TEST PROGRAM
The ranges and averages shown in the table below are for current specifications (API SN GF-5)
PHYSICAL TESTS Standard/ranges-b Average-e   Lucas
 TBN, mg KOH/g, (ASTM D2896) 6.1 to 8.3 7.2 7.2
 Viscosity @ 100ºC, cSt, (ASTM D445) 9.3 to 12.5 10.5 11.6
 Viscosity @ 40ºC, cSt, ASTM D445 55.8 to 65.2 61.88 65.3
 Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270) 156 to 169 160 174
 Viscosity @ -30ºC mPa s (cP) (ASTM D5293) 6,600 Max 5,775 4,281
 Volatility, mass % loss, 1 hr, @ 250ºC (ASTM D5800) 15 Max 14.2 13.8
ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS-c      
Additives
    Nitrogen μg/g (ASTM D-5762) 599 to 990 804.2 631.3
    Calcium  1,570 to 2,460 2,051 1,837
    Magnesium, ppm  6 to 46 12.3 8
    Phosphorus,  ppm 600 to 800 703 800
    Zinc, ppm  766 to 868 791 877
    Molybdenum,  ppm  <1 to 269 60 <1
    Barium, ppm  <1 <1 <1
 
    Boron,  ppm  <1 to 237 79 1
    Silicon,  ppm-d  3 to 9 5 7
    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 2,428
    Copper, ppm  <1  <1 <1
    Sodium, ppm  5 to 454 172 513
    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.

 

  
Lucas Synthetic 5W-30
The American Petroleum Institute sets forth a number of laboratory and engine tests required to meet an API SM  performance specification. Although laboratory tests alone cannot be used to establish if an engine oil meets API SM, they can be used to determine if it doesn't.

The following is a comparison of the test results for the sample of Lucas tested with the API SN requirements.

 
Viscometrics

The viscometrics meet the required targets for a 5W-30.

Viscosity @ 100șC, cSt, (ASTM D445)
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  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 SM ILSAC GF-4 designation.
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  The phosphorus content meets the requirements
for an API SM ILSAC GF-4 designation.
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Click here for more on chart and Volatilty    Click here for more on chart and phosphorus
 

  
FRONT AND BACK LABELS FROM PRODUCT TESTED
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