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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Valero Motor Oil SAE 10W-30 API SN ILSAC GF-5

Manufactured for Valero, One Valero Way, San Antonio, TX

 

 

Purchased in: Valero, S. Shreveport, LA

Date of purchase: 4-12-2012

 

 

 

 

The results of the tests conducted on this sample meet the requirements of an API SN, ILSAC GF-5, SAE 10W-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)		 Valero
PHYSICAL TESTS Standard/ranges-b Average-e
 TBN, mg KOH/g, (ASTM D2896) 6.1 to 8.3 7.2 6.5
 Viscosity @ 100ºC, cSt, (ASTM D445) 9.3 to 12.5 10.5 10.7
 Viscosity @ 40ºC, cSt, ASTM D445 55.8 to 65.2 61.88 70.9
 Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270) 156 to 169 160 139
 Viscosity @ -25ºC mPa s (cP) (ASTM D5293) 7,000 Max 5,775 5,774
 Volatility, mass % loss, 1 hr, @ 250ºC (ASTM D5800) 15 Max 14.2 13.2
ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS-c      
Additives
    Nitrogen μg/g (ASTM D-5762) 599 to 990 804.2 636.7
    Calcium  1,570 to 2,460 2,051 1,557
    Magnesium, ppm  6 to 46 12.3 6
    Phosphorus,  ppm 600 to 800 703 685
    Zinc, ppm  766 to 868 791 816
    Molybdenum,  ppm  <1 to 269 60 <1
    Barium, ppm  <1 <1 <1
 
    Boron,  ppm  <1 to 237 79 4
    Silicon,  ppm-d  3 to 9 5 4
    Potassium, ppm 9 to 17 11 6
    Manganese, ppm  <1 <1 <1
    Titanium, ppm  <1 to 114 11 <1
    Sulfur, ppm  5,000 max 2,785 2,295
    Copper, ppm  <1  <1 <1
    Sodium, ppm  5 to 454 172 456
    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.

 

  
Valero SAE 10W-30 API Service SN, ILSAC GF-5
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 Valero 10W-30 tested with the API SN ILSAC GF-5 requirements.

 
Viscometrics

The viscometrics meet the required targets for a 10W-30.

Viscosity @ 100șC, cSt, (ASTM D445)
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  Viscosity @ -25șC 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.
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  The phosphorus content meets the requirements
for an API SN ILSAC GF-5 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