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.

 

 

 

 

 
 

Spectrol 10W-40 API SM, SL, SJ

Delfin, North Charleston, SC

 

Purchased in: Deals, Rahway, NJ

Date of purchase: 9-27-2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All tests conducted on this sample meet the specifications for API SM and ILSAC GF-4 10W-40 Engine oil.

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

The Standard below are for the latest specification (API SN GF-5), and the Ranges and Averages are based on the 13 major brands of API SN ILSAC GF-5 tested in September 2011. Click here for more on API Service Categories. 

 

PETROLEUM QUALITY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

TEST PROGRAM
PHYSICAL TESTS Standard/ranges-b Average-e Spectrol
 TBN, mg KOH/g, (ASTM D2896) 6.1 to 8.3 7.2 7.9 
 Viscosity @ 100ºC, cSt, (ASTM D445) 12.5 to 16.3 n/a 15.59 
 Viscosity @ 40ºC, cSt, ASTM D445   n/a   107.0
 Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270)   n/a   155
 Viscosity @ -25ºC mPa s (cP) (ASTM D5293) 7,000 Max n/a   5,759
 Volatility, mass % loss, 1 hr, @ 250ºC (ASTM D5800) 15 Max 14.2   10.7
`ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS-c      
Additives
    Nitrogen μg/g (ASTM D-5762) 599 to 990 804.2  889
    Calcium  1,570 to 2,460 2,051   2,167
    Magnesium, ppm  6 to 46 12.3   8
    Phosphorus,  ppm 600 to 800 703   718
    Zinc, ppm  766 to 868 791   785
    Molybdenum,  ppm  <1 to 269 60   42
    Barium, ppm  <1 <1 <1 
 
    Boron,  ppm  <1 to 237 79 242 
    Silicon,  ppm-d  3 to 9 5   5
    Potassium, ppm 9 to 17 11   11
    Manganese, ppm  <1 <1   <1
    Titanium, ppm  <1 to 114 11   <1
    Sulfur, ppm  5,000 max 2,785   4,205
    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 orange, 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.

 

  
Spectrol
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 Spectrol tested with the API SN ILSAC GF-5 requirements.

 
Viscometrics

The viscometrics of the sample of Spectrol tested meets the required targets for a 10W-40.

Viscosity @ 100șC, cSt, (ASTM D445)
This text is replaced by the Flash movie.
  Viscosity @ -25șC 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 @ -25șC

   
Volatility Phosphorus
The volatility meets the requirements for an API SM ILSAC GF-4 designation.
This text is replaced by the Flash movie.

  The phosphorus content meets the requirements
for an API SM ILSAC GF-4 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