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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 Cenex AUTO GOLD 5W-30, API SN, ILSAC GF-5

Distributed by CHS Inc., St. Paul, MN

 

Purchased in: Middleton Coop, Middleton, WI

Date of purchase: 9/15/2012

 

The results of the tests conducted on this sample meet the requirements of an API SN, ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-30 engine oil.

 

PETROLEUM QUALITY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

TEST PROGRAM

 

 
  AUTO GOLD
PHYSICAL TESTS Standard/ranges-b Average-e
 TBN, mg KOH/g, (ASTM D2896) 6.1 to 8.3 7.2 8.1
 Viscosity @ 100ºC, cSt, (ASTM D445) 9.3 to 12.5 10.5 10.3
 Viscosity @ 40ºC, cSt, ASTM D445 55.8 to 65.2 61.88 60.7
 Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270) 156 to 169 160 159
 Viscosity @ -30ºC mPa s (cP) (ASTM D5293) 6,600 Max 5,775 6,156
 Volatility, mass % loss, 1 hr, @ 250ºC (ASTM D5800) 15 Max 14.2 14.7
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 2,328
    Magnesium, ppm 6 to 46 12.3 15
    Phosphorus,  ppm 600 to 800 703 702
    Zinc, ppm 766 to 868 791 831
    Molybdenum,  ppm <1 to 269 60 41
    Barium, ppm <1 <1 <1
 
    Boron,  ppm <1 to 237 79 3
    Silicon,  ppm-d 3 to 9 5 3
    Potassium, ppm 9 to 17 11 <5
    Manganese, ppm <1 <1 <1
    Titanium, ppm <1 to 114 11 <1
    Sulfur, ppm 5,000 Max 2,785 n/r
    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.

 

  
Cenex AUTO GOLD 5W-30, API SN

The American Petroleum Institute sets forth a number of laboratory and engine tests required to meet their performance specification. Although laboratory tests alone cannot be used to establish if an engine oil meets API specifications they can be used to determine if it doesn't.

 

  
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 more on 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
 

NOTE: There was an error in the original front label displayed on this page. Whereas the front label originally shown was from a 5W-20, the sample tested was a 5W-30. The correct front label is now displayed below.