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 the marketplace.

 

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Tri Star Motor Oil, 10W30 API "SC/CC"

Packaged by S.S.I, P.O. Box 530, Roseland, LA 70456

  

Purchased at: Sturgis Petroleum,Sturgis, MI

Date of purchase: 7-13-2011

 

Advisory: The label on this product states it is a "10W-30" motor oil.  Test results show this product is not a SAE 10W-30. The viscosity at -25ºC mPa s (cP) (ASTM D5293) , is more than twice the maximum allowed for a 10W. This could cause issues in starting an engine in cold temperatures.

 

It should also be noted the combination of higher than typical levels of sodium, potassium, and boron found in this sample are unusual and concerning as they can be indicative of contamination with coolant.

 

NOTE: PQIA issued the above Advisory on Tri Star brand motor oil packaged by Smitty's Supply Inc. (SSI) due to several  issues. SSI contacted PQIA in November 2011 and advised they have discontinued this formulation and are now making and marketing an API licensed SN formulation under the Tri Star brand. PQIA is pleased SSI have taken this action to improve the quality of their product.

 

 

PETROLEUM QUALITY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

TEST PROGRAM
PHYSICAL TESTS Standard/ranges-b Average-e

Tri Star Motor Oil
 TBN, mg KOH/g, (ASTM D2896)   7.3 5.8
 Viscosity @ 100ºC, cSt, (ASTM D445) 9.3 to <12.5 10.86 11.76
 Viscosity @ 40ºC, cSt, ASTM D445   69.93 90.05
 Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270) 156 to 167 146 122
 Viscosity @ -25ºC mPa s (cP) (ASTM D5293) 7,000 Max 5,093 15,900
 Volatility, mass % loss, 1 hr, @ 250ºC (ASTM D5800)   11.6 N/A
ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS-c      
Additives
    Nitrogen μg/g (ASTM D-5762)   837 770
    Calcium   1,920 1,241
    Magnesium, ppm   10 38
    Phosphorus,  ppm   775 678
    Zinc, ppm   853 568
    Molybdenum,  ppm   16 41
    Barium, ppm   <1 0
Additive and/or other
    Boron,  ppm   107 185
    Silicon,  ppm-d   3 5
    Potassium, ppm   <1 159
    Manganese, ppm   <1 0
    Titanium, ppm <1 0
    Sulfur, ppm   3,227 4,671
    Copper, ppm   <1 0
    Sodium, ppm   143 38
    Vanadium, ppm   <1 0
Contaminants
    Silver, ppm   <1 0
    Aluminum, ppm   <1 1
    Chromium, ppm   <1 0
    Iron, ppm   <1 1
    Nickel, ppm   <1 0
    Lead, ppm   <1 0
    Antimony, ppm   <1 0
    Tin, ppm   4 0

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 ranges for the majors 10W-30.

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 3 private label API SM  brands tested. Click here for brands tested.
     
Tri Star
   
Viscometrics
The viscometrics of Tri Star 10W-30 does not meet the required targets for a 10W-30 (SAE J300 specification).
 

 

   
   
FRONT AND BACK LABELS FROM PRODUCT TESTED

 

 

 

 
 

 

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