Chevron Delo 400 SDE SAE 15W-40 Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil

Test Results and PQIA Assessment

Product: Chevron Delo 400 SDE Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil
Viscosity Grade: SAE 15W-40
Labeled: API CK-4/SN, CJ-4, CI-4 PLUS
Manufactured By: Chevron Products Company, San Ramon, CA

Purchased at: Edison, NJ
Date of purchase: 2/13/2020
Website(s): chevronlubricants.com

Company Information:
Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. Through its subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide, the company is involved in virtually every facet of the energy industry. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and lubricants; manufactures and sells petrochemicals and additives; generates power; and develops and deploys technologies that enhance business value in every aspect of the company’s operations. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information about Chevron and Havoline is available at www.chevron.com or www.havoline.com

Front Label
Back Label

Test Results and PQIA Assessment

Assessment Summary
The results of the tests conducted on this sample meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
Although the laboratory tests conducted on this sample cannot be used alone to establish if the product tested meets a given API Service Category, they can be used to determine if it does not. The test results and PQIA assessment relates ONLY to the sample tested and the tests conducted.

Physical Properties

Elemental Analysis

Labeling

Viscosity
Standard
Chevron Delo 400 SDE
Status
Viscosity 100°C cSt
12.5 to <16.3
14.7
Viscosity 40°C cSt
111
Viscosity Index
136
Cold Crank Viscosity at -20°C
7,000 Max
5,365

Viscosity is a critical measure that determines how thick or thin a lubricant is. Viscosity is measured by several methods to determine the behavior of motor oil during cold startups and while hot at operating temperatures. Motor oils must meet Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J-300 standards to conform to a specific viscosity grade. >>More

Viscosity Index measures the change in viscosity with temperature. Viscosity Index improver additives are used to optimize viscosity at different temperatures. >>More

Detergent Additives and Total Base Number (TBN)
Standard
Chevron Delo 400 SDE
Status
Calcium (ppm)
1,590
Magnesium (ppm)
722
Sodium (ppm)
13
Barium (ppm)
<1
TBN, mg KOH/g (ASTM D2896)
9.63

Detergent additives help to keep metal surfaces in an engine clean by controlling formation of deposits (i.e. sludge, varnishes). Such deposits can harm an engine by clogging oil passages that lubricate an engine, increase wear and reduce engine performance. A blend of calcium and magnesium-based detergents are most commonly used. A shift towards increased use of magnesium was required to address the needs of new gasoline direct injected (GDI) engines. >>More 

Detergent additives also help prevent corrosive wear by neutralizing acids formed as a by-product of combustion and other processes in an engine. Total Base Number (TBN) is a laboratory test that measures an oil’s ability to neutralize such acids. >>More

Antiwear Additives (parts per million)
Standard
Chevron Delo 400 SDE
Status
Phosphorus
1,200 Max -a
711
Zinc
807
Molybdenum
131
Titanium
<1
Boron
370

Antiwear (AW) additives help protect metal surfaces against impact friction and wear between moving parts in an engine. Such additives work by adhering to metal surfaces and forming a protective film between moving surfaces. The most widely used AW additive are chemistries containing phosphorus and zinc. Some lubricant manufacturers also employ the use of antiwear additives containing boron, molybdenum and titanium among others.

Antiwear additives are multifunctional in that they also act as corrosion inhibitors and, more significantly, antioxidants.

For more on AW additives and other functional and performance additives used in motor oil… >>More

Contaminants (parts per million)
Standard
Chevron Delo 400 SDE
Status
Silicon*
6
Silver
<1
Aluminum
5
Chromium
<1
Iron
1
Nickel
<1
Lead
<1
Antimony
<1
Tin
<1
Copper
<1
Cadmium
<1
Vanadium
<1
Potassium
<1
Manganese
<1
Lithium
<1

Although motor oil is subject to contamination from a number of metals related to wear, and abrasive material in the form of silicon when in use, new motor oil typically does not contain such metals at any appreciable levels. The presence of these metals (iron, aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin, sodium, potassium, etc.) in a new motor oil can indicate contamination from used oil, rust, abrasives, and others introduced to the product during blending, packaging, and/or transportation. Such contaminants can be harmful to an engine. Some can also be part of an additive, such as copper or sodium, but these are not often seen.

*Whereas silicon in the form of polydimethylpolysiloxane is commonly used as an antifoamant in motor oil, such use typically does not exceed 10ppm in new motor oil. Levels much above indicate possible contamination with abrasive material, silicone-based sealers, and/or transformer and hydraulic oil.

Note1: Standards are established by API, SAE and others.
Note2: Test Method for metal analysis is ASTM D5185.

  1. This specification is expressed to one significant figure, therefore results below 1,249 is considered on specification.

Viscosity is a critical measure that determines how thick or thin a lubricant is. Viscosity is measured by several methods to determine the behavior of motor oil during cold startups and while hot at operating temperatures. Motor oils must meet Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J-300 standards to conform to a specific viscosity grade. >>More

Viscosity Index measures the change in viscosity with temperature. Viscosity Index improver additives are used to optimize viscosity at different temperatures. >>More

Detergent additives help to keep metal surfaces in an engine clean by controlling formation of deposits (i.e. sludge, varnishes). Such deposits can harm an engine by clogging oil passages that lubricate an engine, increase wear and reduce engine performance. A blend of calcium and magnesium-based detergents are most commonly used. A shift towards increased use of magnesium was required to address the needs of new gasoline direct injected (GDI) engines.

Detergent additives also help prevent corrosive wear by neutralizing acids formed as a by-product of combustion and other processes in an engine. Total Base Number (TBN) is a laboratory test that measures an oil’s ability to neutralize such acids. >>More

Antiwear (AW) additives help protect metal surfaces against impact friction and wear between moving parts in an engine. Such additives work by adhering to metal surfaces and forming a protective film between moving surfaces. The most widely used AW additive are chemistries containing phosphorus and zinc. Some lubricant manufacturers also employ the use of antiwear additives containing boron, molybdenum and titanium among others.

Antiwear additives are multifunctional in that they also act as corrosion inhibitors and, more significantly, antioxidants.

For more on AW additives and other functional and performance additives used in motor oil… >>More

Contaminants: Although motor oil is subject to contamination from a number of metals related to wear, and abrasive material in the form of silicon when in use, new motor oil typically does not contain such metals at any appreciable levels. The presence of these metals (iron, aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin, sodium, potassium, etc.) in a new motor oil can indicate contamination from used oil, rust, abrasives, and others introduced to the product during blending, packaging, and/or transportation. Such contaminants can be harmful to an engine. Some can also be part of an additive, such as copper or sodium, but these are not often seen these days.

*Whereas silicon in the form of polydimethylpolysiloxane is commonly used as an antifoamant in motor oil, such use typically does not exceed 10ppm in new motor oil. Levels much above indicate possible contamination with abrasive material, silicone-based sealers, and/or transformer and hydraulic oil.

PASSENGER CAR MOTOR OIL

PETROLEUM QUALITY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA SAMPLE SUMMARY/PASSENGER CAR MOTOR OIL Passenger car motor oil is the lifeblood of your engine. In addition to lubricating moving

Read More »

ANTIFREEZE & COOLANT

PETROLEUM QUALITY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA SAMPLE SUMMARY FOR ANTIFREEZE & COOLANT Antifreeze/coolant is critical for protecting engines. The primary

Read More »