Test Results and PQIA Assessment
Product: GP General Petroleum Petrogen Fully Synthetic Engine Oil
Viscosity Grade: SAE 0W-20
Labeled: API SN/ILSAC GF-5, dexos®1 GEN2
Manufactured By: General Petroleum FZE
Purchased at: amazon.com
Date of purchase:
Sample 1: 3/30/2022
Sample 2: 7/12/2022
Website(s): www.generalpetroleum.de
Company Information:
General Petroleum GmbH started its journey from Frankfurt, Germany with its operations spanning four continents from Europe, through the Middle East, Asia, Africa to Australia. The company’s business and regional offices for Europe are based in Frankfurt, Germany, while it’s Middle East, Asia and Africa headquarters is in the United Arab Emirates. Source: General Petroleum website
Test Results and PQIA Assessment
The results of the tests conducted on two samples of this product do not meet the requirements of the stated claim for an API SN, ILSAC GF-5 motor oil, or the General Motor’s dexos® specification.
Physical Properties
Elemental Analysis
Labeling
The Noack Volatility test result for Sample 1 is 36% above the specification of 15% maximum for API SN, ILSAC GF-5, and Sample 2 is 31% above. The samples are 57% and 51% respectively, over the GM dexos® specification for Noack Volatility which has a maximum of 13%.
Further, although the labels on the products tested display the General Motors (GM) dexos® trademark and claim GM approval, the product is not licensed or approved by General Motors as a dexos® motor oil. Only licensed dexos® products have been certified by GM to meet the dexos® specification and display the GM dexos® trademark. Importantly, General Motors states that, “Unlicensed product quality and suitability for GM vehicles cannot be guaranteed and, therefore, use of unlicensed products may result in lower levels of performance and could cause engine damage that may not be covered under warranty.”
For more on Noack volatility and GM dexos:
General Motors (GM) dexos®
PQIA Quick Reference – Noack Volatility
PQIA Quick Reference – General Motors dexos
Note: The Noack volatility specification for an API SP/ILSAC GF-6A is 15% Maximum. Many engine manufacturers specify a maximum allowable evaporation loss (volatility) different from API SP. General Motor for example, sets a maximum of 13% Noack for its dexos® specification. ACEA specifications are a maximum of 13% Noack and some OEM’s require even lower values.
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. >>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 (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
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.
- This specification is expressed to one significant figure, therefore results between 550 and 849 are 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.
