Test Results and PQIA Assessment
Product: Lucas Hot Rod & Classic Motor Oil
Viscosity Grade: SAE 10W-40
Labeled: No API Service Category Listed
Manufactured By: Lucas Oil Products, Inc., Corona, CA
Website(s): lucasoil.com
Company Information:
Lucas Oil Products, Inc. is an American manufacturer and distributor of automotive oil, additives, and lubricants. It was founded by trucker Forrest Lucas and his wife Charlotte in 1989. The company is a medium size manufacturer of lubricants, including engine oils, greases, gear lubes, as well as problem-solving additives and car-care products. It produces and markets approximately 270 formulations in 40 countries. In the U.S., Lucas Oil is sold in more than 30,000 auto parts stores, displaying the most variety of shelf products of any oil company, and at truck stops nationwide. Lucas Oil has two major plants in the United States. The original plant is located in Corona, California, which also houses Lucas Oil Corporate Headquarters, Lucas Oil Production Studios, Team Lucas, LucasOilRacingTV and the Lucas owned motorsports network, MAVTV. In 2003, it opened a new production plant in Corydon, Indiana, and expanded with an additional, multimillion dollar, 350,000-square-foot facility in 2014.
SOURCE: Wikipedia
Test Results and PQIA Assessment
The results of the tests conducted on this sample are consistent with the labeled SAE viscosity claims. The labels indicate the oil is intended for Hot Rod & Classic vehicles and test results show it does contain a high level of zinc, as labeled, “necessary to protect flat tappet cams, lifter & pushrods.” Importantly, it also contains a high level of phosphorus and this can cause harm to catalytic converters. To this point, the manufacturer clearly states on the back label that the oil is “Not recommended for use in passenger cars with catalytic converters requiring API Service oils.”
Physical Properties
Elemental Analysis
Labeling
Note: The labels are not in compliance with NIST Handbook 130 -2020 (Current Edition) – Uniform Laws and Regulations in the Areas of Legal Metrology and Engine Fuel Quality. Specific to this regulation, section 3.12.1.3. states that the label on any vehicle engine oil container shall identify the specific vehicle or engine manufacturer standards met.
For more about motor oils formulated for use in classic and vintage cars, see PQIA article. Motor Oils for Classic and Vintage Cars
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 above 550 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.
