Questron Synthetic Blend SAE 10W-30 Motor Oil

Test Results and PQIA Assessment

Product: Questron Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

Viscosity Grade: SAE 10W-30
Labeled: “SN-GF5″
Manufactured By: Questron Packaging LLC

Purchased at: Pontiac, MI
Date of purchase: 1/27/2020
Website(s): No Website Found

 

Front Label
Back Label

Test Results and PQIA Assessment

Assessment Summary
Use of this product in virtually all automobile engines will likely cause harm to the engine. 

Physical Properties

Elemental Analysis

Labeling

The labels on this product are false, misleading and deceptive by way of prominently displaying “SAE 10W-30 PREMIUM SN-GF5 MOTOR OIL” and stating the product “meets the latest in automotive manufacturer’s requirements.” Although small print on the back label states, “Use where an SJ/SAE 10W-30 oil is recommended,” the dominant and repeated display of SAE 10W-30 PREMIUM SN-GF5 MOTOR OIL would likely lead a reasonable consumer to believe the product meets the API SN/GF-5 Service Category; a specification seen in the owner’s manual of many cars currently on the road.

The results of the tests conducted on this sample do NOT meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE 10W-30 Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are NOT consistent with the labeled API Service Categories. The Cold Crank Viscosity is sufficiently low to indicate the sample should be labeled with a lower SAE W Grade than that listed on the product label. In addition, the organometallic additive levels in this sample are much lower than typical for API SJ, SN, or GF-5 oils, rendering the product NOT suitable for use in the majority of automobile engines currently on the road.

Viscosity
Standard
Questron
Status
Viscosity 100°C cSt
9.3 to <12.5
9.6
Viscosity 40°C cSt
48.3
Viscosity Index
189
Cold Crank Viscosity at -25°C
7,000 Max
1,282
yello

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
Questron
Status
Calcium (ppm)
452
yello
Magnesium (ppm)
365
yello
Sodium (ppm)
6
Barium (ppm)
<1
TBN, mg KOH/g (ASTM D2896)
2.91
yello

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
Questron
Status
Phosphorus
600 to 800 -a
306
yello
Zinc
333
yello
Molybdenum
<1
Titanium
<1
Boron
3

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
Questron
Status
Silicon*
4
Silver
<1
Aluminum
3
Chromium
<1
Iron
4
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 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.

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