UOA for 2024 RAM 3500 Cummins 6.7 SO using Hot Shot's Secret Blue Diamond Full Synthetic PAO 10W30 Diesel Oil CK-41

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Sharing for those interested in stats, especially for the Hot Shot's Secret Blue Diamond Full Synthetic PAO 10W30 Diesel Oil CK-41 product, which has no used oil analysis reports that I could find. See attached to this review my 3 used oil analysis samples (UOA) over 16,283 miles my new 2024 RAM 3500 Cummins 6.7 Standard Output (SO) - a mix of city and highway, with about 30-40% of the miles involving towing an 8,000lb travel trailer. My truck burns mostly R99 renewable diesel and weighs 9,500lb under normal use (it's fully optioned with some overland gear and a 55-gallon S&B tank, so it's quite a bit heavier than most 3500s, and therefore requires more work from the engine).

Anyway, Hot Shots Secret promises a TBN (Total Base Number) of 10, but a clean oil analysis by Horizon Labs (aka Amsoil oil test kits) shows an actual TBN of only 7.31. The fact that this oil ships from the Hot Shots factory not even meeting *their own* TBN specs is surprising and should be a red flag to anyone wanting to use this oil, because it suggests poor product quality control for the TBN to be low by a factor of 27%.

I used this oil in my new 2024 RAM 3500 Cummins 6.7 Standard Output (SO) for about 16,500 miles. Because my engine is new, there is higher-than-usual wear metals.

Overall, this product seemed like a good oil. However, due to high wear metals and high copper (likely leaching from the copper oil cooler coils while a protective film forms within it on my new truck), I ended up dumping this oil after 16,500 miles and switching over to Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme 5W-40 (this is the oil Cummins themselves uses and officially endorses). Whether or not my high-ish wear metals are caused by my truck being new, or the Hot Shot's Secret Blue Diamond Full Synthetic PAO 10W30 shearing down and causing a little bit of excessive wear, is unclear. However, because the TBN of clean analyzed oil (indicated as the BL baseline reference sample) is 27% lower than promised, I probably won't be using this product again.

Hot Shots Secret Blue Diamond PAO Full Synthetic SAE 10W30 Used Oil Analysis (UOA).webp
 
I also run an Amsoil EABP-90 bypass oil filter, which is supposed to remove particles as small as 2 microns. Hence, my UOA soot levels should appear far lower than for a truck without this filter. Additionally, I use the 'performance dose' (high dose) of the Hot Shots Everyday Diesel Treatment and their LX4 Lubricity Enhancer with almost every fill-up.
 
What made the calcium go over 5000?? additives?

I am unclear on the timeline you have 3 uoa's covering a 10000 mile period with the first one saying lube changed?

Many think the super "secret" part of hotshots is they are in it to take your money and the product isnt great.

IMO: you would have a hard time beating delvac extreme(syn) 15w40 for a "bought at walmart" oil.
 
I'd say it's break-in wear. I've seen that oil product over the last few years on Amazon. TBN & other PDF from the oil companies rarely line up exactly when using another lab. Keep testing & see what happens next. That TBN booster seems to add a lot of Calcium.
 
I looked into this brand of oil a couple years ago. There was no PAO listed on the SDS and the oil’s Pour Point also suggests there isn’t any significant quantity of PAO either.

When I asked the manufacturer about it they gave me a convoluted answer about why.
 
What made the calcium go over 5000?? additives?

I am unclear on the timeline you have 3 uoa's covering a 10000 mile period with the first one saying lube changed?

Many think the super "secret" part of hotshots is they are in it to take your money and the product isnt great.

IMO: you would have a hard time beating delvac extreme(syn) 15w40 for a "bought at walmart" oil.
It is likely the Hot Shot TBN booster that increased the calcium - that's the only thing that should have caused that.

Ignore that "lube changed" indicator - it's not correct. Go by the miles on the lubricant, which are correct.

15W40 oil is forbidden for 2019+ Cummins engines by RAM, likely due to increased risk of hydraulic lifter failure (hydraulic lifters were added to their 2019+ HD trucks) - there is a technical bulletin about this as well (see this thread). I use 5W40 because of that issue.
 
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I looked into this brand of oil a couple years ago. There was no PAO listed on the SDS and the oil’s Pour Point also suggests there isn’t any significant quantity of PAO either.

When I asked the manufacturer about it they gave me a convoluted answer about why.
I also emailed an employee of the company about the fact that a clean sample of Hot Shot's Secret Blue Diamond Full Synthetic PAO 10W30 Diesel Oil didn't meet their TBN spec - 27% lower than promised is significantly off.

He didn't reply.

Although I use the Hot Shots Everyday Diesel Treatment and LX4 additives, I've also noticed significant color variations between batches, including batches where fats precipitate out of the product and batches where they don't (stored side-by-side in the same conditions and temperatures). Hot Shots Secret never replied to my inquiry asking why there are such variations.

Although people swear by some of their products, and I can't complain about the ones I've used, it's suspicious to me when:
  1. there are significant product color variations
  2. solidified fats precipitating out in some EDT and LX4 examples but not in others (suggesting chemical or blend variations between batches)
  3. the PAO oil product not meeting the advertised TBN specs
  4. on top of all that, the manufacturer (Hot Shots Secret) ignoring or dodging questions
 
I also emailed an employee of the company about the fact that a clean sample of Hot Shot's Secret Blue Diamond Full Synthetic PAO 10W30 Diesel Oil didn't meet their TBN spec - 27% lower than promised is significantly off.

He didn't reply.

Although I use the Hot Shots Everyday Diesel Treatment and LX4 additives, I've also noticed significant color variations between batches, including batches where fats precipitate out of the product and batches where they don't (stored side-by-side in the same conditions and temperatures). Hot Shots Secret never replied to my inquiry asking why there are such variations.

Although people swear by some of their products, and I can't complain about the ones I've used, it's suspicious to me when:
  1. there are significant product color variations
  2. solidified fats precipitating out in some EDT and LX4 examples but not in others (suggesting chemical or blend variations between batches)
  3. the PAO oil product not meeting the advertised TBN specs
  4. on top of all that, the manufacturer (Hot Shots Secret) ignoring or dodging questions

My question about “where’s the PAO”? in this oil was also posted on Amazon. I got a response from a “satisfied customer” that basically said: “trust me bro, it’s great oil”.

My opinion is that, this blue diamond product is not a premium PAO based oil like the manufacturer claims. If that is the case, I would not use anything, oil or fuel additives from HSS or any other brand that uses misleading advertising.

To the OP, the premium HD engine oil market is flush with options if you want a PAO product in 5w40 that doesn’t need additives of questionable quality.

The HSS LX4 additive is a TMP ester based additive. TMP esters are present in higher concentrations in the Biosyn HD product line from Renewable Lubricants if you want a consistent product from a reputable manufacturer check them out. I have used their oils for years and they are excellent. My UOAs are posted here.

Consider the following options:

-Biosyn HD 5w40
-Amsoil HD or SS 5w40
-P66 Guardol XT 5w40
-HPL CW 5w40
-Ravenol NDT 5w40
 
My question about “where’s the PAO”? in this oil was also posted on Amazon. I got a response from a “satisfied customer” that basically said: “trust me bro, it’s great oil”.

My opinion is that, this blue diamond product is not a premium PAO based oil like the manufacturer claims. If that is the case, I would not use anything, oil or fuel additives from HSS or any other brand that uses misleading advertising.

To the OP, the premium HD engine oil market is flush with options if you want a PAO product in 5w40 that doesn’t need additives of questionable quality.

The HSS LX4 additive is a TMP ester based additive. TMP esters are present in higher concentrations in the Biosyn HD product line from Renewable Lubricants if you want a consistent product from a reputable manufacturer check them out. I have used their oils for years and they are excellent. My UOAs are posted here.

Consider the following options:

-Biosyn HD 5w40
-Amsoil HD or SS 5w40
-P66 Guardol XT 5w40
-HPL CW 5w40
-Ravenol NDT 5w40
Thanks for the info - perhaps on a future oil change, I'll try BioSync or Amsoil HD. The Hot Shots Secret LX4 and Everyday Diesel Treatment additives go in the diesel fuel tank (just wanted to be clear in case anyone read this and formed the misimpression that either of them goes in the engine oil). The only oil additive I used in the UOA was the TBN booster at the mid-point of the oil duty.
 
Thanks for the info - perhaps on a future oil change, I'll try BioSync or Amsoil HD. The Hot Shots Secret LX4 and Everyday Diesel Treatment additives go in the diesel fuel tank (just wanted to be clear in case anyone read this and formed the misimpression that either of them goes in the engine oil). The only oil additive I used in the UOA was the TBN booster at the mid-point of the oil duty.
My bad, I got the HSS FR3 additive mixed up with their LX4. It’s the FR3 that has TMP esters.

LX4 is appears to be a solvent (naptha) based additive with some aromatics. https://www.hotshotsecret.com/wp-co...CR*MTczMzY4OTMzOC4xLjEuMTczMzY4OTc1MC4wLjAuMA.

I also use diesel fuel additive at every fill up and have tested a few over the years in different vehicles. Fuel Additives can be fantastic, do nothing, or can actually be harmful. It depends on what you are trying to accomplish with your fuel.

My advice to you is:
  • Avoid any product that doesn’t make a solid claim as to how it improves the fuel. If it boosts cetane, how many CN will it increase? If it improves lubricity, what is the HFRR of the fuel after the additive? Any legitimate product that improves a parameter covered by an ASTM test should have data to back it up.
  • Avoid all-in-one formulas. All-in-ones will provide anti-gel properties use strong solvents which can migrate into you engine oil, wash oil off of rings and reduce its viscosity increasing wear. If you need anti-gel protection during the winter, use it. After it warms up transition to a summer formula that isnt solvent based, or doesn’t use any solvents at all.
  • Avoid solvent based formulas for summer use additives. Naptha is a common to see however some don’t use it.
  • Carefully read dosage requirements to calculate the cost/gallon and also to confirm any advertised benefits are at the recommended treat ratio and not a higher concentration. Don’t exceed the recommended dosage, it can be harmful if solvents are present.
I used to use Stanadyne performance formula, which is an all-in-one. It was solvent based and would lower the viscosity of my engine oil over time. I read here on BITOG 8-10 years ago advice from a UOA consultant regarding solvents used in diesel fuel additives. I stopped using Stanadyne and transitioned to a non-solvent summer additive and the oil viscosity loss stopped and wear metals improved. I’ve been using the same fuel additive since then, it’s performance is solid and does exactly what it advertises without any negative effects.
 
How’s your truck been doing regen wise ? Frequent regens can cause fuel dilution especially when doing longer OCIs. Nature of the beast.
 
15W40 oil is forbidden for 2019+ Cummins engines by RAM, likely due to increased risk of hydraulic lifter failure (hydraulic lifters were added to their 2019+ HD trucks) - there is a technical bulletin about this as well (see this thread). I use 5W40 because of that issue.
A really goofy TSB too. They are solely concerned that a run-of-the mill 15W-40 is formulated with non-synthetic or otherwise inferior base stocks that are more prone to deposit formation. Fundamentally it has no connection with the winter rating.
 
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My bad, I got the HSS FR3 additive mixed up with their LX4. It’s the FR3 that has TMP esters.

LX4 is appears to be a solvent (naptha) based additive with some aromatics. https://www.hotshotsecret.com/wp-co...CR*MTczMzY4OTMzOC4xLjEuMTczMzY4OTc1MC4wLjAuMA.

I also use diesel fuel additive at every fill up and have tested a few over the years in different vehicles. Fuel Additives can be fantastic, do nothing, or can actually be harmful. It depends on what you are trying to accomplish with your fuel.

My advice to you is:
  • Avoid any product that doesn’t make a solid claim as to how it improves the fuel. If it boosts cetane, how many CN will it increase? If it improves lubricity, what is the HFRR of the fuel after the additive? Any legitimate product that improves a parameter covered by an ASTM test should have data to back it up.
  • Avoid all-in-one formulas. All-in-ones will provide anti-gel properties use strong solvents which can migrate into you engine oil, wash oil off of rings and reduce its viscosity increasing wear. If you need anti-gel protection during the winter, use it. After it warms up transition to a summer formula that isnt solvent based, or doesn’t use any solvents at all.
  • Avoid solvent based formulas for summer use additives. Naptha is a common to see however some don’t use it.
  • Carefully read dosage requirements to calculate the cost/gallon and also to confirm any advertised benefits are at the recommended treat ratio and not a higher concentration. Don’t exceed the recommended dosage, it can be harmful if solvents are present.
I used to use Stanadyne performance formula, which is an all-in-one. It was solvent based and would lower the viscosity of my engine oil over time. I read here on BITOG 8-10 years ago advice from a UOA consultant regarding solvents used in diesel fuel additives. I stopped using Stanadyne and transitioned to a non-solvent summer additive and the oil viscosity loss stopped and wear metals improved. I’ve been using the same fuel additive since then, it’s performance is solid and does exactly what it advertises without any negative effects.
Which additive are you using?
 
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