The BG Proving Ground at BG Products, Inc., conducted tests to evaluate the effectiveness of BG EPR® Engine Performance Restoration®, PN 109, in restoring piston ring function and improving engine compression.
The tests were performed on a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, and a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, each equipped with a 5.3L EcoTec3 engine and odometer readings between 50,000 and 81,000 miles.
Over time, sludge and carbon deposits can accumulate around piston rings, restricting oil flow, reducing compression, and hindering engine performance.
To assess BG EPR®’s ability to dissolve and remove these harmful deposits, warm cranking compression was measured before and after an oil service using the product. The results showed a 7.2 psi increase in compression across all tested vehicles, indicating improved piston ring function, enhanced oil circulation, and restored engine efficiency.
Test Results
Cranking Compression
The warm cranking compression was measured using an analog compression gauge. During the baseline tests for all three vehicles, compression values across all cylinders were recorded at an average of 182.4 psi. During post-service testing, compression values across all cylinders were recorded at an average of 189.6 psi for an average increase of 7.2 psi in compression across the three vehicles.
Conclusion
The restoration that took place during the BG Proving Ground testing is an indication that performance degradation took place beforehand, and performing this service enabled each vehicle to restore engine performance, bringing it closer to its brand-new state, as can be seen from comparing the baseline compression values and post-testing compression values. The increase in overall cranking compression after the service is an indication that piston ring function has been restored.
Odometer readings were recorded at 50K, 61K, and 81K miles at the beginning of testing. At these odometer readings, it can be perceived that these engines are still new enough to not suffer from deposit formation. Each of the tests performed at BG’s Proving Ground are evidence that with regular everyday driving, paired with oil changes at OE-recommended service intervals, overall engine performance can still decline. This decrease in performance is normal, but it can be avoided. Implementing BG EPR® Engine Performance Restoration® during a routine oil service is crucial to keeping your engine running like new for the years ahead.
About EPR® Engine Performance Restoration®
BG EPR® Engine Performance Restoration®, PN 109, is a high-performance oil cleaner engineered to break down and disperse stubborn fuel residues and engine sludge that can lead to piston ring deposits and restricted oil circulation. This advanced formula works rapidly to eliminate tough buildup, helping restore engine function, improve efficiency, and protect key components for lasting reliability.
REFERENCES:
BG Products, Inc.
Jay Erwin, BG Director of Proving Ground
Paul Garcia, BG Proving Ground Shop Manager
Casey Genteman, BG Automotive Research Specialist
Casey Genteman has more than 10 years in the automotive field and holds a bachelor’s degree in Advanced Vehicle Systems. He is a member of the Proving Ground team, where he researches powertrains and studies emerging trends in the automotive industry.