Recent content by rstsco

I now have a hankering for a Guinness.

Of course not. Too many variables which I have no control over and too few data points. It's more entertainment than a tool which to make hard-and-fast decisions, though it might give indications if something needs further investigation.

What year and engine is in your Ridgeline? The latest iteration of VCM uses 10 different inputs to determine whether to engage or not.

Regardless which lab you choose, send them a virgin oil sample (VOA) of whatever oil you will be using. UOAs are not definitive tests and should be used to compare a known sample, the VOA, to your used sample, UOA. After the first UOA, use each subsequent test to compare with the previous tests...

Some of the videos I've seen on the earlier J35 engines also seem to have cylinder 4 affected as well as 1-3, so maybe compare to 5 or 6, but not 4.

I plan on proactively replacing mine at some point before 50k-60k miles. Just buy and replace it. Cheap insurance.

Easier to hide things lurking underneath. 😲

TT+ is an additional standard for intake valve cleanliness, and IIRC, measurements of exhaust gas at the tailpipe. Except for some brands or independent stations choosing to be part of the program, I suspect the bigger players, e.g. Shell, Exxon/Mobil, Chevron, etc. already meet the TT+...

HPL has cleansing properties like Valvoline Restore and Protect (but costs more and has other positive attributes). I suspect the HPL is cleaning carbon deposits. This has been what's seen when using Valvoline Restore and Protect. First some oil consumption, then it stops, but you have a clean...

I paid less than $550 when I bought it on Dec 3, 2025. Prices have gone crazy.

I'd say Penny has some terrier in her.

Do you have a copy of the ExpressService cheat sheet for a 2025 Honda Pilot (Elite)? Thank you.

You can buy this Oil Sample Kit via HPL's online website. This kit is affiliated with Wearcheck, but does not include any shipping. Once you buy the kit, you register it with Wearcheck and submit the sample. I've used them recently for a VOA and two UOAs and have been very pleased. They are very...

Remember, these tests were run by SWRI. Sam's Club (Murphy's) regular was used as the non-TT, regular, comparison fuel.

Top Tier is not an additive. It is a cleanliness standard, IIRC measured by deposits on intake valves. Different additive formulations are used across brands and get TT certification when their fuel meets the TT standards. I've been preaching Shell premium for my use case, but these results...