2017 Audi Q7 3.0T - Valvoline Restore & Protect 5W30, 2000 miles

[RobertISaar]

I'll have some more data points to add into this(Audi 4.0TT rather than 3.0T) in a few months, I need two more Leichtlauf analyses done first to be 100% on baseline wear. Miles add somewhat fast for me though.

I don't know if funky rings are going to be a factor for this engine, but I have a pretty soft usage of it, a -30 run at relatively short interval, even without the magical 502/505 stamp, I don't anticipate running into issues.

 

[ChrisD46]

Not advisable, but you can probably get away with it and clean up the engine in the process. I'm assuming it's out of warranty. The standout difference between this and Euro oil is the viscosity, among other things. Euro has a HT/HS of 3.5. However, no Euro oil I'm aware of can clean piston deposits, assuming you have them. At your own risk obviously.

A couple of Audi options : Run your usual Euro oil using a 50/50 mix with Valvoline R&P, or add a bottle of Rislone to the usual Euro oil you use. I do not know how Rislone’s cleaners / esters compare to R&P though.

 

[wemay]

He can use whatever he'd like. The VW approved oil is a recommendation. Just like when people use euros in cars where API SP /GF-6 is the recommendation.

Hopefully the R&P does what it claims and the pistons free up those rings.

 

[Tusflyer]

Not to further hijack this thread with HPL fodder but I’ve got an updated analysis for comparisons sake. Interestingly after my first sample my insolubles increased from .1 to 1.5 in less than 3000 miles. I did change the filter from Mahle to WIX after the first sample. Did my filter fail?

 

[Jetronic]

Not to further hijack this thread with HPL fodder but I’ve got an updated analysis for comparisons sake. Interestingly after my first sample my insolubles increased from .1 to 1.5 in less than 3000 miles. I did change the filter from Mahle to WIX after the first sample. Did my filter fail?

View attachment 258090

what is counted as insolubles?

have a look inside the filter, it likely is holding a lot of carbon

 

[ltslimjim]

Without opening the filter, it’s hard to say conclusively, but I would steer toward there being filter failure than mass cleanup all at once. The filter is a known variable change after the last report on the same OCI.

JMO

@Tusflyer

 

[Sean1112]

Got a car that requires a 229.5 5w40 euro oil. I've used Maxlife full synthetic 5w30 for 2 and a half years. Ran well, engine didn't blow up and now has almost 240K. R&P 5w30 would be perfectly fine though I wish we could get the R&P 10W40 like they do on Australia...

 

[CEHepp]

All these posts mad at the OP for not using VW certified oil. Here, I’m not using LL-01.

 

[RobertISaar]

I'll have some more data points to add into this(Audi 4.0TT rather than 3.0T) in a few months, I need two more Leichtlauf analyses done first to be 100% on baseline wear. Miles add somewhat fast for me though.

I don't know if funky rings are going to be a factor for this engine, but I have a pretty soft usage of it, a -30 run at relatively short interval, even without the magical 502/505 stamp, I don't anticipate running into issues.

Change of plans on my side, the pump's oil pressure control valve solenoid failed, forcing the pump into the high pressure mode at all times, no check engine light or significantly altered engine operation that I've noticed, only knew about it due to me running a scan on the ECM. Looks like failure occurred sometime during or maybe prior to my first Leichtlauf fill.

So, now my test sequence has been modified. The current fill is liqui moly Leichtlauf 5w-40, with 600ml of ceratec added to it. When this interval is finished, it will be straight Leichtlauf, along with a new pressure control solenoid, which should make for a 4th sampled oil system configuration (high pressure Leichtlauf, high pressure Leichtlauf+ MoS2, high pressure Leichtlauf+ ceratec, variable pressure Leichtlauf), then I'll get the R&P into the engine for an interval for a 5th configuration and maybe a reduction in oil loss.

Looks like 2100-2600 miles per liter so far, which really isn't bad but I'd like to be ahead of the curve.

 

[Hermann]

It's so funny watching all the fear and worry about euro oil approvals. It's mostly BS.

 

[Kalle.J]

It's so funny watching all the fear and worry about euro oil approvals. It's mostly BS.

Exaggerated would be the word.
Very unlikely anyone would do 10-12k OCI with a more then insignificant portion done at 120mph+ on autobahn in hot weather in Nort America.