5W30 Pennzoil Ultra, 2000 Caravan 3.0 V6 Results.

[Koz1]

5W30 Pennzoil Ultra, 2000 Caravan 3.0 V6 Results.
First off Id like to say I had huge expectations for this Oil.
Second I have never had any type of varnish that was noticeable on the dipstick of any vehicle ever in my life 35+ years, I have had a few.
I checked the oil every 2-3 weeks after the oil change and I noticed a orange y brown varnish starting to show up at about 2500 kms into it, now Im at 5000 the varnish is much deeper in color. Im going to have to change the oil next weekend as I dont like the situation developing on the dipstick, I hate to think whats on the engine parts. I have used other Full synthetics without this problem and Dino as well. I picked Ultra because I thought it would clean my engine not coat it with varnish. Anyone else have this problem with Pennzoil Ultra?
I will probably never touch Pennzoil ever again.
Engine pulls duel duty highway and town 60/40, its at 171,000 kms there is also a sticky lifter sound that I have never had before. Purchased at Wall-Mart in Dec. The filter I am using is the Mobil 1 for my engine. The oil is very dirty looking much dirtier than any other oil I have used at the same mileage.

 

[tig1]

I'm sorry to say, I believe you are mistaken. I am sure PU is an outstanding oil and would not varnish an engine.

 

[Koz1]

No Im not wrong this the reality of the situation. Im Very surprised by the results.

 

[tig1]

I have never heard of any oil causing varnish in such a short time.

 

[Koz1]

Why do you think I made this thread.
I had no idea the PU 5w30 would do this.
I thought it would clean my engine like mad but it did the opposite that I can tell by looking at the dipstick.

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: Koz1
Why do you think Im made this thread.
I had no idea the PU 5w30 would do this.
I thought it would clean my engine like mad but it did the opposite that I can tell by looking at the dipstick.


I didn't say you made this up. I said you may be mistaken. Big differance. You are at BITOG now. I don't believe anyone has heard of varnish forming so fast, especially with a quality oil like PU. Don't be offended, we are glad you are here.

 

[Whimsey]

Originally Posted By: Koz1
Why do you think Im made this thread.
I had no idea the PU 5w30 would do this.
I thought it would clean my engine like mad but it did the opposite that I can tell by looking at the dipstick.


Just a thought. Maybe what you're seeing on the dipstick is not varnish but the oil cleaning the crud in the engine and getting dirty itself. When you wipe the dipstick does it look cleaner? PU is supposed to be a good engine "parts" cleaner oil. I doubt that it would do the opposite.

Whimsey

 

[Koz1]

Ok Thanks.

Are their any incompatibilities with this oil?
I was running Amsoil 5w30 before the PU and never had a problem then I did an engine flush and changed over.
I didn't put any additives either in the PU.

 

[Koz1]

I wiped the dipstick with all the power I could muster there is definitely a colored varnish on it now.

 

[Koz1]

I was going to take a pic of the DS but its pouring rain right now.

 

[Mofongo]

I would tend to agree with Whimsey. The oil is probably doing a great job of cleaning this "varnish" or whatever other crud is in your engine. Perhaps change your oil a little earlier than normal for this time since it's cleaning out the old gunk and try it next time for a longer interval.

 

[ZZman]

1. Maybe it has to do with the engine flush
2. Did you contact Pennzoil about this?
3. Where are the pics?

 

[Koz1]

So what your saying is its cleaning my engine very well but only causing varnish on the dipstick?
I dont get the logic.
If I run it another 5K you really think it will reverse what it did to the dipstick?
Its going to clean the dipstick this next 5k if I use it again.
Just trying to clarify.

 

[Hemi426]

The oil is probably a lot darker because the Ultra is cleaning out a lot of gunk from the internals. The lifter ticking could be the result of some sludge removed and now the engine has slightly wider clearances. It may just be a sticky lifter due to high mileage. I wouldn't blame the oil as Pennzoil makes some of the best oils on the market. Pennzoil conventional is the #1 selling motor oil in the U.S. If you've got 5k miles on it it's time to change the oil and filter anyway so use whatever brand you wish.

 

[Whimsey]

Originally Posted By: Koz1
Ok Thanks.

Are their any incompatibilities with this oil?
I was running Amsoil 5w30 before the PU and never had a problem then I did an engine flush and changed over.
I didn't put any additives either in the PU.


How long did you run the Amsoil? That should have kept the engine clean. Maybe the engine flush loosened up some crud which semi dissolved in the oil. The oils are compatible. Can you see inside the valve cover? If so what does it look like?

Whimsey

 

[Koz1]

I am going to call and inquire about the PU on Monday after work.
I didnt check the oil until after 6:00. I thought the Call center would be closed by then.
Are they open on weekends?

 

[Koz1]

3100 Miles 5000kms.

 

[Whimsey]

Originally Posted By: Koz1
I wiped the dipstick with all the power I could muster there is definitely a colored varnish on it now.


Maybe the "flushed" dirty oil stained the dipstick. Is there a varnish build up on the DS or is it just the color?

Whimsey

 

[Koz1]

I can see whats behind the cover, the color is orange y as well.
I ran the Amsoil for 15000 kms, = 9400 miles its rated for 25000 kms or one year.

 

[RageOfFury]

Pennzoil Ultra does not cause varnish. It's one of the best cleaning oils on the market. What it's doing is cleaning out all the crud that's inside that engine. I would drain it, change the filter and put some fresh Ultra back in.