Noisy w/ Valvoline NexGen

[Greg L]

This past weekend our 2008 Jeep Compass, with 2.4 GEMA engine, was due for its OCI.

I have been regularly using Mobil 1 and Pennzoil Conventional...both of which performed very quietly and smooth in this motor.


However, this go around I switched to 5w20 Valvoline NexGen just to try something different...and used the typical Purolator filter.

Right off the bat I noticed more valve train noise and whine from what sounds like the timing chain. Not that these are very quiet 4-cylinder engines to begin with; but it was definitely more noticiable with this new oil.


My question: Does that fact that Valvoline, from what I've read, having Sodium in the oil as an agent contribute to the noise problem?

The reason that I ask is because we were doing some reading on another forum site for Hyundai (who, along with Mitsubishi, also used this engine for a period of time) and someone on that forum suggested NOT using sodium-based oils for this motor.


Any truth to this matter? I am thinking about dumping this oil & going back to Pennzoil Conventional or Mobil.


GL

 

[Hokiefyd]

I think it is the lack of moly or other additive in the Valvoline. Our Honda CR-V is also quite loud on Valvoline. Valvoline MaxLife, however, runs much quieter to my ears. It also has a lot of moly.

Pennzoil Conventional and Mobil 1 run quiet in this engine as well. I have M1 in it right now.

 

[salv]

Valvoline is fine. Try a Hyundai oil filter. They fit the Mitsu GEMA, I bet they will work on yours too. Might quiet things down.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Never had ANY luck with NA based oils. Never. (OK, I give: Mobil Clean 5000 SL but that was back in the day of big moly too.) . As part of NOT blowing up my engines Castrol GTX, Valvoline and NAPA syn are SHELVED.

 

[aquariuscsm]

What role does sodium play in the oil's job? What oils don't contain sodium,and what do they contain in place of it?

 

[buster]

It's because you switched. Despite what most folks think it's not a good idea to switch back/forth between brands. I've heard this directly from a formulators mouth. Detergents can often interact with each other in a negative way. Won't hurt, but you're better off sticking with one brand.

 

[Artem]

I've been running Valvoline NextGen conventional in my 06 Scion tC for about 13,000 miles now (3 OCIs) and engine noise / performance is the same as the previous oils I've used, (Amsoil's "Signature Series" and OE)

 

[KCJeep]

Give it 1,500 miles at least. It is a totally different add pack it might quiet down once it has the old oil completely stripped and it lays down it's own.

I said "might" though. As much as I like Valvoline it was so noisy in my Jeep I had to dump it at 2,500 miles I couldn't stand it anymore.

The noise has nothing to do with engine protection IMO, if it did Mobil 1 would have been off the market years ago.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Engine noise would freak me out. Seems if a mechanical device was running noisy,lack of lubrication would be the cause. I like to hear a smooth quiet engine.

 

[tig1]

Myself, family and friends all say that Mobil 1 oils keep their engines quite, clean, and smooth.

 

[Greg L]

Not to knock on Valvoline as a brand; I have used them for years in my 1991 Jeep Cherokee and in my old Toyota Solara.

The Jeep 4.0 engine seems to love MaxLife the best, and I have also used Valvoline Maxlife on my '96 GMC with 350. Both run smooth & never had a lick of major trouble with those high mileage engines.


This little four-banger is just a different animal altogether...I guess.

 

[LeakySeals]

Originally Posted By: KCJeep
Give it 1,500 miles at least. It is a totally different add pack it might quiet down once it has the old oil completely stripped and it lays down it's own.

I said "might" though. As much as I like Valvoline it was so noisy in my Jeep I had to dump it at 2,500 miles I couldn't stand it anymore.

The noise has nothing to do with engine protection IMO, if it did Mobil 1 would have been off the market years ago.

I think your right. The Camry was louder than a woodpecker on sheet metal after switching to Mobil 1 High Mileage from dino. If not for oil leaks, would have changed brands. 10k later the engine was like a mouse on cardboard, you could barely hear it running.

 

[Greg L]

What about adding LubroMoly MoS2 additive?

Will the Moly in this stuff help out my oil mixture in anyway?


Sounds like the NexGen I have in there is lacking this element....

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: Greg L


I have been regularly using Mobil 1 and Pennzoil Conventional...both of which performed very quietly and smooth in this motor.


However, this go around I switched to 5w20 Valvoline NexGen just to try something different...and used the typical Purolator filter.


Just to be clear, the Mobil 1 and the Pennzoil Conventional you were using previously were also 5W-20 grade, correct?

 

[Greg L]

Yes, that is correct.

 

[JHZR2]

Check your filter choice. Id say the opposite if anything...

 

[fdcg27]

I dunno.
I've got Synpower in one vehicle and Maxlife NG in a couple of others.
These oils use sodium add packs, although either lime or cherry flavor Maxlife does have moly, while Synpower doesn't.
I find Maxlife very smooth in the old Impreza and BMW, while Synpower seems smooth and quiet in the Forester.
It may be that your engine noise will settle down after a few miles.
If not, I'd go back to Mobil 1 or Pennzoil Conventional.
The noise isn't the sound of damage being done, but I know that it must be irritating.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Originally Posted By: Greg L
What about adding LubroMoly MoS2 additive?

Will the Moly in this stuff help out my oil mixture in anyway?


Sounds like the NexGen I have in there is lacking this element....
No That's a MoS2 colliod and that is the incorrect moly for engine lubrication; No ILSAC approved oil uses this moly in any formulation Im aware of. I stupidly used it on "FORUM" advice ( and against my better judgement) and I I have 2/3 a bottle after it almost blew my honda engine if you want it. Im an unawAre of anyone who markets the proper MoDTC soluble moly ADDITIVE. Maybe someone could chime in.