Valv MaxLife NextGen 5w-25, 7500mi, 05 Taurus

[Pajamarama]

Notes:

• This oil was all Valvoline Maxlife NextGen - half 5w-30, half 5w-20. Noted that on the sample slip.
• Sample taken at oil change, which is when I noticed I had let the oil level get low (thread here). Only drained about 4 quarts from a 5.5 - 6 qt sump.
• Not thrilled about the iron level but everything else looks good to me. Probably would have helped if I kept it topped off.
• Filter for this run was a good ol Purolator L24651 (replaced with a PL24651 at the change).
• Despite Blackstone's last comment, I probably won't go over 8k on my next OCI. Right now I can't see putting more than that on this car in a year.

 

[Hermann]

Looks good to me. That iron level at 7500 miles is not a problem. Great report for a vehicle approaching 100K.

 

[wemay]

Wow! Silicon was cut by more than half... Thanks for sharingl, nice report.

 

[timeau]

Was your previous oil Maxlife as well? I don't like the additives level decrease: 10% (calcium) and 20% (zinc and phosphorus). Combining with 1.5 quarts oil consumption, I would start worrying about clogging oil drainage and oil rings. Which oil did you use before? I mean 2-3-4-5 oil changes before that? P.S. Any ideas where are lost 20% of additives? ;-)

 

[Pajamarama]

Originally Posted By: timeau

Was your previous oil Maxlife as well? I don't like the additives level decrease: 10% (calcium) and 20% (zinc and phosphorus). Combining with 1.5 quarts oil consumption, I would start worrying about clogging oil drainage and oil rings. Which oil did you use before? I mean 2-3-4-5 oil changes before that? P.S. Any ideas where are lost 20% of additives? ;-)

Yes, previous oil on the report was Valv NG Maxlife, exact same 50/50 weight blend. 2-3-4-5 oil changes before, this car was someone else's so I don't have that information. After this run, I will have enough for one more run of Valv NG Maxlife. Once that is depleted, I will see what the best value synthetic is out there and switch to that. And no, I have no idea where the 20% of additives went. I assume they just get depleted/used up/burned? I'm sure someone here can chime in with the answer.

 

[Pajamarama]

Originally Posted By: timeau

P.S. Any ideas where are lost 20% of additives? ;-)

I think I found the answer to your question here. I know I learned a lot from this short 4 min video.

 

[timeau]

Originally Posted By: Pajamarama

Originally Posted By: timeau

P.S. Any ideas where are lost 20% of additives? ;-)

I think I found the answer to your question here. I know I learned a lot from this short 4 min video.

Great video. But as you remember two situations are described there: 1. Chemical decomposition. 2. Sediments on the bottom of the barrel during strorage (definitely not your case) or rust preventing by creating a thin film. In case of decomposition you would still see these elements on UOA (video tells about this). So I have a feeling that these elements "settled" on your pistons and rings. This is a varnish, and I would worry about it. My personal opinion: use Liqui Moly Engine Flush (not Gunk!) when you change your oil next time. Just pour in into the engine, idle 15 minutes and drain the oil. Auto-RX could work too, but I think that it is not strong enough. Old school method is to add a half of quart of ATF into engine oil, but young people here don't like it. Anyway, I would not let it be as is. I always consider oil consumption as a signal that significant expenses are coming.