Valvoline Advanced Syn 5w-30 / 6K Miles / 2015 Kia Sedona 3.3L

[92saturnsl2]

This is my wife's vehicle, it doesn't get a lot of mileage other than running kids around and family stuff where we need to fit everybody. I try to get UOAs at least every couple years on each of our vehicles just for grins, but this one had a compelling reason as the engine has a very noticeable timing chain rattle at start-up (lasts about 2-3 seconds) if it's left sitting for more than an hour or so. I already know what the problem is, these engines have crappy timing chain tensioners that bleed down when sitting (widely reported on forums; most suggest just let it be). My FIL's 2008 Hyundai Sonata w/ 3.3L had the same issue and his was fine to 190K or so when he traded it in. It's no picnic of a repair so I'm going to continue to run it until either the noise changes from annoying to obnoxious, or I have some other reason to get in the timing cover.

6K is a bit past what Kia recommends and viscosity went down a grade just like last time. Other than that I think the oil performed just fine. I normally don't use Valvoline products, but I found their Advanced Syn in a 12-quart box which is nearly perfect for my fleet. None of them burn oil throughout an OCI, so I don't really care for orphan/partial jugs sitting around- an even 6qt is perfect.

FWIW the previous/first sample was Amalie Elixir 0w-40 synthetic. New fill is Havoline ProDS Synthetic 10w-30.

 

[RDY4WAR]

I'd ask if the KV100 was rerun automatically given the abnormal (out of grade) result. If not, ask them to rerun it. There's been some issues lately with Blackstone giving low results for KV100. The result could also be accurate and not be unusual since it probably uses a 35-50 SSI OCP VII. The reduced viscosity "could" play a part in the timing chain noise.

Otherwise, the report looks good.

 

[fantastic]

6k put this 5w-30 out of typical BS viscosity range. Fe wear was slightly better on the 0w-40 but too early to really tell a difference in the long haul. Even w/almost x3 the fuel on the previous samples still ended higher viscosity than this 5w-30 and something I'm sure you've contemplated. That is also taking the mileage difference of the two samples & doing the math. The 0w-40 was still a minor spec higher viscosity. May not know the viscosity on the 10w-30 since you only sample yearly? This result is good & I'd not complain about it at all. Oil used as a hydraulic fluid for timing chain tension, it does allow chain guides to not be optimal until pressure is reached. At only 73k you've got many miles to go on this Sedona.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Was a Wix filter used for the Valvoline OCI?

 

[Urshurak776]

Wow, Valvoline uses a lot of Moly. Good oil.

 

[92saturnsl2]

Was a Wix filter used for the Valvoline OCI?

Yes, it was a Wix WL10164.

 

[92saturnsl2]

Wow, Valvoline uses a lot of Moly. Good oil.

I know add packs aren't everything, but I was pretty impressed with it compared to the Amalie Elixir 0w-40 on the right column, which looks pretty vanilla in that regard.

I usually search for VOAs if I'm trying to decide between two comparably priced oils, and I cannot recall seeing Valvoline Syn with that much moly before.