Valvoline NEXTGen Questions?

[Since1941]

Hello,

This is my first post on the site. I have been seriously reading about things on here for over a week. It has become such an addiction! I have learned more about oil, and how it effects engines, than I thought I could ever learn. So, I thought it was a good time to join, so I could ask some questions?

First, does anyone have any long term experience with the new Valvoline NEXTGen? I have a 95 Jeep Wrangler with the 4.0, and I am searching for something, that will do me some good. I am not really into synthetics, as my motor does not really "require" a synthetic do to its simplicity, and design. However, the PO was an Amsoil rep, and put in their Signature Series oil, and new EA0 FilterS (Spelling)? I like the idea about saving oil, as I feel we could do some "helping" in conservation on this planet; that is a topic of discussion for another time.

I do like to use one brand of exclusively to keep things easy. For example, oil, gear oil, transmission fluid, exc. Or, all Pennzoil/Shell products, Valvoline exc. I would just like to know peoples experience with this oil. Does it work, and help clean up the engine? Does it last long term, and can you do extended oil change intervals with it exc. I am asking for myself, and my brother who has a 2007 Wrangler Unlimited with the 3.8. I have been really interested in the Shell Rotella oils, but will probably post my questions in the Diesel section about those. If for some reason you are an owner of either one of these vehicles, and have experience with Shell Rotella in them please chime in! Thanks for looking! This site has been a real pleasure,

Christopher

 

[Since1941]

Oh, I forgot to state, that I live in Hawaii, and my brother lives in Ohio. I will be moving back there in Oct. I do a lot of short trips, and stop and go. Highway driving on weekends. My brother is a combo of both. 145,000 miles on the 95 Jeep wrangler, and 100,000 miles on the 2007 Jeep Unlimited. Thanks again

 

[Provi]

Talking to a friend of mine in Ashland it is good stuff, just as good as the white bottle.

 

[Since1941]

I do not know much about Valvoline oils to be honest. Some people have said they are good, some say not. But you will get that with every brand. Especially, if they are a loyalist I guess. It always seems to be the a topic of conversation about did Pennzoil, or Valvoline create more sludge in the motor. Do not really hear much about that anymore.

 

[Brons2]

Originally Posted By: Since1941
Do not really hear much about that anymore.


Probably because Group I oils, carburetors and points/condenser ignitions have gone the way of the dodo bird.

 

[smkim85]

I am currently using Valvoline maxlife nextgen HM 5w30
on my 2000 pathfinder for about 600 miles.
I was using any conventional 5w30 on sale at the advanced auto shop with an OCI of 4k-5k.
However, since I got a job that doesn't require me to drive every day, my father had driven the car with out an OC for about 8k miles.
The engine was having very unstable vibration during idle and revving. It also wasn't as accelerating as it used to be.
Even had some stuttering issue when cruising at 60-65mph at 2500rpm.

So I immediately changed the oil with higher ZDDP stuff, which is the maxlife HM nextgen to help the engine abuse from the timed oil.
I am definitely feeling better smoothness of the engine while revving and idling.
I am thinking about sending the oil for UOA later.

Very nice motor oil,
I recommend it highly and as you mentioned, you can help the planet at the same time.

 

[Since1941]

smkim85,

Thank you for the response! This is good to hear. I have not had a chance to look inside my motor, or my brothers, but I am sure it could benefit from some higher ZDDP oil. The NEXTGen, and Rotella T are two contenders for my 95 Wrangler, and my brothers 2007 Wrangler. It will be interesting to see other individual's inputs.

Thanks again!

 

[wirelessF]

Cool, another dude from Hawaii! Wassup! [throws shaka]

Anyways I am running Nextgen in my 2001 Toyota Tundra V8. It's got 750mi on the oil and I plan to pull a sample for a used oil analysis when it reaches 5,000mi. If UOA results look good then I could push it a little more. Despite being in hawaii and operating the vehicle in severe service most of the time (short trips, rush hour) I probably won't push this oil.

 

[Since1941]

WirelessF,

What's up brother? Yes, that is my biggest concern. All the traffic, and stop and go downtown. This is why I was looking into Shell Rotella T, and the Chevron Delo 400 LE. Something with a little more beef, and a nice additives package. Let me know how your UOA turns out.

 

[Zaedock]

Originally Posted By: smkim85
I was using any conventional 5w30 on sale at the advanced auto shop with an OCI of 4k-5k.
However, since I got a job that doesn't require me to drive every day, my father had driven the car with out an OC for about 8k miles.
The engine was having very unstable vibration during idle and revving. It also wasn't as accelerating as it used to be.
Even had some stuttering issue when cruising at 60-65mph at 2500rpm.


I highly doubt that the motor oil caused the engine to stutter. If the level of oil wasn't checked for 8K miles and was low enough, then I could see damage from that.


Originally Posted By: smkim85
So I immediately changed the oil with higher ZDDP stuff, which is the maxlife HM nextgen to help the engine abuse from the timed oil.
I am definitely feeling better smoothness of the engine while revving and idling.
I am thinking about sending the oil for UOA later.



I just looked at the Valv Nextgen HM info sheet right from Valvoline, and the zinc/phosphorous content seems typical with the latest API SN rating (i.e. not "higher").



To the OP, I have quite a few Jeep engines in my stable and can say that in my experience, this engine design (low valve spring rate) does not need excessive amounts of ZDDP to live a long and healthy life. I use several of my Jeeps in very extreme situations and they all run fine.

This engine design is very robust and will live a long life on any regular conventional 5W30, 10W30, 10W40, 15W40, or even 20W50 if you feel the temperature warrants it (Aussie Jeeps). You may feel a power and mileage penalty for the higher viscosity oils, especially with short trips.

I typically stick to the 5W30, 10W30, and 10W40 conventional oils, although lately I've been running Quaker State Q-TorquePower 5W30 in my 2.5L trail rig.

 

[KCJeep]

Valvoline does very well in engines that typically shed a lot of iron, like the Jeep 4.0 or the newer GM 3.6DI engines. I think the Maxlife makes the most sense for a Jeep but either flavor will do just fine, Rotella is also an excellent choice so you've really got a win - win scenario here.

Like Zaedock said, the Jeep 4.0 doesn't have to have high ZDDP but it sure doesn't hurt anything either...Rotella would be a top choice if you want the ZDDP. The new Quaker State Defy looks like a winner for Jeeps as well but I haven't seen any real data on it yet.

 

[Since1941]

How does the Pennzoil Yellow Bottle compare to like the Nextgen? Not trying to start any huge ordeal, but just curious. I have never really used either. As for the 2007 Unlimited Jeep should I just stick with regular oil? Will the Rotella cause damage, or be a bad choice even in the 10w30 flavor?

Thanks to everyone for all the replies and help!

 

[A_Harman]

People here tend to advocate PYB because of the high content of moly and TBN that it gets in virgin oil analyses. Valvoline oils have less metallic content in their additive packages so are less recommended. Also, Valvoline has lower TBN, and are not believed to be as good for extended OCI's as PYB.

 

[Zaedock]

To be honest with you, it won't really matter which conventional oil you choose for the 4.0L. It's not picky at all.


I don't think the '07's 3.8L is picky either, although it does specify a 5W20 viscosity. If you're looking to keep it simple on changes, a 5w30 or 10w30 would be fine. The Valvoline NextGen Maxlife in 5w30 would work in both applications.

 

[Since1941]

Yes, I do not think either engine has ever really been picky. However, I was just looking to see who had the better product at the end of the day. This may not be a fair question, so I do not know. I never really thought a full synthetic was necessary for either engine. But, I was just looking for thoughts on the valvoline NextGen, and how valvoline compares to Pennzoil. I have been considering the Rotella products for my 4.0L, but my brother has been looking for a solid oil too.

 

[Old Mustang Guy]

I'm a long-time Pennzoil user but I just bought Maxlife for my 01 Escape with 177k. It is just starting to leak a little oil, not even enough to add between changes but I think the Maxlife may help. I think Maxlife might be a good choice for you also. Overall, I think Valvoline and Pennzoil (Sopus) products are comparible.

 

[Ken2]

The best way to save oil is to run your motor oil the full life of the oil, and no less than the recommendation in the owner's manual.

Used motor oil that is recycled isn't wasted. It is mixed with industrial and marine boiler and furnace fuel, or mixed with road paving oils. If they didn't have the used motor oil, they'd use virgin fuel oil. The main advantage of re-refining used motor oil is that it takes less energy in the refining process than does crude oil.

There is nothing wrong with properly and fully re-refined oil, and Valvoline probably does an excellent job with this.

 

[Since1941]

Is the NextGen suitable for long oil change intervals? I have read a few posts stating "not really". Does the NextGen Maxlife allow for longer OICs? I have read PYB can pull off longer OICs due to a better additive package. Also, what would a safe OIC be for these oils?

 

[Zaedock]

Originally Posted By: Since1941
Is the NextGen suitable for long oil change intervals? I have read a few posts stating "not really". Does the NextGen Maxlife allow for longer OICs? I have read PYB can pull off longer OICs due to a better additive package. Also, what would a safe OIC be for these oils?


What is YOUR definition of longer OCI? It's hard to say what is "safe" without knowing the vehicle, conditions, and how it's driven. THIS is what UOA's are for (as opposed to determining ENGINE condition). IMO, a properly tuned Jeep 4.0L, and even the unrespected 3.8L could run 7-8K miles in your climate on the Maxlife (possibly even conventional!). Obviously this number could change +/-, but running it out to 5-6K miles and performing a UOA would give you some idea of how long your particular application can run the oil.

 

[Greg L]

'41:


For what its worth, I raised my 1991 Jeep with 4.0l on Conventional Valvoline (white bottle) in the 10w30 and 10w40 weights. No issues, and clean as a whistle last time I looked under the valve cover.

Only recently (about 3 years ago) I switched to Pennzoil products for this same motor...specifically Pennzoil Platinum and Pennzoil High Mileage oils in the 10w30 and 10w40 weights. Both of these oils have been outstanding & seem to have a better additive package, in comparison to Valvoline. (and they also seem to run the motor quieter, cooler and with slightly better gas mileage). I got a good oil analysis report last year with this stuff.


Currently, it is using the High Mileage Pennzoil with 160k miles on the engine. No more drips & I run about 5-7 k intervals on the OCI. Good stuff...I'm a believer in it!


GL

p.s. You may also consider Valvoline MaxLife. Should have a good additive pack with it.