valvoline quality

[justinf89]

I recently switched to valvoline because I came across a lot of it from a friend. In my '97 explorer sohc, I used pennzoil for the last oil change then valvoline this one. On the pennzoil change, the oil got dark/black around 1800 miles and im currently at 4100 on the valvoline and about to change it. The valvoline is still 'honey brown'. I've driven no different so I'm wondering is valvoline not as good at cleaning out the motor? I'm going to switch to valvoline hm this time because again, I got some cheap. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[river_rat]

Different oils turn different.
Pennzoil is known for excellent cleaning, but you could use either for the duration without issues. The Valvoline will keep it clean, too.

 

[StevieC]

Colour is no indication. Could be the additive package or base-stock makeup in the one versus the other reacts differently with your engine conditions / driving patterns and darkens slower/faster.

UOA is the only way to tell whats going on and even that might not tell a clear story.

 

[buster]

Means nothing.

 

[justinf89]

Ok great. Just wanted to be sure. I've always heard that darker meant it is cleaning better. Thats why I love this forum.

 

[sicko]

Seriously, if an oil changes color too quick people say something is wrong and it's used up already, if it doesn't darken fast enough people say it's not doing its job. I wonder if this is a variable that the engineers even attempt to address while making the oil

 

[justinf89]

I've heard people swear by that too. Make sure you change it when it turns dark...the oil companies like those people

 

[river_rat]

Originally Posted By: justinf89
I've heard people swear by that too. Make sure you change it when it turns dark...the oil companies like those people

Amen

 

[StevieC]

The only time you should be concerned is if the oil becomes very thick and gooey like tar or if it becomes light brown and foggy this is a sign of engine problems and could spell disaster!

 

[yaris0128]

Penz gets dirty quick because thats just how good its cleaning power is!!! Dont doubt your oil because of color.

 

[river_rat]

Originally Posted By: StevieC
The only time you should be concerned is if the oil becomes very thick and gooey like tar or if it becomes light brown and foggy this is a sign of engine problems and could spell disaster!

Yes. Good point. Keep an eye on those symptoms but don't worry about how fast it turns the normal brown.

 

[StevieC]

Every time I see that smiley running with the stamp I laugh. It's so funny...