Valvoline R&P Oil Burner Test Results

[Hohn]

Gasoline is the main culprit of the ring lands getting stuck because it fills up with carbon. Gasoline, especially low-octane fuel, is cheap for a reason: it contains very little to no detergents. Personally, I use a fuel system cleaner twice between oil changes, maybe more often. It seems to help. I would definitely keep using Valvoline R&P and also use some fuel system cleaner, maybe Techron High Mileage or something similar. Red Line SI-1 is very good. PEA has a tendency to clean those carbon deposits.

Exactly right. The fuel dilution IN THE RING PACK is double or more what you’d measure in the pan sample.
SL1 is my favorite and has been for years. There’s an ebay seller that has a good price on it.

I switched to V-power nitro not because I needed the octane for my TGDI engine (although it doesn’t hurt) but because it has the best detergent package of a mass market fuel in my area and is Top Tier certified (much harder to find since Circle K dominates my area and they are no longer affiliated with Shell and circle K fuels are NOT Top Tier anymore).

 

[Patman]

I really don’t understand the mentality of using VRP as a cleaning regimen only. It’s seems ridiculous to me. Look at the UOAs of VRP. What oil at that price is delivering materially better UOAs?

People are acting like this stuff is MMO or some kind of sketchy cleaner that you need to abandon to go back to “real oil”. Well guess what, your “real oil” is the reason you needed VRP to begin with.

For some of us it’s just too hard to find on a regular basis, and for others it just doesn’t have the approvals on it that we want.

And for those of us who want to do more than 5k intervals, I think there are a lot of other oils that are more suited for this. Valvoline still seems to skirt the question about how long this oil is formulated to go. The typical canned answer of following the manufacturer for the OCI just isn’t good enough when their competitors all give mileage ratings.

 

[ATex7239]

I really don’t understand the mentality of using VRP as a cleaning regimen only. It’s seems ridiculous to me. Look at the UOAs of VRP. What oil at that price is delivering materially better UOAs?

People are acting like this stuff is MMO or some kind of sketchy cleaner that you need to abandon to go back to “real oil”. Well guess what, your “real oil” is the reason you needed VRP to begin with.

The longterm effects are still somewhat unknown. We don’t know what we don’t know yet. I’m going to give it more time on the market before I decide to permanently use it.

 

[Patman]

I would use top tier fuel but it’s not sold close to where I live.

I don’t have the patience to shop at Costco let alone line up for gas.

Costco gas stations are generally not that busy in the first few hours after they open or the last hour before they close.

I’m lucky that the Costco that is less than a mile from my girlfriend’s house is not super busy. Even when I get gas there at 4pm on a Saturday I usually don’t even have to wait for a pump.

 

[Hohn]

For some of us it’s just too hard to find on a regular basis, and for others it just doesn’t have the approvals on it that we want.

And for those of us who want to do more than 5k intervals, I think there are a lot of other oils that are more suited for this. Valvoline still seems to skirt the question about how long this oil is formulated to go. The typical canned answer of following the manufacturer for the OCI just isn’t good enough when their competitors all give mileage ratings.

I don’t get the need for a marketing claim. A BITOGer in particular should be pushing OCI only backed by UOA, not an empty marketing claim. The fact that Valvoline doesn’t give a mileage claim is to their credit, and absolutely should not be held against them.

And since you need to do the UOA anyway, why not just do that with VRP and find out what OCI it does for you?

M1 EP says “protects for 20,000 miles, guaranteed.” But what does that mean, actually? What does it mean to “protect”? Does it mean no engine failure? Well, we’ve seen enough crazy engines with 40k or 50k on them that have never had an oil change on factory fill and still have not failed. But do you want to be the 2nd owner of that engine?

What is the standard? If you run M1 EP for 20k miles and after 100k miles on five OCIs you have major oil consumption and deposits, but the engine still runs just fine, it that “protected”? M1 might think so. I might not. You might not.

Unless someone can prove that these mileage claims from someone like M1 for the EP line mean “engine is surgically clean and has zero consumption” then I’d encourage someone to think long and hard about what these mileage claims are actually guaranteeing.

There’s enough wiggle room in the language of these “guarantees” to ensure that basically every synthetic oil on the market would meet the same claim:

• Mobil 1 Extended Performance motor oils provide guaranteed protection of critical engine parts for up to 20,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. Excluded service includes: commercial and racing applications; frequent towing or hauling; extremely dusty or dirty conditions; or excessive idling.

What’s “frequent” towing? How dusty is “extremely”? How much idling is “excessive”?

If someone can’t see how these loopholes only “guarantee” that M1 will never pay a claim, they are a sucker who has proved that marketing works.

 

[Just a civilian pilot]

Costco gas stations are generally not that busy in the first few hours after they open or the last hour before they close.

I’m lucky that the Costco that is less than a mile from my girlfriend’s house is not super busy. Even when I get gas there at 4pm on a Saturday I usually don’t even have to wait for a pump.

Thanks.

o.k, maybe I should kill two birds with one stone and get some top tier gas and buy top quality ice cream cones at the same time to make it feel good LOL.

Weird, when my wife makes me feel bad for not going to Costco with her, I don't mind lining up for an ice cream cone

The things I do for my wife, and for ice cream.

I believe using good oil and gas helps with stuff.

 

[Patman]

Thanks.

o.k, maybe I should kill two birds with one stone and get some top tier gas and buy top quality ice cream cones at the same time to make it feel good LOL.

Weird, when my wife makes me feel bad for not going to Costco with her, I don't mind lining up for an ice cream cone

The things I do for my wife, and for ice cream.

I believe using good oil and gas helps with stuff.

The $1.50 hot dog deal keeps me going into the store all the time

I really like the fact that they offer such a high detergent package and that it’s usually at least 3-4 cents per liter cheaper than the competition around here. I have never used fuel system cleaners in my Civic and I probably will never need to. For my Vette I use Shell though. Our Costcos only have 91 octane but my Vette needs 93 and Shell finally added 93 here a couple of years ago

 

[4WD]

I really don’t understand the mentality of using VRP as a cleaning regimen only. It’s seems ridiculous to me. Look at the UOAs of VRP. What oil at that price is delivering materially better UOAs?

People are acting like this stuff is MMO or some kind of sketchy cleaner that you need to abandon to go back to “real oil”. Well guess what, your “real oil” is the reason you needed VRP to begin with.

But Valvoline does not even consider this their flagship oil …

 

[lakestone]

Valvoline still seems to skirt the question about how long this oil is formulated to go. The typical canned answer of following the manufacturer for the OCI just isn’t good enough when their competitors all give mileage ratings.

Okay, let's disect the Mobil 1 marketing for example:

And now here it's what they say in the fineprint under "1":

Okay, Mobil doesn't provide an easy link to their warranty, but here is what they say:

Link: https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants...l-limited-warranties/mobil-1-limited-warranty

So, Mobil is not exactly the bastion of honesty you think it is. At least Valvoline is more honest about it and tells you to follow the OEM recommended interval when using the OEM recommended motor oil. It's a simple, generic statement, that doesn't overpromise.

Valvoline Restore & Protect is not a magic product. Ironically, its closes cousin is Mobil 1 Extended Performance. Both of these contain a new generation of detergents that can deal with the aftermath that our cheap North American gasoline leaves behind. European motor oils are formulated for European fuels, unfortunately. You pay more for fuel in Europe, you get better quality. We wanted cheap gas, we got cheap gas. Yes, it's that simple.

I think with the incoming API SQ, we'll see more formulations similar to Valvoline Restore & Protect. Valvoline has an excelent marketing team, and they saw the potential of future additive technology that's already available to them. I think that's all there is to it.

Lastly, maybe we should use motor oils recommended for North American vehicles, instead of trying to get oil with the latest Mercedes, BMW, or Porsche spec, when many of us drive some Chevy, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, or some other vehicle with an N/A engine that's not picky on oil, it just likes to live clean. Just a thought...

 

[Hohn]

The longterm effects are still somewhat unknown. We don’t know what we don’t know yet. I’m going to give it more time on the market before I decide to permanently use it.

I’ll give you that. But zoom out a bit.
There are probably half a million quarts of this stuff in oil pans as I type this. Do you not think that in this day of viral videos that if someone had a major seal problem or other issue from using VRP, we’d have heard about it by now?

Instead the worse accusation someone can levy against it is that it failed to repair a consumption problem. Well, that’s holding VRP to a standard no other oil is ever held to.

 

[Hohn]

But Valvoline does not even consider this their flagship oil …

How do you figure that?

 

[Glenda W.]

Okay, let's disect the Mobil 1 marketing for example:

View attachment 268458

And now here it's what they say in the fineprint under "1":

View attachment 268459

Okay, Mobil doesn't provide an easy link to their warranty, but here is what they say:

Link: https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants...l-limited-warranties/mobil-1-limited-warranty

View attachment 268460

So, Mobil is not exactly the bastion of honesty you think it is. At least Valvoline is more honest about it and tells you to follow the OEM recommended interval when using the OEM recommended motor oil. It's a simple, generic statement, that doesn't overpromise.

Valvoline Restore & Protect is not a magic product. Ironically, its closes cousin is Mobil 1 Extended Performance. Both of these contain a new generation of detergents that can deal with the aftermath that our cheap North American gasoline leaves behind. European motor oils are formulated for European fuels, unfortunately. You pay more for fuel in Europe, you get better quality. We wanted cheap gas, we got cheap gas. Yes, it's that simple.

I think with the incoming API SQ, we'll see more formulations similar to Valvoline Restore & Protect. Valvoline has an excelent marketing team, and they saw the potential of future additive technology that's already available to them. I think that's all there is to it.

Lastly, maybe we should use motor oils recommended for North American vehicles, instead of trying to get oil with the latest Mercedes, BMW, or Porsche spec, when many of us drive some Chevy, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, or some other vehicle with an N/A engine that's not picky on oil, it just likes to live clean. Just a thought...

Complete nonsense again. Please stop

These oils are not similar. One use’s AN’s the other an additive for cleaning. Neither are claiming to clean fuel deposits…..my low tension oil rings are not stuck due to fuel.

 

[Hohn]

Speaking of brilliant marketing, how about the 20 quart VRP box for $176?

https://shop.valvolineglobal.com/pr...ADRyAQ5e0PZj1sk7TSFhqxvzhpLgm&Viscosity=5W-20

 

[lakestone]

Complete nonsense again. Please stop

Lady, I'm just trying to help you.

These oils are not similar. One use’s AN’s the other an additive for cleaning. Neither are claiming to clean fuel deposits…..my low tension oil rings are not stuck due to fuel.

Show me proof that either Valvoline R&P or Mobil 1 EP is using ANs in their formulations.

Speaking of brilliant marketing, how about the 20 quart VRP box for $176?

https://shop.valvolineglobal.com/pr...ADRyAQ5e0PZj1sk7TSFhqxvzhpLgm&Viscosity=5W-20

20 / 5 = 4
4 * $29.98 = $119.92
...
Indeed!

 

[ATex7239]

I’ll give you that. But zoom out a bit.
There are probably half a million quarts of this stuff in oil pans as I type this. Do you not think that in this day of viral videos that if someone had a major seal problem or other issue from using VRP, we’d have heard about it by now?

Instead the worse accusation someone can levy against it is that it failed to repair a consumption problem. Well, that’s holding VRP to a standard no other oil is ever held to.

It’s only been around for a year or so. I’m talking about longterm effects so no I don’t think we’d see the longterm impact within one year.

That said, VRP is currently in the Toyota. If I believed there would be an issue I wouldn’t use it. Just being cautious for now.

 

[ChrisD46]

Just passed 5k miles on my 4th and final oci of Valvoline R&P for a total of 20k miles. It’s been hard to keep my mouth shut but here are the details and results!!

2018 Subaru Outback that I bought new. Started burning oil right at about 60k miles. Before that it only used about a 1/4 quart in a 5k mile oci. It started using 1 quart in 5k miles and steadily increased to almost 3 quarts in 5k miles. I was adding a little over a quart every 2k miles when I started this test. I have done every service myself on this vehicle including the pcv valve on time. I’ve only used a couple high quality full synthetic oils at 5k mile oci’s since new. The internals have always been spotless. I used a borescope and found oil wash on 3 pistons confirming my suspicion of stuck low tension oil rings. Here are the oils I’ve used in detail.

500-35k miles M1 FS 0w40
35k-100k miles Valvoline EP 5w30
100k-110k Amsoil SS 5w30
110k-130k Valvoline R&P 5w30

Results with R&P:

1st oci=no change

2nd oci= no change(almost gave up)

3rd oci=added 1/2 qt at 2k miles, 1/2 qt at 4k miles! Used a little over a quart in 5k mile oci.

4th oci=added 1/2 quart at 3k miles and used a total of less than 3/4 quart in 5k mile oci.

So R&P has improved my oil consumption from almost 3 quarts per 5k miles to less than 3/4 quarts in 5k miles. Not 100% but not to shabby if you ask me. I highly recommend people give R&P a try for at least 4 oci’s.

My plan is to run M1 ESP 0w30 for the foreseeable future. I want to see if this oil will keep my piston rings as is. I will continue to update this thread with any changes.

Great test case as your oil choices / OCI would mirror slot of member habits here . Chances are your engine internals were in decent shape (ie lower sludge cleaning needed but more varnish and especially carbon cleaning of piston / piston rings required.) Stay the course and report back !

 

[ndarkside93]

Exactly right. The fuel dilution IN THE RING PACK is double or more what you’d measure in the pan sample.
SL1 is my favorite and has been for years. There’s an ebay seller that has a good price on it.

I switched to V-power nitro not because I needed the octane for my TGDI engine (although it doesn’t hurt) but because it has the best detergent package of a mass market fuel in my area and is Top Tier certified (much harder to find since Circle K dominates my area and they are no longer affiliated with Shell and circle K fuels are NOT Top Tier anymore).

I usually use Bp but they aren’t top tier certified anymore. There’re the best option in my area. When I drive an hour away I go to the quiktrip or marathon because I refuse to use the circle k gas

 

[Just a civilian pilot]

The $1.50 hot dog deal keeps me going into the store all the time

I really like the fact that they offer such a high detergent package and that it’s usually at least 3-4 cents per liter cheaper than the competition around here. I have never used fuel system cleaners in my Civic and I probably will never need to. For my Vette I use Shell though. Our Costcos only have 91 octane but my Vette needs 93 and Shell finally added 93 here a couple of years ago

When it comes to GDI engines and IVDs , I am sure it helps even though it doesn't directly wash over them.

 

[KCJeep]

Exactly right. The fuel dilution IN THE RING PACK is double or more what you’d measure in the pan sample.
SL1 is my favorite and has been for years. There’s an ebay seller that has a good price on it.

I switched to V-power nitro not because I needed the octane for my TGDI engine (although it doesn’t hurt) but because it has the best detergent package of a mass market fuel in my area and is Top Tier certified (much harder to find since Circle K dominates my area and they are no longer affiliated with Shell and circle K fuels are NOT Top Tier anymore).

Shell VPower Nitro plus is king, Amoco Ultimate with Invigorate is a gnat hair behind in detergents for a close 2nd place. Those two are well ahead of most others. I use the Ultimate since I prefer not to have to dodge stray bullets at our only Shell station.

 

[Glenda W.]

Lady, I'm just trying to help you.



Show me proof that either Valvoline R&P or Mobil 1 EP is using ANs in their formulations.

Covered in depth by LSJR. Surprised you haven’t seen it. EP and Truck and SUV.