Valvoline Restore and Protect

What gasoline are you using? I used Amsoil Signature Series and Shell premium from when I first bought my 2025 Pilot. After it's second oil change, I decided to "save a few bucks", since the owner's manual showed the recommended fuel was 87 octane, Top Tier certified, so switched to Quik Trip regular, TT certified. When I cut my filter open after 5.6k miles of using regular, it looked very similar to yours. I've switched back to using Shell premium.

I've done one oil change since then, and it was only 3k miles when I switched from Amsoil to HPL Premium Plus PCMO. The pleats had a little residual carbon, but minuscule compared to a full OCI running Quik Trip regular gasoline.

Not all Top Tier fuels are created equal.

That really makes you wonder how bad some of the non top tier fuels might be
 
What gasoline are you using? I used Amsoil Signature Series and Shell premium from when I first bought my 2025 Pilot. After it's second oil change, I decided to "save a few bucks", since the owner's manual showed the recommended fuel was 87 octane, Top Tier certified, so switched to Quik Trip regular, TT certified. When I cut my filter open after 5.6k miles of using regular, it looked very similar to yours. I've switched back to using Shell premium.

I've done one oil change since then, and it was only 3k miles when I switched from Amsoil to HPL Premium Plus PCMO. The pleats had a little residual carbon, but minuscule compared to a full OCI running Quik Trip regular gasoline.

Not all Top Tier fuels are created equal.
I use a variety of top tier gas 87 octane - lately ARCO due to best pricing in my area (PNW). I always run a bottle of Techron through the tank before an oil change as well.
 
Could be reddish from removing varnish which is a reddish color when baked on parts. Did you ever look down in the valve cover, and if so was there varnish on the valve train?

I wonder if it could be the result of carbon dissolving & being held in suspension in the oil.


A higher ratio of amber (4 to 8 quarts) to a bit of grey/black will result in a muted orange-brown which could be interpreted as red.
 
Valvoline Restore and Protect Euro 5w40

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Valvoline Restore and Protect Euro 5w40

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Well there it is. The one oil to rule them all.

Buster I don’t know how you know this stuff as it happens in real time. Strong work, as always. (You broke the news on Valvoline Restore and Protect ATF I recall too.)

Can’t wait to see the approvals. I’m guessing Porsche A40, MB 229.5, VW 502 with the 40 grade.
 
Well there it is. The one oil to rule them all.

Buster I don’t know how you know this stuff as it happens in real time. Strong work, as always. (You broke the news on Valvoline Restore and Protect ATF I recall too.)

Can’t wait to see the approvals. I’m guessing Porsche A40, MB 229.5, VW 502 with the 40 grade.
We will see …

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Here is my second Valvoline Restore and Protect project. This is my BIL 2007 Camry 2.4. It’s got an oil consumption issue, similar to DW 2007 RAV4 2.4, same engine.

2007 Camry, not exactly sure what was originally put in from the last OC, but he did say he added several qt bottles of Chevron Supreme 20w-50 over the last few additions. Yikes! The oil that came out, black as unrefined crude out of the ground black. Tuxedo black?

What went in, Valvoline Restore and Protect 5w-30, before I knew he added/uses 20w-50. I told him to add Valvoline Restore and Protect 10w-40 moving forward. <- Is this okay? And oil filter was Wix 57145xp.

The so-called shop he went to didn’t even provide a proper crush washer. A couple of dipstick pics for reference, including the fill cap and fill hole. 🤞
1100 miles oil filter replacement only.
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This is after I poured in 2/3 qt for top off.

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Looks like Valvoline Restore and Protect is coming to Europe starting June 2026 as Synthetic Blends with the following viscosities and certifications/recommendations:

0W-20: ACEA C5, C6, API SQ, VW 508.00/509.00, Ford WSS-M2C952-A1, Porsche C20, MB 229.71
5W-30: ACEA C2, C3, API SQ, VW 504.00/507.00, Porsche C30, MB 229.31, MB 229.51, BMW LL-04
5W-40: ACEA C3, API SQ, VW 505.01, Porsche A40, MB 229.51, BMW LL-04

EU part numbers:

Valvoline Restore and Protect Synthetic Blend 5W-40
1L - 916499
5L - 916498
20L - 916497
60L - 916496
208L - 916495

Valvoline Restore and Protect Synthetic Blend 5W-30
1L - 916494
5L - 916493
20L - 916492
60L - 916491
208L - 916490

Valvoline Restore and Protect Synthetic Blend 0W-20
1L - 916504
5L - 916503
20L - 916502
60L - 916501
208L - 916500

This info only applies to the European version of 5W-40:

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Source: Valvoline Restore and Protect - European Market

The FAQ section in mostly marketing although I did find it interesting that they are not recommending using Valvoline Restore and Protect for European vehicles still under the manufacturer warranty, Asian brands can still use it while under warranty.

For the USA market Valvoline Restore and Protect Euro Full Synthetic 5W-40 is also on the way, along with 10W-30. No date or certification/recommendation info as of now though, I assume it will be close to the European version.

USA part numbers:

Valvoline Restore and Protect Euro Full Synthetic 5W-40
1qt - 917108
5qt - 917107
5gal - 917106
1qt(x6) - 917105
5qt(x3) - 917104

I see Valvoline Restore and Protect becoming a top seller if it isn't already (until Mobil 1, Castrol, and others crack the code).

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Valvoline Restore and Protect Synthetic Blend 5W-30
1L - 916494
5L - 916493
20L - 916492
60L - 916491
208L - 916490

Valvoline Restore and Protect Synthetic Blend 0W-20
1L - 916504
5L - 916503
20L - 916502
60L - 916501
208L - 916500
Interesting, these make me question if they are the same oil as sold here as full synth, but in Europe cannot be sold as such or are different oils.
Talking particularly about Valvoline Restore and Protect 0W-20 and 5W-30.
 
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