Valvoline Restore & Protect

[Jetronic]

Devil's advocate: did the build-up result in quantifiable performance issues?

devils advocate, is past performance a guarantee for the future?

 

[tired]

Valve was changed shortly after purchasing. Probably within 10-15k miles after I noticed a small amount of oil residue in the intake pre-throttle body where the PCV should draw air from, not vent to. Confirmed with vacuum gauge placed in the PCV fresh air tube that engine was building pressure (with PCV fresh air inlet blocked with gauge, and suction line still connected to intake) instead of drawing a slight vacuum as it should normally under that scenario. Checked valve and sure enough it was plugged. Currently have no indications of it being plugged again. Actually wondering if R&P will help keep the PCV oil separator and remainder of PCV system cleaner to help prevent the valve from getting stuck with carbon again. I never pulled a valve cover on this 3UR to see how bad it really was, but I suspect that PCV was clogged for awhile.

My opinion FWIW - I think synthetic usage in itself is good preventative maintenance. In a healthy, well cared for engine it’s sufficient long-term unless that engine has an inherent issue that would lead to buildup that affects operation. I have a 2008 Camry in the family with the 2.4L 2AZ. Prior to R&P oil being available, these engines low-tension one piece oil control ring design was notorious for clogging up with carbon causing oil consumption as I’m sure many on this forum are aware of. I saw it with all different types of oil. Maintenance history, oil quality, and driving habits were all factors, but I saw cars that were seemingly well maintained experience the issue. At 180k I replaced rings on this Camry’s engine, and valve stem seals. Reused block, head, bearings, and everything else as it was in great shape. Car now has 445k on the clock with maybe a 1/4qt consumption in the 7-8k miles it sees between oil changes with whatever synthetic 0w20 or 5w20 oil I have in stock (currently working through a ton of Mobil 1 truck and SUV bought on clearance from every AAP in the Pacific Northwest during their store closure sales, . No signs of excessive buildup in that engine, no real reason to switch to R&P. When I run low on my stock maybe I will. Long story short, I think this Sequoia had too much buildup for the standard synthetics to tackle. The real test will be how it cuts down on oil consumption and ring cleaning. If 2AZ owners are having success with it with the old ring design, that’s impressive in my book.

They are seeing success.

 

[The Critic]

devils advocate, is past performance a guarantee for the future?

In what context?