Varnish and sludged 2.4 ecotec

[ford250]

Perfect example of why I pour my own oil

 

[I<3oil]

May not be too far off

 

[Sandstorm]

Even if you use conventional oil and change it every 3500 miles, this would and should not happen. Thats why you should change your own oil. I believe the oil changes (a couple OCIs actually) were extended over 10K

 

[The Critic]

It was done at Valvoline instant oil changes.

Doesn’t matter. Some bulk oil suppliers are cheating. Ask @Foxtrot08

 

[Barkleymut]

Absolutely LOVE the 2.4L in my 09 Vue. Best car I have ever owned, daughter still drives it daily. Over 160k miles and it starts perfectly, runs perfectly, never has given me 1 minute of trouble. 4-5k oil changes since I bought it with 80k miles in 2014 for $8k.

 

[TomYoung]

Gonna need a lube with a stout add pack combined with excellent stock blends (base/esters/ANs).
HPL or Amsoil Signature comes to mind.

I like your signature and agree with choosing a good oil, but I think overmaintenance should be the target!

 

[GMFan]

What any dealership or instant oil change place claims they use and what they actually use can often times be different. This could have been a case of a Valvoline shop knowingly (or unknowingly) receiving sub standard non API oil from their supplier - which results in filthy engine despite 3,000 OCIs (assuming they even changed the oil).