Valvoline

[dwcars]

The service book I received with my 560SL indicates that Valvoline 10W-40 has been used all the way thru the 140,000 mile change. I have no experience with Valvoline! Some oils do a good job of keeping an engine clean while others promote sludge and parafin build-up.
Has anyone seen the inside of an engine that has used Valvoline over that number of miles?
I would like to use one of my favorite oils next change. But if Valvoline leaves sludge or parafin behind, I don't want to use something that will scrub the inside of the motor clean and leave me with a bunch of leaks.

[450slcguy]

Originally Posted by dwcars

The service book I received with my 560SL indicates that Valvoline 10W-40 has been used all the way thru the 140,000 mile change. I have no experience with Valvoline! Some oils do a good job of keeping an engine clean while others promote sludge and parafin build-up.
Has anyone seen the inside of an engine that has used Valvoline over that number of miles?
I would like to use one of my favorite oils next change. But if Valvoline leaves sludge or parafin behind, I don't want to use something that will scrub the inside of the motor clean and leave me with a bunch of leaks.

Your cars has gone a 140,000 miles on Valvoline oil, whats the problem? What do you know about your "favorite motor oil" that you don't know about Valvoline? Valvoline is an excellent oil, but if your really concerned, pull off the valve covers and take a look. Your answer will be apparent.

Any of the premium 10w40 oils will work fine. I definitely would not switch to synthetics considering the age and mileage on the motor.

[dwcars]

I have a negative attitude towards Valvoline. In the mid-80's when my dad remarried, his new spouse had a Buick. Dad had the oil changed before making his annual trek from NJ to his place in NC. During the trip, the car went through a quart of oil. My brother, a mechanic who doesn't like Valvoline either, changed the oil again and replaced the Valvoline with Havoline. Voila, end of oil consumption.
Since I just bought the 560SL, I don't know whether it uses/loses any oil or not. Guess I'll find out.
I was planning to use synthetic. I use synthetic in my Town Car, my '57 Chevy, and my 1955 Studebaker. The studebaker was built in a time when they may not have even had multi-vis or detergent oils. The engine has never been rebuilt and has about 66K on it. I put synthetic in it as soon as I bought it 5 years ago and it hasn't developed any leaks yet. On the plus side, the solid lifters, which were very audible at first, are now quiet. Synthetic oil is superior in every measurable way. I have read just about everything in print about synthetics (not just marketing blab either) and I believe it is the ONLY way to go.

[230/8]

If you like synthetics, why not try Mobil1 15w50. I use it in all my MBs and it is great. A little pricey, but great service and protection.

230/8

[Gurunutkins]

I have to agree with 230/8, I run all of my older cars on shell rotella 5 w 40 synthetic. haven't had a problem. They run cooler and cleaner. I seldom used either halvoline or valvoline when i used dino oil just castrol gtx.
cheers
barri