INDYMAC

Many of us have experienced valvatrain noise during cold start-up in the S2K. I hadn't experienced it since I changed out the OEM fill oil with Valvoline Maxlife synthetic 10W30. But since moving to Texas where the Maxlife syn is not readily available, I decided to switch to Pennzoil Platinum 10W30 for the last 3 fills (5K mile OCI's). The valvatrain noise is faint, but it's definitely coming back now. The only difference in additives that I can tell from UOA's is that ML has much more moly (lubricant) and Calcium (detergent?) than PP. Although my UOA's from both oils show excellent wear metal results, PP was a little bit better. Since I remember how annoying the valvetrain noise was when my car was new, I think I will scour the Wal-mart circuit for a 5 qt jug of ML syn again and switch back. I'll let you know what happens.

slalom44

It's possible that the cold temp viscosity on the Pennzoil is a little higher, causing this noise. Another option would be to try Pennzoil 5W-30 to see if the noise goes away. Personally, I prefer using 5W- and 0W- oils, especially in the winter.

It' great that you had UOAs done on these oils, so you know that you're not hurting your engine. Thanks for sharing this with us.

SpitfireS

INDYMAC Posted on Nov 27 2006, 12:11 PM
Did they "stay in grade" as well?
I've seen UOA's posted inhere from (IIRC) dino 10W-30 oils that sheared down to a 20 weight, even after a realtively short OCI.
Nevertheless they showed very good wear metal results, IOW, not hurting the engine in any way.

About that valve noise: for how long do you hear it after a cold start?

INDYMAC

Slalom44- I wish it would get cold here in S. Texas. Then I could start doing some quail hunting. But realistically, it never gets much colder than 60F in my garage.
SpitfireS- since these are synthetic oils I use, they really don't shear down much. In fact, I've found 5W30 to thicken rather than shear in the Maxlife series. It ends up thicker than 10W30 on UOA's! The PP held its viscosity well too.
The noise is faint, but audible. It only lasts for a few seconds and then goes away on the first start of the day. I remember when the car was still breaking in with the OEM fill, it annoyed me so much that I changed it out at 3300 miles with Amsoil 7500 10W30. Like magic, the valvetrain noise dissappeared. At 7500 miles I started using ML syn (for the extra moly) until 20K on the ODO. Then switched to PP because I couldn't find ML syn in Texas (moved from VA). So here I am with my 3rd fill of PP at 31K and the noise is starting to come back. I'll let you know if changing oils again brings harmony and peace back to the world!
Here's a link to the UOA's I posted on BITOG if you're interested:

http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/sho...ge=0#Post255865

slalom44

Nice UOA!!!

INDYMAC

I just bought 5 quarts of Maxlife synthetic for $5.79/qt at O'Reillys. I prefer to buy the 5 quart jugs at Wal-mart for less than $20, but haven't been able to find them in Texas. BTW, here's what is on the label now:
Valvoline's Maxlife synthetic is the ONLY motor oil that combines seal protection with a full synthetic formula:
-Conditioners rejuvenate seals to help reduce oil consumption and prevent leaks
-Specifically designed to be suitable for high performance vehicles
-Synthetic formula provides greatest oil burn-off protection versus competitive high mileage oils
Recommended for engines specifying API SM/SL/CF, ACEA, A3/B3/B4/C3, BMW LL-04, VW502.00, VW505.00, VW505.01, MB229.51/229.5, MB229.31/229.3. See owner manual for appropriate viscosity.
Exceeds API SERVICES SM,SL/CF
ACEA SERVICES A3/B3-04, A3/B4-04, C3-04 and all preceding API and ACEA gasoline and passenger car diesel categories. Meets or exceeds all protection requirements of ILSAC GF-4.
API SERVICES rated SM/CF. SAE 10W30.

NFRs2000NYC

Try Amsoil. Youll swear you filled your motor with double cream.

INDYMAC

[QUOTE=NFRs2000NYC,Nov 27 2006, 07:19 PM] Try Amsoil.

NFRs2000NYC

Why get extended oil? Get their regular 10w30 synthetic, install krankvents, and your oil will be clean for 10000 miles. If you buy a 2.5 gallon jug, it works out to be pretty cheap, so no need to go shopping for it.

INDYMAC

I changed the PP to ML syn 10W30 SM last week and it is definitely improving after 3 drives now. The valvetrain noise on start-up is virtually gone now, but not completely. Even though I think the PP is a great oil, the F22C1 valvetrain seems to like the more robust add pack in the ML.