Black engine oil???

[CraigA]

Since this is my first diesel, I have a question for all you veteran diesel owners. I checked my engine oil at 500 miles and noticed that it was fairly black. I changed it (Penzoil 15-40) to see what would happen; then after 1000 miles and one good tow, it's black again. Is this normal for cummins or diesels in general? Is it caused by the engine not being broken in and some blow by getting by? My only reference is owning several gas engines and the oil stays clean for at least a thousand miles. Other than that, truck runs and pulls great. I would appreciate any feedback, Thanks.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Interesting, Craig. On my '03 HO it takes about 2000-3000 miles before it starts changing color on my dipstick. I used Delo 400 15W40 before switching to Amsoil 15W40 Heavy Duty Diesel & Marine oil.



I would try Chevron Delo 400, Shell Rotella T or Valvoline Premium Blue oil instead of the Pennzoil. Pennzoil isn't known to be one of the better oils out there and the ones I listed are a better choice.



Vaughn

 

[roperteacher]

I noticed something similar with my new 600 as well. I just traded in a 2001 CTD with 85,000 miles on it , lots of pulling and use... my oil NEVER became dirty or cluded EVER. I changed it every 3,000 on the dot. . the new one is just approaching 2nd oil change and the oil is definately darker. . NOT BLACK. . I can clearly read the words on the dip stick... . I think it might be normal...

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Here's what the oil looks like in my truck at 3000 miles:



#ad






And here's how I did it:



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More info HERE:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=932076#post932076

 

[Apence]

CraigA my 600 turns the oil black in about 500 miles, my 96 would go about 5000 before it was even close to dark brown.

 

[bpenrod]

My oils gets black in the first 500 to 1000 miles. I now have the bypass on and hoping to see how / if it cleans up. According to my last oil analysis with 7k on my 10 minute oil change Penzzoil everything was great and they said it could probably go 10k with no problem!

 

[CraigA]

Thanks Guys; that's interesting that other folks oil gets darker quicker. I should mention, it's not really black, but sure is darker than I'm used to seeing with a few hundred miles after an oil change. However it's still interersting to me thou why it does this. Oh well, I know it's a powerhouse of an engine. Thanks for your feedback; and by the way, that is one serious filter Gary-KJ6Q! I'll have to spend some time and read all 16 pages on your post. Looks interesting, thanks.