Black oil all the time!?

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

I have 30K miles on my '06 and I've changed the oil 13 times. I was changing it every 3K miles, I get the oil free. My problem is, the oil on the dipstick is always black. Over one weekend, I changed the oil and filter 3 times with no more than 40 miles between services. Check the dipstick after each service, jet black. My '97 is not this way. After an oil change, the oil on the dipstick is golden brown like it should be. I always change oil on a level surface and let oil drain for about an hour. The truck has a stock pan and drain plug. Oil is Rotella.



Anybody have any ideas as to why the '06 always has black oil on the dipstick?

 

[RDyson]

My 03 has always been the same. Black after only a few miles. I have also used Rotella since the first oil change. Now have 102k on the clock.



Randy

 

[Forrest Nearing]

my 12v's are black as crude

 

[EGaskamp]

On every Cummins I've ever owned ('95, '02, '04) thats how the oil is after I run it for a few miles. Nothing to worry about.

 

[Cattletrkr]

No foolin' here. My oil is black on the dipstick immediately upon refill... before I ever start it up. Always been that way on this truck. Dad's '03 is barely darkend by the time he changes it.

For the '04. 5's and newer, black oil is just the way it is. Get used to it. No aftermarket filter will keep it clean either, from what I've read here.

 

[steved]

No aftermarket filter will keep it clean either, from what I've read here.

Depends on what "clean" is... clarity or analytical?



My GCF will keep my oil clear; its black, but clear on the stick if that makes any sense. Takes around 4k for the oil to actually get black... usually stays a dark shade of gray.



steved

 

[05mxdiesel]

Depends on what "clean" is... clarity or analytical?



My GCF will keep my oil clear; its black, but clear on the stick if that makes any sense. Takes around 4k for the oil to actually get black... usually stays a dark shade of gray.



steved

I can attest to steve comments, it almost looks like black chrome. Shiny and clear but black as night.

 

[DennyDay]

Just run a sample to the lab (Geno's has the kit) and see what it shows for soot. This way you are not guessing. I think you will find everything is well withing spec. I try to do a sample about twice a year, but on the '06 (13000 mi. ) I felt is was too dirty to soon, but lab said it was OK



Denny

 

[klenger]

Black oil is normal in the 04. 5 and later CTDs with the 3rd injection event. You would be better off putting the free oil in your fuel tank.

 

[steved]

I think that, at least in these 3rd gens, if you can keep the soot levels low; generally the modern oils are quite capable of the recommended 15k OCIs.



steved

 

[MStrain]

Black oil is normal in my truck, I think it is still doing its job perfectly fine, you may want to stop throwing out good oil.

 

[Cattletrkr]

Depends on what "clean" is... clarity or analytical?

My GCF will keep my oil clear; its black, but clear on the stick if that makes any sense. Takes around 4k for the oil to actually get black... usually stays a dark shade of gray.

steved

Open mouth insert foot...

 

[steved]

Open mouth insert foot...

I know I got a big mouth, it fits a size 11... don't go telling everybody!



:-laf



steved

 

[JFaulkner]

I've never seen any engine that didn't turn the oil black, especially a diesel! Oil has more than one purpose; lube, cool and clean. If the oil isn't black then it's probably cleaning very well. Not to mention that unless you completely tear the engine down and flush everything there is a pretty good amount of dirty oil still in there and it doesn't take much to color the new stuff. Come on guys it's an engine, not an infant. Black = don't worry ~ Black with metal chunks = worry.

 

[Regcabguy]

Diesel oil.

I drive a '92 Hino 4-cylinder w/240,000 miles. The oil on this truck is and always has been black after one day. My '99 CTD seemed to stay amber in color for quite awhile.

 

[steved]

I've never seen any engine that didn't turn the oil black, especially a diesel!

Agree'd... but I think the issue here is the fact how fast it gets black, the fact that black typically equals soot, and excessive soot can be abrasive.



steved

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Agree'd... but I think the issue here is the fact how fast it gets black, the fact that black typically equals soot, and excessive soot can be abrasive.



steved

That's what I was thinking. What I don't understand is why the new oil on the dipstick is jet black before I start the truck after an oil change.



Thanks for the replies!

 

[steved]

That's what I was thinking. What I don't understand is why the new oil on the dipstick is jet black before I start the truck after an oil change.



Thanks for the replies!

I think it was already mentioned, the residual amount of old oil is enough to make the new oil black.



But that doesn't mean the oil is bad...



steved

 

[SShafranko]

My friends 96 powerstroke the oil gets black after 5 miles. Black as night.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

The rate of turning black definitely varies from truck to truck, year to year, and fueling levels. Generally it seems to go like this (from cleanest to dirtiest):

1. Stock 24-valves
2. Stock '03 '04 3rd Gens
3. Stock 12-valves

. . . then we skip down the list a ways to the bombed trucks . . .

9. 600 HP 24-valves
10. 600 HP 12-valves
11. Stock Cummins 600s
12. Lightly bombed Cummins 600s
13. Moderately Bombed Cummins 600s
14. Highly Bombed Cummins 600s

LOL

Vaughn