Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
My last oil analysis came back with a note about "Elevated Soot", though the oil is suitable for continued use. In fact, the oil LOOKED so nasty that I went ahead and changed the oil and both filters the same day I pulled the sample. I figured an oil change wouldn't hurt anything, even if it WAS still "suitable for continued use" and only had 52,868 miles on it (79,282 on the truck).
Anyhow, I'm looking for a solution.
I live in Colorado and haul a 35' 5er all over the place. Heavy load, high altitude and long steep climbs are the "normal" for this truck since new. Even when new, the oil would get black pretty quick. I figured that was normal for a diesel truck. I broke it in on Shell Rotella-T and changed it every 3500 - 4000 miles. At 26,411 miles I installed the Amsoil dual remote filters and switched to Amsoil Series 3000 5w30 Heavy Duty Diesel oil. I had hoped that the better filtration would result in cleaner oil; but sunnovagun, it was still BLACK. Also note that I installed a K&N air filter in the stock box at 15,000 miles. I'm an Amsoil dealer, but I was in the parts store and they had the right size in stock, and I didn't want to "bother" with looking up the Amsoil # and ordering one.
Over time, and watching my oil analysis, the oil has always been good to continue using, but I noticed that the Silicon number was creeping up (8,9,11), so I replaced the K&N with an Amsoil air filter in Oct 2001. This last 2 analysis show Si dropped back down to 9, then 6 - the lowest reading since I started oil analysis. I have re-evaluated my choice of Amsoil v/s K&N v/s paper filter, and think I'll stick with the Amsoil. Either "oiled" filter carries the risk of contaminating whatever electronic sensor(s) along the way between the filter and the intake, but considering that I live on a dirt road, I chose the filter that seems to be the best at removing dirt. *MAYBE* a better flowing filter would help reduce the "soot" in my oil analysis?
The oil was still BLACK, but staying about the same. However, last September, I installed the RV275 injectors, boost elbow, and boost-module. I took my truck in for it's emission test just before the install; and took it back for a re-test right after the injector install less than a week later. RWHP went from 186 to 230, and there was almost no difference in smoke: "Opacity" at 40, 50, and 60mph was 6, 3, 4 "stock" and 8, 3, 4 with the new injectors.
Right after this last oil sample/change, I noticed a loss of power. Funny, power was normal before changed the oil, rotated the tires, checked all the fluids, and changed the fuel filter... Anyhow we hit the road to Moab, and pulling the camper up the major mountain passes it was real obvious that something wasn't right. We got there late in the day and setup camp. As soon as I had time to look at the truck, it didn't take 5 minutes to find that the rubber boot down below the turbo was blown out from under the clamp. Easy fix, and the power is back.
OK, so now ya have the "Big Picture".
Why is my oil so black with "elevated soot" and how do I fix it?
I figure it is probably a combination of the altitude and the injectors, unless I'm missing a piece of the puzzle.
I have a stock-so-far automatic transmission, so I don't plan on putting on a bigger turbo or twins anytime soon!
I don't have any gauges that weren't installed at the factory -- but Miss Cleo says there is a full set in my near-future!
Anyhow, I'm looking for a solution.
I live in Colorado and haul a 35' 5er all over the place. Heavy load, high altitude and long steep climbs are the "normal" for this truck since new. Even when new, the oil would get black pretty quick. I figured that was normal for a diesel truck. I broke it in on Shell Rotella-T and changed it every 3500 - 4000 miles. At 26,411 miles I installed the Amsoil dual remote filters and switched to Amsoil Series 3000 5w30 Heavy Duty Diesel oil. I had hoped that the better filtration would result in cleaner oil; but sunnovagun, it was still BLACK. Also note that I installed a K&N air filter in the stock box at 15,000 miles. I'm an Amsoil dealer, but I was in the parts store and they had the right size in stock, and I didn't want to "bother" with looking up the Amsoil # and ordering one.
Over time, and watching my oil analysis, the oil has always been good to continue using, but I noticed that the Silicon number was creeping up (8,9,11), so I replaced the K&N with an Amsoil air filter in Oct 2001. This last 2 analysis show Si dropped back down to 9, then 6 - the lowest reading since I started oil analysis. I have re-evaluated my choice of Amsoil v/s K&N v/s paper filter, and think I'll stick with the Amsoil. Either "oiled" filter carries the risk of contaminating whatever electronic sensor(s) along the way between the filter and the intake, but considering that I live on a dirt road, I chose the filter that seems to be the best at removing dirt. *MAYBE* a better flowing filter would help reduce the "soot" in my oil analysis?
The oil was still BLACK, but staying about the same. However, last September, I installed the RV275 injectors, boost elbow, and boost-module. I took my truck in for it's emission test just before the install; and took it back for a re-test right after the injector install less than a week later. RWHP went from 186 to 230, and there was almost no difference in smoke: "Opacity" at 40, 50, and 60mph was 6, 3, 4 "stock" and 8, 3, 4 with the new injectors.
Right after this last oil sample/change, I noticed a loss of power. Funny, power was normal before changed the oil, rotated the tires, checked all the fluids, and changed the fuel filter... Anyhow we hit the road to Moab, and pulling the camper up the major mountain passes it was real obvious that something wasn't right. We got there late in the day and setup camp. As soon as I had time to look at the truck, it didn't take 5 minutes to find that the rubber boot down below the turbo was blown out from under the clamp. Easy fix, and the power is back.
OK, so now ya have the "Big Picture".
Why is my oil so black with "elevated soot" and how do I fix it?
I figure it is probably a combination of the altitude and the injectors, unless I'm missing a piece of the puzzle.
I have a stock-so-far automatic transmission, so I don't plan on putting on a bigger turbo or twins anytime soon!
I don't have any gauges that weren't installed at the factory -- but Miss Cleo says there is a full set in my near-future!
