How quickly should oil turn black?

[PUFF00]

Let me preface this by saying that I’ve never paid such close attention to my oil as I have with this truck; and therefore, I have no experience to draw on.

I changed my oil at 3,000 miles. I checked it this morning—3,500 miles on it now—and the oil looked dirty. I changed the oil today and what came out was black.

Should oil turn black this quickly?

I realize that just because it is discolored doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be changed, but I did it anyway.

I towed my trailer (~7K lbs. ) this weekend, and I was hard on it. Perhaps the break-in process discolors the oil more quickly?

Just wondering if this is normal or not.


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2001. 5 3500 QC 4X4 6-speed HO 3. 55 black
1998 Jeep TJ black http://www.nm4w.org/members/puffer.htm

 

[Max Wedge]

No worrys Puff--I have 11,158 on my 3500 changed oil every 3300 miles or so. Just changed it Saturday and sure enough, black as could be #ad
I am using Shell Rotella. Its normal. The plant where my cousin works just took tore down an ISB (in a fork truck) with 150,000 hours on it and the techs said it was fine--they use Shell Rotella also--oil black==turbo & engine clean.

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Y2K Black 3500 4x4 SLT+ Leather ETC/DGA DMF/DSA Luverne SST Bars
'64 Plymouth 426 III
'79 Chrysler 300 T-Tops

 

[PMalin]

Puff - You may be interested in reading up
on the Bypass Oil Filter Kits. There are
a few manufacturers of these. They really
clean up the oil, much better than the
standard oil filter on the truck. Well, you
can read up on this. One website to get some
good reading material is www.oilguard.com
but dont buy from that webpage, as they just
quit taking orders from that page. I believe
they still have a sale, but you will find
more posts with alternate contact info if
you are interested. If checking oil is new
to you, then you may decide to have a GOOD
mechanic install the kit. Well that is up
to you... Anyway, I just ordered one and am
anxious to install it when it arrives.

 

[Bad340fish]

Its a diesel, generaly oil turns black when you get it close to a diesel. Mine is pretty dark and its been changed every 3000(So I assume bought it used) the truck now has 26K on it. Oil is supposed to clean anyhow, if your oil is always clear i would suspect its not doing it job
Clark

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Clark
1999 2500 QC SB 5spd Flowmaster 3 chamber, K&N Re-0880
1968 Barracuda Formula S Viper Blue 11. 98@112

NHRA member for life

 

[PUFF00]

Just wanted to be clear. The oil turned black in 500 miles. I changed it at 3,000 and just today at 3,500.

So is it generally normal for oil to turn black in 500 miles?

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2001. 5 3500 QC 4X4 6-speed HO 3. 55 black
1998 Jeep TJ black http://www.nm4w.org/members/puffer.htm

 

[LSMITH]

My oil generally looks good for the first 2-300 miles, then it gets dark. Hold a drip up to the light, it is not nearly as dark as you think. At 5K the Rotella is pretty dark.

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99 2500 QC 4X4 AUTO SB 24V LARAMIE SLT 3. 5 LSD 285-75-16'S SPA Boost/EGT Everything but leather NRA Member Great Lakes TDR Member

 

[JJW_ND]

Oil color is all relative. I consider mine looking black with 15K on the oil. It looks pretty clear at 3K... . almost new.

Really black at 25K on the oil.

If I had not had it tested (actually many samples tested) I would have thought their is gonna be problems. Wear metals low, no dirt, very low soot, no fuel but black as a coal!

jjw
ND

 

[Archive]

Puff, one thing to consider is how new that engine is. Your going to get more blow-by containing soot until those rings are fully seated. That could take a few miles, towing significant loads.

If your really interested in your oil, start sending samples to Blackstone Labs, and begin to build a history.

I started with 3k oil change intervals, and now I'm up to 5,600 between drains, at their suggestion. All wear indications are normal or below normal. Truck now has 37k on the clock.

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'99 4x4 • SB • QC • 3. 54 • LSD • AT • Leather • Mag-Hytech • Westach Guages • Line-X • Tommy Gate

 

[BLACKRAM]

Mine is still clear at 5000 miles. I use Amsoil exclusively. I use the Fleetguard Stratapore filters. I had a Mercedes diesel that would turn black within seconds of an oil change.

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1999 2500 4x4, auto, 3. 54 LSD, HD241, Quad cab SLT, Blk Sport Pkg, 16x8 Eagles, 285 Bridgestone AT, 100% Amsoil, 80/100w lights, Valentine One, DTT TC/vb, Mag-Hytek trans pan, DD2's, DD TTPM, Isspro gauges.
1992 SC400
1978 Mooney 201 IFR

 

[PUFF00]

AZ_OILBRNR: One thing I was worried about--with the engine being new--is fuel getting into the oil. I’ve read that fuel will turn oil black, and I thought I might be getting fuel dilution. And, yes, I would like to start doing oil analysis. I’ll check into Blackstone. I don’t know much about oil analysis companies, but there is probably a ton of info in past posts.

2000ney: Wow, 5K and still clear. I’d like to hear from some other synthetic users. I wonder if you are atypical or if this is a characteristic of synthetics, or of Amsoil.

JJW-ND: That’s a good argument for oil analysis; without it you are flying blind…sort of like not having gauges—which I still don’t, but will soon, hopefully.

PMalin: Thanks for the link.

By the way, I am using Fleetguard Stratapore filters.


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2001. 5 3500 QC 4X4 6-speed HO 3. 55 black
1998 Jeep TJ black http://www.nm4w.org/members/puffer.htm

 

[boonsur]

It seems like I heard a concept dealing with this (either on this site, or in the last issue of the magazine). It mentioned how DC retards the timing, which in turn causes more soot(?) in the combustion chamber, which ends up in the oil, causing it to look darker.

Anybody else heard this? Also, would an "EZ" help correct this, since it advances the timing?

 

[lschultz]

PUFF I have been using Amsoil 5W30 since 95 in my trucks. Have 2000 now. I change filter at 5000 miles and oil/filter at 10000 miles. I know I could go longer on the oil if I had samples taken but I don't. When I change filter at 5000 oil is still pretty clean looking,same at 10000. But you can't go by the looks of the oil as for it doing its job. Amsoil is very good oil. Become a dealer and you get it at cost. Thats why I became one. I use it in all my cars/trucks/tractor now. Just bought me a 2001 VW New Beetle TDI. I will put 5W30 in it at 5000. Mileage on it so far 1-45. 3,2-43,3-50. 6 I wish the Cummins could do that good but I'm not complaining with 19-21.

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2000 Dodge 4x4 Quad Cab SWB 5-SP

 

[Skunk]

The best way to get rid of the black oil is to switch to Lubrication Engineers (it's red). You should see the look on peoples faces when I'm changing oil - they think I'm putting in transmission fluid...

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Y2K SWB 4X4, White (aka: The "Iceberg"), Auto, 4. 10, Leather, Loaded, Line-X, KNAACK Crossbox, Smittybilt Nerfs, BFG 295/75-16's, DC Bug Guard, Rancho 9000's.

 

[JSchooley]

Typically, diesel engines and black oil go together, unless it's a cummins.

I have heard that about one in ten Cummins is so tight that the oil doesn't change color that much.

The important thing is consumption. If it's not using any oil you should be in good shape. Actually if you have a Cummins you are most likely in good shape.

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John S. '01 Silver QC LST 2500 6sp 3. 54. BD E-Brake. 50 Gal Aux fuel/tool box.

 

[TomGolden]

Well, I'll toss my $. 02 in for what it's worth.

I had a 1987 Ford F250 with the 6. 9L diesel. I had the engine totally rebuilt soon after I bought it, since cavitation had ruined two cylinders and both heads. I put 55,000 miles on that engine before I sold it abd bought Godzilla #ad
Always used Delo 400 15W-40, always changed oil at 2500 miles. Checked oil levels every weekend, which was about every 300 miles for me. After about 500 - 750 miles, that oil was as black and "thin" as you could imagine. I also always sent samples to Blackstone Labs. They always said all was looking good.

Now in Godzilla, have done oil changes at 2500, 6100 & 10100 miles so far, always use the same Delo 400 15W-40, still check it every weekend, still send samples to Blackstone. They say my rings and valves are fully seated, everything looking great. Even at 3000 miles, Godzilla's oil still looks fairly clean. Also doesn't use a drop of oil either, yet... . Darn Ford leaked like a pasta strainer!

I plan on going to Amsoil at about 20,000 miles, no bypass filter.

That's my experience.

Tom


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Tom Golden
Godzilla: Patriot Blue 2001 2500 SLT QC 4X4 LWB ETH/DEE, Tow & Camper packages, 3. 54 Ltd. Slip, 4 wheel disc ABS, Isspro EGT/boost gauges, black SmittyBilt nerf bars, K&N RE-0880 & pre-filter, no silencer ring, Armacoating bed liner, TDR decal, Jack holiday antenna ball

NRA Life/CRPA/El Dorado #26 F. &A. M. of California

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I noticed now with more miles on my rig the oil stays cleaner much longer than it did when new. It turned dark within 2000 miles after a change, now it takes a good 5k-6k to get dark on the dipstick.

I just sent in a sample at almost 10,000 miles since my last change (running Amsoil 15W40) and results look excellent running Stratapore filters. Iron count is 28. This change has a high percentage of in-town (short trip) driving in the winter. Like TomGolden I am going another 10,000 on my black oil before dropping it. Changing oil sooner than at least 5000 miles is a waste of oil IMHO.

Vaughn

 

[Dr.Evil]

I got in a discussion with a guy on another forum about Rotella. He says it turns blacker than other oils because of the way it's refined, it doesn't have the high temp oxidation stability of other oils. He recommended Pennzoil "Hydro-Refined" oil, part of their "PURE BASE" marketing program. He posted several links to web sites about the process used to refine the oil base stocks and the lab results showing an improved cold flow and high temp oxidation resistance. Almost as good as synthetic at about 20 cents a quart more than DINO oil. I've been a user of Rotella for almost 149,000 miles and NEVER cared for Pennzoil, but If Pennzoil gets this stuff so it's as readily avail. everywhere as Rotella, I would use it in my next truck. My truck's too old to switch now, something about New tricks from an old dog, and It still has to last another 150,000 miles!
DENNY... ... .

 

[DocStressor]

The best conventional oil available right now seems to be Delo 400 iso-syn. They just reformulated with a new Group II+ base stock and a stronger additive package. Based on the specs and price (about the same as Rotella), it is probably the best conventional oil out there right now. In order to remain competitive, Shell will probably reformulate Rotella soon with a Group II base stock. Delo also doesn't smell as bad as Rotella when new, for whatever that is worth.

How fast a diesel oil turns black depends on any number of variables, such as fuel, temperature, driving style and engine condition (blow by). The color is caused by oxidation of oil components and soot accumulation but mostly the latter. Once you accumulate >0. 1% or so of soot, the oil is as black as it can get. But a good CH-4 oil can hold lots of soot in suspension and still be an effective lubricant. I just read an SAE paper on Delvac 1, which showed it be still be a good lubricant while holding 7% soot! Soot particles are typically around 1 micron is size, which is too small to be removed by a conventional filter and are too small to cause much engine wear. A good oil prevents the soot particles from aggregating into larger more abrasive particles that are removed by the oil filter. So black oil is not necessarily a bad thing.



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1999 Quad cab 2500, SB, SLT, 4X4, 5-speed, 3. 54, tow and camper package, Lance 820 camper, Lance cabover stabilizers, Rancho 9000s, Airlift airbags,Reese Titan V hitch, Mag-Hytec differential cover with Amsoil 2000 75W-90 lube, Amsoil air filter

 

[hammong]

The oil from my truck is usually VERY back at 5-6K miles. Someone once explained that one of the differences between the CH-4 diesel certified oils and standard SH-SJ gasoline rated oils is the soot control. Good oil designed for diesel applications SHOULD hold the soot in suspension, making it dark. If it didn't get dark, you either have very little soot blow-by, or the oil isn't holding the crud and the crud is staying in your engine!

Incidentily, I use the "dipstick dirt" test to know when to change my oil. When it looks like it's getting too dark, I change it. So far, the "darkness" method seems to stick me around 5K miles between changes.

Speaking of changing oil -- I love (well, as much as a man can) changing the oil in my truck. I can get my fat behind underneath the truck without jacking 'er up! Can't say that about my 87 Porsche 951.

Greg

Greg


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Y2K Dodge Cummins QC 2500 SLT Laramie 4x4 Long Bed, 4. 10/Auto, Forest Green/Driftwood, 265x75R16 Michelin LTX, 6 speaker CD, Camper/Tow/Plow Packages, Westin Black Nerfs, Mopar bedliner, Ultra bright diamondplate toolbox, K&N Filtercharger.

http://www.rints.com/hammond for photos!

Not Bombed yet!

 

[Okie-Go]

I change every 3,000 also. On the stick it looks fairly clean still. When I drain it out it looks pretty black. I also noticed the more I tow in the 3,000 mile oil change interval it gets black quicker than non towing. I would think that would be normal.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, anti spin 3. 54 axle, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton