Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Noob question: Why fresh oil stays so clean?

[Roamer]

I just purchased my 2001 with ~101k miles and did my first oil change with a Fleetguard filter. I have ~500 miles on that oil now and I'm stunned that the oil is still clean and transparent. I've owned two other diesel vehicles (a Mercedes wagon and a VW wagon) and in both cases the new oil would immediately turn completely black with soot after the very first startup. Why hasn't this happened with my Dodge? Is there something different about the filtration or blowby on my truck that keeps the oil so clean?

 

[SAndreasen]

After I did my head gasket I changed the oil twice back to back I And I cleaned oil off the rocker arms . My first oil change after that went a thousand miles before even a hint of black In the oil .

 

[AnOldBiker]

I notice older vehicles tend to do this. I understand due to the changes over time due to environmental laws, the newer one darken quickly.
My 06 will turn black after a change just warming her up and driving around the block.

 

[jeepit]

My VW Jetta's oil is black as soon as you drive it.
My 2002 Dodge will stay clear for 4000 miles.

 

[Roamer]

Thanks for the replies. Nobody knows?

My Jetta wagon was a 2005, by the way. My Mercedes wagon was a 1983 (if I remember right). Both would totally blacken new oil on the first startup.

 

[PSpychalski]

Formulated Low Sulphur Diesel is a big contributor to less sooty oil

 

[B.G. Smith]

I usually change the oil in my truck under the recommended mileage, it is an 06. After oil change when I check it after running the engine a few minutes, it is very black, I mean really black. Have a little over 75000 on it now. Have always used Shell Rotella. bg

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I've owned 3 24-valves and every one would take at least 3000 miles for the oil to darken. I don't think it's oil or diesel fuel formulation, there's probably a variety of reasons such as integrity of cylinder seal (rings), injection quality, amount of fueling, etc.

 

[S.Morris]

My sons new 13 stays almost as clean as my 04 for 2 or 3K miles.