[hmathews]

I am really new to Diesel engines.. I did the oil change at the local dealership on Monday. Right after I got the truck back, I checked the oil and the oil had already changed to black color. It was not as black as when I gave it to them. Besides, the overhead still says "oil change required". Why did the color change black so soon...?? Is this bad? Does this mean that the engine may have been abused by the previous owner (I am the second owner and I just bought this truck)? Thanks for the answers.

 

[kyle667]

It turns black pretty quick - not sure about that quick, but if the overhead still says oil change required I would take it back there and make them do it again!

 

[AH64ID]

Newer diesels, especially the 6.7, but 04.5+ 5.9's too, turn the oil black as soon as you change it, its normal.. even with a bypass. Color is not an indication of the quality of oil. They most likely just forgot to reset the light.

 

[elephantrider]

yep, oil goes black as soon as it hits the motor.

 

[ynots57]

I agree, its normal on 2004.5 + 5.9's and 6.7's. there must be a reset for the overhead the dealer didnt do. I often wondered if the oil gets black so soon because the oil cooler does not drain when changing oil

 

[mileshuff]

The overhead can be reset by turning the key to on without starting and pressing the gas pedal three times. The dealer must have failed to do this or they never changed your oil.

 

[AH64ID]

I agree, its normal on 2004.5 + 5.9's and 6.7's. there must be a reset for the overhead the dealer didnt do. I often wondered if the oil gets black so soon because the oil cooler does not drain when changing oil

I think a lot of it has to do with the EGR (in cylinder or via the valve) and the soot that it produces... Its just too hard to clean it all out.

 

[RDyson]

I've got the top end off of my 03 right now for an injector change and studs. There are alot of recesses on top of the head that hold oil. Also on top of the rockers. Those and with the oil cooler and lines mentioned above, now I understand why it get's black so quick.

Randy

 

[hmathews]

Ok.. I am assuming then that I have nothing to worry about and it is normal... that's great. Does this quick discoloration of the oil lead to quicker oil changes..? How often do you guys change oil.. I know it depends on what you do with the truck. I use it mainly as a daily driver plus ocassional towing and hauling etc... I am wondering how often you guys change oil - do you just stick to the oil change intervals mentioned in the schedule?

 

[2rowdy]

Next I look at my oil it will have 15000 miles on it.








I do have a bypass though.

 

[slagburn]

My oil turned pure black on a 2 mile ride around the block.

The black oil doesn't seem to be detrimental to the engine, many having oil analysis done to see how the oil is and figure out the change intervals from that.

 

[hmathews]

Next I look at my oil it will have 15000 miles on it.








I do have a bypass though.

2rowdy.. what is a bypass? I am so new to this stuff.. can you explain?

 

[AH64ID]

Next I look at my oil it will have 15000 miles on it.








I do have a bypass though.

I am going to take my first look around 10K, and every 5K from there until I establish a service interval..


A bypass is a supplemental filter that filters only a small portion of the oil at a time to a much finer degree. For example the OEM filter filters absolute (98.7%) at 35 microns, the Amsoil bypass filters absolute at 2 microns. So you can see how much smaller of a material you are filtering out. Most wear causing particles are above 5 microns. Bypass filters also help reduce soot loading of oil (which is what turns the oil black). So you get a cleaner oil that lasts longer, and causes less wear to the motor.

 

[RDyson]

Ok.. I am assuming then that I have nothing to worry about and it is normal... that's great. Does this quick discoloration of the oil lead to quicker oil changes..? How often do you guys change oil.. I know it depends on what you do with the truck. I use it mainly as a daily driver plus ocassional towing and hauling etc... I am wondering how often you guys change oil - do you just stick to the oil change intervals mentioned in the schedule?

I change mine at 5k. That way I get my fuel filter at 10k--every other oil change. That has worked well for 110k for me.

Randy

 

[elephantrider]

change my oil every 10k and fuel filter every 5k.

 

[Quake]

Just wondering if you all use Synthetic or other oil.. please specify.. Trying to get an idea if Syn. oil is worth the :$:

 

[2rowdy]

I have a fs-2500 bypass filter and I run schaeffer's supreme 9000 5w-40 synthetic engine oil. Schaeffer's 75w-90 synthetic in the differentials and schaeffer's synthetic atf+4 in the transfer case. I will do the trans. at 50,000 miles.

 

[hmathews]

I am going to take my first look around 10K, and every 5K from there until I establish a service interval..


A bypass is a supplemental filter that filters only a small portion of the oil at a time to a much finer degree. For example the OEM filter filters absolute (98.7%) at 35 microns, the Amsoil bypass filters absolute at 2 microns. So you can see how much smaller of a material you are filtering out. Most wear causing particles are above 5 microns. Bypass filters also help reduce soot loading of oil (which is what turns the oil black). So you get a cleaner oil that lasts longer, and causes less wear to the motor.

Wow.. I am learning a lot of stuff from this forum!

Ah64id, So a bypass is really good for the engine - I am going to think about getting one. How much does that cost? Does it affect the warranty?

Also whey you say you look at your oil, do you personally do the oil analysis. Is there a kit that you can buy to do the oil analysis? Thanks.

 

[elephantrider]

i run rotella 15w/40

 

[AH64ID]

Wow.. I am learning a lot of stuff from this forum!

Ah64id, So a bypass is really good for the engine - I am going to think about getting one. How much does that cost? Does it affect the warranty?

Also whey you say you look at your oil, do you personally do the oil analysis. Is there a kit that you can buy to do the oil analysis? Thanks.

I think that they are good for the engine, have one on every rig I own. It will not affect your warranty as its allowing for better oil filtration. The amsoil kit (better filtration and cheaper than the FS2500) is $130 (preferred pricing) plus filters, $35. There are also a few other adapters needed for ease of installation totaling $60.... So about 230 plus the 10 (6 month) or 20 (1 year) fee for preferred customer...