Lube, oil and filter

2000 GMC · November 30, 2001

I changed the oil in my truck. I switched to synthetic last oil change, Moble 1, 14,000 miles. I noticed that the oil this time was just as black as regular oil. I've read that synthitic is usually still honey colored when changed at 3000 miles. Is the the oil being black normal?

When greasing the front end this time noticed that the grease wasn't going into the zert's as easy at it should. Do I need to replace the zerts or should I get a new and better grease gun? I sure made a mess.

Third I switched to K&N oil filter. I've read that they don't completely drain oil when the engine is off, if this is true, this will help a lot on those cold Alaska mornings. Are these filters really that good and do they work as advertised?

Thanks in advance..

bassdog · November 30, 2001

I changed the oil in my truck. I switched to synthetic last oil change, Moble 1, 14,000 miles. I noticed that the oil this time was just as black as regular oil. I've read that synthitic is usually still honey colored when changed at 3000 miles. Is the the oil being black normal?

Try this link for researching oil. http://www.motoroilbible.com

This link for oil filters http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/oil_filter_study/

As far as the zerks, you may have had enough grease in the zerks from the last time you greased. It usually only takes a pump or 2 to fill em up if you keep up with them. If all the greasable fittings are neglected, it will take more grease to fill them back up.

Hope this helps,

bassdog

chevy4x4trucks · November 30, 2001

I've been using synthetic since about 8,000 miles and mine is always black when I change (every 2,500) I've been wondering why it is also, but it still looks better than dyno oil does so I'm not worried. As for the zirk fittings, w/ most of the ones you have to do you get the gun it at such a weird angle that it will pop off the fitting. What I find helps is to have someone hold it on while you pump it. They've made them in such strange spots that you need a third arm.

GreenRado · November 30, 2001

I change my Mobil1 every 3K miles from ~ 10,000 miles (40,000 miles now), and have used synthetic in other vehicles, and it has always come out pretty much black after 2K or 3K miles. Same w/ dino oil, for that matter. I always understood that motor oil doesn't just lubricate - it also cleans (especially synthetic) and picks up internal and external contaminants that in some cases may color the oil.

Yeah, you almost need to be a contortionist sometimes to get the grease in. I also notice it's hard to get the grease gun fitting to stay tight onto the zerk when you have no leverage!

Hope this helps.