Dark Oil

[LF Motorsports]

Looking for some honest feedback but not a lecture. I have just change the oil for the 2nd time in my new silvy. ~6200 miles. The first was just over 3000 miles. Anyway, the first oil drain, the oil was real dark. I figured it was just what OEM oil is used. I put Castrol GTX in at that time. When I drained it today, it was also pretty dark, but seems fine (viscosity and such). I know you can not tell by looking but it was not burnt smelling and seemed to have the same viscosity as new.

 

With that said.... Is the dark color just from the Castrol Oil? What other brand and mineral or synthetic will keep the oil the proper color between oil changes. I have read some of you have no problem with this and the oil is golden (as new) when drained. Just looking for some options. And wondering if that is normal.

 

I have had good luck with Castrol in the past, as in no smoking or blow-by in previous trucks. F-150 with over 200,000 miles and '93 chevy with over 170,000 on it.

 

Thanks.

 

Lance

[slimjim2525]

I would not worry about the color of the oil. Some oils just turn dark, where as some others will stay golden brown longer. I use valvoline which stays golden brown for a long time, but will eventually turn dark. Mobil 1 when I used it would turn dark within 200 miles.

[Zembonez]

Looking for some honest feedback but not a lecture. I have just change the oil for the 2nd time in my new silvy. ~6200 miles. The first was just over 3000 miles. Anyway, the first oil drain, the oil was real dark. I figured it was just what OEM oil is used. I put Castrol GTX in at that time. When I drained it today, it was also pretty dark, but seems fine (viscosity and such). I know you can not tell by looking but it was not burnt smelling and seemed to have the same viscosity as new.

 

With that said.... Is the dark color just from the Castrol Oil? What other brand and mineral or synthetic will keep the oil the proper color between oil changes. I have read some of you have no problem with this and the oil is golden (as new) when drained. Just looking for some options. And wondering if that is normal.

 

I have had good luck with Castrol in the past, as in no smoking or blow-by in previous trucks. F-150 with over 200,000 miles and '93 chevy with over 170,000 on it.

 

Thanks.

 

Lance

Oil color is not an indicater of it's lubrication properties. From everything I have read, darkening of the oil is a natural part of the use process. I'm sure some of the color is from suspended particulates added by the engine but the rest is likely due to the heat cycling that the oil does while being used.

[Dana_15]

I would not worry about the color of the oil. Some oils just turn dark, where as some others will stay golden brown longer. I use valvoline which stays golden brown for a long time, but will eventually turn dark. Mobil 1 when I used it would turn dark within 200 miles.

 

 

I agree. I used to use Castrol and it would turn dark rather quickly, Mobil 1 turns pitch black quickly. If your concerned about the burnt smell, send some oil out for an analysis.

[LF Motorsports]

No burnt smell with the Castrol. Just wondering of varnishing inside the engine. As in staining the metal.

 

So, may not be a big deal but just wanted to see others experience.

[dlstewart01]

As long as you change it regularly, dark oil should not be on your worry list. I would worry more if the oil did not get dark. That would indicate that the oil was not cleaning your engine and holding the particles in suspension.

 

Don

[Black02Silverado]

The color of the oil does not indicate that it is bad. Like stated above to me it means that it is doing a good job of keeping the engine clean inside by holding dirt and such in suspension. Thought this was interesting by the way. GM approved engine oil update.

[dlstewart01]

The color of the oil does not indicate that it is bad. Like stated above to me it means that it is doing a good job of keeping the engine clean inside by holding dirt and such in suspension. Thought this was interesting by the way. GM approved engine oil update.

 

Thats outdated, Gms list has been updated and Castrol GTX is back on it.

 

Don

 

http://216.182.211.32/techlink/images/issu...equirements.pdf

[Black02Silverado]

The color of the oil does not indicate that it is bad. Like stated above to me it means that it is doing a good job of keeping the engine clean inside by holding dirt and such in suspension. Thought this was interesting by the way. GM approved engine oil update.

 

Thats outdated, Gms list has been updated and Castrol GTX is back on it.

 

Don

 

http://216.182.211.32/techlink/images/issu...equirements.pdf

 

 

 

Good to know. Thanks

[LF Motorsports]

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions. I will just pay attention when draining the oils to see if anything odd is with the used oil.

 

The other thought is would synthetic be any better? My thought is the cost difference (not sure the numbers) won't offset the gas mileage increase.

[Black02Silverado]

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions. I will just pay attention when draining the oils to see if anything odd is with the used oil.

 

The other thought is would synthetic be any better? My thought is the cost difference (not sure the numbers) won't offset the gas mileage increase.

 

 

Synthetic is worth going to if you don't mind the extra cost or plan on going extended drains. Other wise keep doing what you are in terms of oil changes and all will be well, you can go longer than 3k on todays oils but I wouldn't push it past 6k with out an oil analysis.

[BigJayDogg3]

I was told the only thing synthetic does is increase the drain intervals. I'll stay with my dino oil and change more frequently.

[N4gkj]

my dad was a mechanic for nearly 40 years and he gave me some words of wisdom...

if an oil doesnt turn dark, its not doing its job..... oil is more than just lube.... its a cleaner, a coolant, a lube just to name a few....

if my oil drained out the same color that i put it in, i would change brands...... just my 2cents...

[ujtruck]

I was told the only thing synthetic does is increase the drain intervals. I'll stay with my dino oil and change more frequently.

 

My new truck still using dino oil, but would like switching to AMSOIL synthetic, but my buddy told me synthetic can cause engine troubles (getting oil in to spark plug etc)...

 

can someone answer this...

 

sorry for hijacking....

[dlstewart01]

I was told the only thing synthetic does is increase the drain intervals. I'll stay with my dino oil and change more frequently.

 

My new truck still using dino oil, but would like switching to AMSOIL synthetic, but my buddy told me synthetic can cause engine troubles (getting oil in to spark plug etc)...

 

can someone answer this...

 

sorry for hijacking....

 

 

Just think about it. General Motors puts synthetic oil in the Corvette right from the factory. You would think they would know better. Just think about all the unneccessary warranty claims they have because their stupid engineers didn't listen to your buddy.

 

(just kidding) Some times you just have to use common sense.

 

I have been using synthetic for years even in my lawn mower with out any problems.

 

Have a good one,

 

Don