[Bryman13]

Changed my oil today and noticed it was very dark in color. Oil has always been changed at 5k miles with full synthetic and I have never seen it that dark in 58k miles. The only thing I can think of is maybe cheap oil? Last oil change the dealership did it and used Motorcraft full synthetic, I don't think I'll be using that again. This time I went with Castrol Edge full synth, so hopefully that will improve with the next oil change. I didn't see any metal flakes in it or anything, I was just very surprised to see how dark it was, and with the way these cars tend to build up sludge I just want to make sure I'm taking all the precautions I can, especially since I'm just about out of my powertrain warranty.

 

[mininsx]

I would worry if my oil wasn't dirty. The detergents in the oil are doing their job.

 

[Bryman13]

I would worry if my oil wasn't dirty. The detergents in the oil are doing their job.

But to be black after only 5k miles?

 

[jalapeno]

ONLY 5k? lol

mines black and changed by 3k

 

[galaxy7]

Two things...Motorcradt oil is great oil and the color and/or physical appearance of your oil provides zero indication as to the condition of the oil. If the characteristics have changed though (as you said, not nirmal for your engine for 5k miles) then you really should do an oil analysis if you want to know what's up.

 

[Blackula]

I can confirm Pennzoil platinum after 5k miles was just as black as the original Motorcraft was after 3k. I'll probably wait til next oil change to send off to Blackstone.

 

[UnfocusedST]

Welcome to having a direct injected engine. They have been known to be dirty engines. However I'm sure if your worried you can send an oil sample to Black Stone labs.

Sent from another garage.

 

[Shadow5501]

Color of the oil means nothing. Ever own a diesel? The oil turns inky black in the first 100 miles after changing. Despite that, the engines are known for extreme long life.

 

[luichar]

Color of the oil means nothing.

^ that

 

[Bryman13]

ONLY 5k? lol

mines black and changed by 3k

Don't try to make me feel bad for going 5k, lol. That's well within the parameters Ford recommends. I only do it that often because my car is my baby, and I ride her hard. Good to know you're getting dark oil after such a short time though too.

Welcome to having a direct injected engine. They have been known to be dirty engines. However I'm sure if your worried you can send an oil sample to Black Stone labs.

Sent from another garage.

I don't know that I'd go as far as sending any oil off, it's not having any issues whatsoever. But I'll keep that in mind if I ever change my mind.

 

[nickbaldwin86]

"dirty" or black? big difference. only way to know for sure is send the oil in for a check and see if it is "dirty" or just black.

Black is VERY normal. I have never seen anything other and I have changed every 5k since the day i bought it. I have done all 6 oil changes myself.

I have also done oil changes on other members cars. they all look the same black

 

[nickbaldwin86]

oh and to your comment about 5k... 5k is very normally with good oil and I have read reports for these cars that say 7-8k with quality oil is a good avg

 

[UnfocusedST]

I change at 5K with full synthetic. I do tend to push the car during auto x and some spirited driving.

Sent from another garage.

 

[Bryman13]

oh and to your comment about 5k... 5k is very normally with good oil and I have read reports for these cars that say 7-8k with quality oil is a good avg

I change at 5K with full synthetic. I do tend to push the car during auto x and some spirited driving.

Sent from another garage.

Yeah, if I didn't drive my car the way I do I would take it longer between changes. And dirty might not have been the right word, black is probably more accurate. Like I said, I didn't find any sediment or metal particles or anything.

 

[nickbaldwin86]

Yeah, if I didn't drive my car the way I do I would take it longer between changes. And dirty might not have been the right word, black is probably more accurate. Like I said, I didn't find any sediment or metal particles or anything.

yeah from the sounds of it your oil is just fine... only way to know is by sending it in. if you are worried about it, otherwise a complete waste.

 

[Bryman13]

yeah from the sounds of it your oil is just fine... only way to know is by sending it in. if you are worried about it, otherwise a complete waste.

Not worried about it anymore. Thanks for the helpful info. /thread

 

[ZX3CLH]

I can confirm Pennzoil platinum after 5k miles was just as black as the original Motorcraft was after 3k. I'll probably wait til next oil change to send off to Blackstone.

I can confirm as well

 

[mininsx]

Yes.

 

[mininsx]

But to be black after only 5k miles?

Yes, absolutely. It's normal.