|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 76
CEG\'er
|
OP
CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 76 |
So my car has had synthetic oil since 100,000kms it now has 158000kms and after 8000kms the oil is coming out a lot darker than when it goes in.To my knowledge after 8000kms it should come out looking pretty close to the same as when it went in.Conventional oil will change color a lot after like 3,4000 kms but synthetic is a lot different. Does anybody know what this could be caused by or has anyone had has similar problems.Obviously if i'm running a little hot or if my breather is getting contaminated it's going to affect the oil but to me my oil seems a little to dirty for the amount of kms i put on between each change. I will have the oil tested but if you guys have any input let me now please.soory for the long post.
REDLINING IT ALL THE TIME
1998 mtx zetec contour
17.1 @79mph
open element air filter
ford 9mm racing wires
dtm style exhaust
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 295
CEG\'er
|
CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 295 |
I work at Wal-Mart's Tire and Lube, and I can't say that I've ever seen a car - synthetic oil or not - that the oil wasn't black. We have quite a few vehicles that run Mobil 1, and when they come back it's always black as can be. I'd say that you shouldn't be too terribly worried.
Jonathan
'96 Contour Zetec MTX
208,XXX miles
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,085
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,085 |
Sounds like the detergent part of your oil is doing its job. The reason to change oil is not because the oil is used up , its because of the dirt and contamination circulating in the oil.
2012 Lotus Evora
---------
95 Mystique MTX - GONE 395,000 Kms
--------- Both Zetecs
'97 Contour Mtx - stock - GONE
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 76
CEG\'er
|
OP
CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 76 |
Very true the oil will change color but after dicussing the oil with my partner here at work and my elevator tech both of which are auto mechanics as well said that synthetic oil shouldn't change a whole lot unless it's the first couple of times you put it in the car after using conventional oil.mobile 1 rocks anyhow but now I have two different opinions and I agree with you. Well I guess I'll just have to get it tested to be sure.
REDLINING IT ALL THE TIME
1998 mtx zetec contour
17.1 @79mph
open element air filter
ford 9mm racing wires
dtm style exhaust
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 76
CEG\'er
|
OP
CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 76 |
Originally posted by WestCoastAjax: Sounds like the detergent part of your oil is doing its job. The reason to change oil is not because the oil is used up , its because of the dirt and contamination circulating in the oil.
Well the oil loses it's viscosity and therefore will not coat the parts very well and yes contamination.But there really shouldn't be that much contamination unless the engine is getting fuel past the piston rings.But some yes is fine.sorry to sound anal but I love my contour to death and can't stand it when she doesn't run good
REDLINING IT ALL THE TIME
1998 mtx zetec contour
17.1 @79mph
open element air filter
ford 9mm racing wires
dtm style exhaust
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,085
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,085 |
Mine changes colour also '95 190000 km '97 110000 km
2012 Lotus Evora
---------
95 Mystique MTX - GONE 395,000 Kms
--------- Both Zetecs
'97 Contour Mtx - stock - GONE
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 3,335
Hard-core CEG'er
|
Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 3,335 |
A color change can come too if you just swapped brands but have been with the same one for a long time. Compare, say, Mobil 1 to RedLine. The Mobil and the RedLine will have different additive packages. One will protect differently then the other, one will also clean differently. If you have been with one and just switched, you could be cleaning something in the engine that wasnt cleaned before. Originally posted by fasti4contour: Well the oil loses it's viscosity and therefore will not coat the parts very well and yes contamination.But there really shouldn't be that much contamination unless the engine is getting fuel past the piston rings.But some yes is fine.sorry to sound anal but I love my contour to death and can't stand it when she doesn't run good
The viscosity doesnt change that quick. My last change was pulled out at 6000 miles, the viscosity was still dead center at a 30w (210 degrees). The killer is the acids that the normal conbustion process creates. These deplete the bases in the oil. Thats what will wear out faster, the Royal Purple that I used last only had about 1500 miles of life in it.
The fuel/water that does get in the oil will vaporize under normal (read: fully warm) conditions).
If you are worried about it, send away for a oil sample kit. They will be able to tell you if all is good Clicky!
My Mobil 1 Test, if your curious. I have yet to upload my RP test.
· Jon Miconi
· Coming Soon!
· 01 Cougar
· 98 V70R
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 140
CEG\'er
|
CEG\'er
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 140 |
8000 km is too long of an interval. According to my Pennzoil training at their tech facility the interval should never exceed 5000km. The oil is darker, always will be, because of all the contamination from metals, combustion, unspent fuel and detergent action. Synthetic is only meant to provide extra protection in severe duty environments like every day driving, or extreme cold and hot. I once lost all coolant in a turbo engine and the synthetic cooled and lubricated at hignway speed.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
|
I have no life
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653 |
Not sure what km=in miles, but I know you can go over 5k miles on almost any oil, whether synthetic or not. And I know that's more than 5k km. It just depends on how good your engine is and what conditions it sees. People have done real tests and you can go a suprisingly long amount of time, especially on synthetic with a good engine. My mobil1 doesn't change color much at all after 3k miles and I have no qualms about going 5k miles or more. I just change it when I feel the urge and it's always pretty clean it when I change it.
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 3,335
Hard-core CEG'er
|
Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 3,335 |
True, if driven under the perfect conditions the new GMs with the oil life monitor might not see their change oil light for over a year or 15000 miles.
I call BS on that one, especially if the owner uses crappy oil.
· Jon Miconi
· Coming Soon!
· 01 Cougar
· 98 V70R
|
|
|
|
|