Color of Amsoil fairly Dark at 2,800 miles

[buster]

I'm running Series 2000 0w-30 right now and while checking the oil today, I noticed it was fairly dark. I only have 2,800 miles on the oil. I've run M1 and Amsoil the last two times so I don't know why it is so dark already. M1 stayed lighter longer, and I believe the Amsoil 5w-30 did as well. Any ideas why this is happening? I'm supposed to take this oil to 6K-8K miles for analysis, but if it becomes darker, I'm more likely to shorten the drain interval. I know color doesn't always mean the oil is bad.

Maybe it's time for me to use my AutoRx?

 

[MavRick]

It sounds like it's cleaning out some old carbon deposits. I wouldn't worry about the color, just do analysis to prove that it isn't too gunked up. Auto-Rx probably isn't a bad idea if you want to get to where the oil stays cleaner longer. The Mobil 1 at 2900 miles in my new engine looked pretty dark when I sampled it. It still had some brown when wiped against a white towel, but in a jar it looked almost black.

 

[vettenuts]

I am running Amsoil 5W-30 and it stays a light amber color for several thousand miles.

 

[pedaltothemetal]

The light oil may be causing blow by gases to get in your oil. I would go back to the 5w30. If you can't see the stick give it the flick!

 

[buster]

It's still a 30wt. oil though. These 0w's might not be the best for my car. I'll step up to a 10w next time.

 

[MavRick]

quote:

---

Originally posted by buster:
It's still a 30wt. oil though. These 0w's might not be the best for my car. I'll step up to a 10w next time.

---

I don't think the 0w oils should have anything to do with it because it still has a higher viscosity when cold than 30w does when hot. So it's the hot weight you need to worry about I think. How about going to a 40 weight oil? Mobil 0w40 or whatever Amsoil offers. Schaeffers has some good offerings to for less money too. Plus, I wouldn't worry so much about the color unless the engine is using too much oil or analysis looks bad.

 

[buster]

I agree, I don't think the 0w should have anything to do with it. Maybe my driving has been more rough lately. A 30 or 40wt. from Mobil or Amsoil will be my choice this summer. The oil should be fine though.

 

[mdv]

Buster, here's what I don't understand. You participate in tons of threads around here, one of which discussed the different detergent properties of the brands. It was noted that Amsoil tends to be more detergent than a lot of other brands, even over Mobil 1. Why then is it suprising that the oil in your car is getting darker faster with Amsoil?

BTW, there is also a difference between the 0W-30 and 5W-30 in terms of detergency as well. As Tooslick and Molakule have noted many times, it's probably the greater concentration of organic esters in that formula.

 

[Andy H]

Excellent point, MDV!

Buster, really - the only thing you can tell from the color of the oil is the color of the oil. Different levels of detergents, different times of year, different driving styles, and interaction between different oils can affect the color. The 0W-30 and the 5W-30 diesel are two of the strongest oils on the market. It's working well!

Pedal - cool saying. I wouldn't act on it, tho.

Cheers all, Andy

 

[mdv]

quote:

---

Originally posted by buster:
MDV, this is the second time I've run the 0w-30. The first time I ran it, it didn't get this dark.

---

I didn't realize this was your second change with the 0W-30. Do you have any analysis results?

I think AndyH posted some good reasons on the color change.

I think there are some VOA floating around for Amsoil 0W-30 and 5W-30. If not, there are definitely some in the maxima.org spreadsheet. There are some noticeable differences between the two weights.

 

[buster]

MDV, no I havn't run any analysis. I wish I did though. I never thought of running analysis on my car, but ever since I started posting on this site, I've decicded to do so as it is the only way to really know what is going on. I average 4K miles per month so it's not a big loss. AndyH made good points. I'm not really concerned about it, just surprised more then anything. Hey, if it is cleaning that well, great!

[ January 05, 2003, 01:07 PM: Message edited by: buster ]

 

[buster]

MDV, this is the second time I've run the 0w-30. The first time I ran it, it didn't get this dark. I changed it around 7k miles. From what I've read, people have not seen any difference in the 0w,5w and 10w formulas. Maybe in terms of detergents, it is higher. I also don't think there that much of a difference in detergents between M1 and Amsoil to cause the oil to get this dark so quickly. If the series 2000 is this much better in terms of detergents, I'm happy with that.

I'm going to have it analyzed in a month. That will tell what is going on.

[ January 05, 2003, 01:04 PM: Message edited by: buster ]

 

[Tommy]

Sample it!

 

[Mike_dup1]

I have been using Amsoil 0W-30 since around 1996. The oil in my 2001 GMC has been in there since Oct. 2002, some 4000 miles since then. Just checked it this AM, still on the full mark and it is dark. They next time I will change oil is Oct. 2003, no matter what the miles. Will probably change filter April or May. Been doing it like this since 1977 and find no reason to change my habits now.

Sound llike you are trying to talk yourself out of using it and this is the best excuse you can find.

[ January 05, 2003, 12:50 PM: Message edited by: Mike ]

 

[buster]

0w-30 hasn't been around that long and why on earth would I talk mysefl out of using it? That makes no sense. I'm going to run analysis on many weights this up coming year to find out what works best in my car. If the 0w works best, I'll stick with it. I'm not a dealer and am not partial to any one brand.

 

[Mike_dup1]

Sorry but 0W-30 Series 2000 was introduced in 1996 and that when I started using it.

AMSOIL INC. "The First In Synthetics" ® PRODUCT CHRONOLOGY
2002: BriteSide Heavy Duty SCRUB Hand Cleaner
2002: High Performance SuperDuty Motorcycle Filters
2002: Bosch Platinum+4 Spark Plugs
2002: Bosch Micro Edge Excel Wipers
2002: Bosch Spark Plug Wire Sets
2002: BriteSide T6 Cleaning Concentrate
2001: Sirocco™ Synthetic Ester Compressor Oil
2001: SAE 0W-40 Formula 4-Stroke Synthetic Motor Oil
2001 SAE 5W-20 XL-7500 Synthetic Motor Oil
2001: X-Treme Synthetic Polymer Food Grade Grease
2001: Supershift Racing Transmission Fluid
2001: Shock Therapy Suspension Fluid
2000: AMSOIL/Dahl Fuel/Water Separators
2000: Hastings Premium Filters
2000: Universal Automatic Transmission Fluid
2000: SAE 20W-50 Synthetic High Performance Motorcycle Engine Oil
2000: SAE 10W-40 Synthetic High Performance Motorcycle Engine Oil
2000: SAE 20W-50 Synthetic High Performance Motor Oil
2000: SAE 10W-40 Synthetic High Performance Motor Oil
1999: Thermally Stable Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil
1999: SAE 60 Synthetic Super Heavy Weight Racing Oil
1999: Heavy Duty Metal Protector
1999: Series 2000 Chaincase Oil
1998: Series 2000 2-Cycle Racing Oil
1998: Super Duty Oil Filters
1998: Gasoline Stabilizer
1998: Octane Boost
1998: AW Series Hydraulic Oils
1998: New By-Pass Oil Filter Kits Introduced
1998: Series 2000 Synthetic 75W-140 Gear Lube
1997: Pure Power Spot and Stain Remover
1997: The AMSOIL Quick Lube Program Introduced
1997: Series 2000 Synthetic 75W-90 Gear Lube
1997: AMSOIL INC.'s "The First In Synthetics" is trademarked
1997: Synthetic 5th Wheel and Open Gear Compound
1997: SAE 5W-30 XL-7500 Synthetic Motor Oil
1997: SAE 10W-30 XL-7500 Synthetic Motor Oil
1997: PI Quick Shot
1997: Pro Formula Car Polish
1996: Under Coat
1996: Series 3000 Synthetic 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil
1996: Non-Flammable Rust Preventative
1996: Pro Formula BriteSide
1996: Pro Formula Metal Polish
1996: Pro Formula Vinyl and Leather Protectant
1996: Pro Formula Vinyl and Leather Cleaner
1996: Air Freshener Spray
1996: Series 2000 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil
1996: Silicone Lubricant Spray
1996: Miracle Wash Waterless Wash and Polish
1995: Series 2000 Racing Grease
1995: Water Resistant Synthetic Grease
1995: Pure Power Plus Multi-Purpose Cleaner
1995: Lure Gard Aqueous Rust Preventative with Fish Attractant
1995: Multi-Purpose Synthetic Spray Grease
1995: Series 2000 Synthetic 20W-50 Racing Oil
1994: Non-Pumice Industrial Hand Cleaner
1993: Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant
1993: Pumice Industrial Hand Cleaner
1992: Cetane Boost Diesel Fuel Additive
1992: Dual Remote By-Pass Filtration System
1991: Biodegradable 2-Cycle Oil
1991: 2-Stage Air Filter
1991: 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil
1990: Rain Clear
1990: BE-100 and BE-110 Spin-On By-Pass Oil Filters
1990: Dual-GARD By-Pass Filter Mount
1989: Synthetic Polymer Food Grade Grease
1987: 20W-40 Synthetic Natural Gas Engine Oil
1987: Spin-On By-Pass Oil Filters
1986: 80W-90 Gear Lube (GL-4)
1985: Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease and Synthetic Heavy Duty Grease
1985: 2-Cycle Injector Oil
1985: 5W-30 Para-Synthetic Motor Oil
1984: 75W-90 Gear Lube
1984: 10W-30 Turbo Oil
1984: Marine Gear Lube
1983: Heavy Duty By-Pass Oil Filter
1983: TRIGARD Lifetime Oil Change System
1982: Marine Engine Oil
1982: Chrome Brite Cleaner and Polish
1982: Brite Side Whitewall Tire Cleaner
1982: Vinyl and Leather Protectant
1982: Vinyl and Leather Cleaner
1982: Silicone Shield Car Polish
1982: By-Pass Oil Filter
1982: Home Heating Fuel Extender
1982: Diesel Fuel Modifier
1982: Diesel Fuel Additive Concentrate
1980: Engine and Crankcase Cleaner
1980: Automatic Transmission Fluid
1980: Lifetime POD Air Filter
1979: 15W-40 Gas and Diesel Para-Synthetic Oil
1979: SAE 40 Racing Oil
1979: 10W-40 Para-Synthetic Motor Oil
1979: Air Filter Foam Oil
1979: Lifetime Air Filter
1978: MP Metal Protector
1978: 20W-50 Racing Oil
1978: 85W-140 Gear Lube
1978: P.I. Fuel Additive
1976: Grease
1976: Engine Oil Filters
1976: Rotary Compressor Oil
1976: Reciprocating Compressor Oil
1975: Power Foam
1975: Farm Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Fluid
1975: Hydraulic Oil
1975: SE, CC, CD Diesel Oil
1974: 80W-90 Gear Lube
1973: 2-Cycle Oil
1972: 10W-40 100% Synthetic Oil (API SE Approved)

[ January 05, 2003, 01:02 PM: Message edited by: Mike ]