Normal Amsoil Color?

[Kralik]

I just switched to Amsoil (my first experience with synthetics) and the 0W-20 oil in my car started off as a normal light golden color. On the dipstick, it was barely visible except with excellent lighting. Now, after about 150 miles, it wipes off on a white cloth as a bright yellow color. Is this normal? I just wanted to make sure that it wasn't an indication of coolant leaking into the oil.

Thanks!

 

[Pablo]

Quote:

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I just switched to Amsoil (my first experience with synthetics) and the 0W-20 oil in my car started off as a normal light golden color. On the dipstick, it was barely visible except with excellent lighting. Now, after about 150 miles, it wipes off on a white cloth as a bright yellow color. Is this normal? I just wanted to make sure that it wasn't an indication of coolant leaking into the oil.

Thanks!

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Bright yellow sounds very odd - however some oils do look yellowish when wiped on white. Maybe this could be some residual clean up of some thin old varnish. What kind of car? Miles? Previous oils?

 

[Kralik]

Geo Metro, 135k, previous OCI's every 3k, unknown oils.
Generally not an indication of coolant leak, then?

 

[theedge67]

Check your coolant level. That should tell you if you have a major coolant leak. I don't think that a yellow color would show up if there is coolant in the oil, unless it is like 50/50 oil/coolant.

 

[Kralik]

I wasn't sure how much the coolant dyes would spread in oil even if introduced in very small amounts. The water pump is getting old, but the overall coolant level looks fine, so I guess it's not antifreeze. I'll just hope it's cleaning out varnish.

 

[Pablo]

for sure clean-up