QUAKER STATE and observation

[shell_user]

I noticed that when I was changing the unknown oil out of the 92' blazer, and putting in QS 5W30 that it looked darker than other oils. I still havent found out why one oil may be lighter in color and another oil is darker. Just what I observed.

 

[Clevy]

I forget which brand but I had a few quarts of oil that were clear like water,didnt look like oil at all with that amber tint.

 

[shell_user]

I know valvoline is like cooking oil as is ST oil as so clean and clear lookin.

 

[volk06]

All depends on the base oils and additives. Group III in pure form is clear as water, for example.

 

[Hermann]

Valvoline WB is so clear it is hard to see on the stick for a while after a change. OTOH the Maxlife in my motorcycle is quite dark.

Must be those HM hormones.

 

[INDYMAC]

Many companies use dyes in their engine oils. I don't know if all do though.

 

[Mr Nice]

I remember one time with Exxon SuperFlo some quarts looked like Pepsi and the others looked like ginger ale.

 

[Donald]

I would prefer a little color so it would be easy to read the dipstick when the oil has just been changed.

 

[bigjl]

I remember that Chevron Supreme 10w40 A3/B3/B4 oil sold in Costco in the UK is rather dark and stinks!

Not as bad as gearbox oil but certainly wiffy compared to all other oils I have used.

Sort of an old school oil smell if that makes sense!

 

[KrisZ]

It's a dye and not the additives or base oil. That's why GC was green, RP is purple and everything else is usually golden color and ATF or gear lubes are red. Don't think too much of it.
I actually prefer darker oils as they are much easier to read on the dipstick when fresh.

 

[gregoron]

I wish VW would make their dipsticks lighter color instead of the dark brown it is on my Jetta. It makes it hard reading oil that eventually turn brown.

 

[CharBaby]

From my reading and understanding as an 8 yr member here at BOB's, it's the dye that creates the color of the oil as the oil is clear like Baby Oil after refining. The dye may be the single most expensive ingredient in the oil.

 

[scurvy]

Originally Posted By: gregoron
I wish VW would make their dipsticks lighter color instead of the dark brown it is on my Jetta. It makes it hard reading oil that eventually turn brown.


Never had a hard time reading any mk4 dipstick, the bends make it easy for me.

If you have a hard time with its dark color, give it a quick sanding with a Scotch-Brite pad so it's shiny.

 

[lockguy]

I started using coastal semi syn, very clear looking. I was wondering if that had anything to do with the base or add pack...i guess not

 

[shell_user]

I did notice that maxlife was lil darker in color than valvo convent or nextgen also.

 

[KCJeep]

I have read that higher levels of certain additives, especially calcium, will darken an oil. Maybe that's why Rotella looks like liquid gold when you pour it.

 

[shell_user]

didnt know that, thanks KCJeep

 

[electrolover]

I dont know about that. PU has a really high calcium level and its lighter than most oils. Mobil 1 EP is darker out of the bottle than the FS syn in my truck with 3K on it...

I think oil companies just like to color their oils to their own preference.

 

[zerosoma]

Originally Posted By: shell_user
I noticed that when I was changing the unknown oil out of the 92' blazer, and putting in QS 5W30 that it looked darker than other oils. I still havent found out why one oil may be lighter in color and another oil is darker. Just what I observed.


Quaker State is generally darker in color and skunky/sweet smelling.

 

[zerosoma]

Originally Posted By: Clevy
I forget which brand but I had a few quarts of oil that were clear like water,didnt look like oil at all with that amber tint.


Valvoline Power Steering looks like that. Clear.