Why is synthetic oil getting so black?

[Nick R]

Color doesn't mean anything. You should see how fsat the little turbo engine in my cruze turns oil black. It turned the current fill in about 1k miles. I think it's a function of heat in a chemical reaction on the oil Doesn't matter though.

 

[Rand]

IF its only driven 5000miles it gets short-tripped often?

This can turn the oil darker faster also.

I wouldnt worry about it.

I have changed my dad's work truck (2005 4.0L ranger) with syn since new and its always black within 750-1000miles. Would I like to see nice golden oil...yes.. does the black bother me excessively.. no.

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: Rand
IF its only driven 5000miles it gets short-tripped often?


Yes, it gets driven short trips around a college campus mostly with a few 250 mile trips home. Do you think I should change oil at 3 or 4000 miles versus the 5000 because of the short trips?

 

[jmsjags]

Originally Posted By: Doog
Yes, it gets driven short trips around a college campus mostly with a few 250 mile trips home. Do you think I should change oil at 3 or 4000 miles versus the 5000 because of the short trips?

yes. you're a prime candidate for conventional changes every 4-5,000 miles. synthetic is a waste in that vehicle