I used Mobile Delvac starting at 1050 miles and changed it twice more in during the next 9K and it got black as soon as you started the engine all 3 times. I had the same thing happen when I tried Rotella Synthetic oil after using Mobil Delvac. I’ve had several Cummins guys have tell me along with 2 from Dodge that all 2004.5 and newer engines have 3 injection events and that is what causes the oil to be black the minute you start the engine.

 

VZ, Like JRussell.......I can't explain it either....regarding your buddy's 06 truck oil staying clean now. Every 04.5 on up truck I have seen turns the oil black immediately. I was told it is due to the 3rd injection event but I can't explain it.

I used to be concerned about it too, but after sending in several oil samples to Blackstone labs they say my engine is doing great and the oil is doing it's job and they always encourage me to run a longer oil change interval. I ignore that and change it every 5k anyway for my own peace of mind.

I am really surprized about your buddy's 06. I have seen some guys here on the DTR buy oil bypass filters trying to "clean" up the oil and even that doesn't work. "Clean" oil in an 06 truck is definately not the norm.

 

I have the bypass filter-- and I have a SO '04-- and he is right, it doesn't "clean up" the oil. I put it in for the extended drain intervals (I'm doing 20k) and using schaffer's 9000 synthetic. The twin turbos make changing oil a real challenge now. My lab results are coming back with great reports so I'm doing something right... for a change!

 

Although, FWIW, the oil doesn't start looking dark until about 4k and is almost black around 6-7k. Again, the lab results at 20k show excellent tbn retention and low wear metal. My moly and zinc are still high and the calcium and boron are good too.

 

You got to look at the bright side of this 'black as coal' oil - it's the best paint/preservative for a wooden trailer deck that you can find ..... CHEAP too!