I am 2000 miles into my 1st go around with rotella 5-40.
I am already dark black and was wondering if this is a result of running bio
Or is this a result of the rotella cleaning out the soot from the last 115k miles??

Thank you

 

I would guess it is due to the detergent action of BD.
BD is an oxygenated fuel and thus less likely to produce soot.

 

I am in the same position as you are. I just made the switch to synthetic rotella around 2K miles ago and have been using between B20-B99. I have checked my oil recently and it was pretty dark black, even right after doing the oil change. I think its just the nature of our diesel engines, even fresh oil turns black almost instintly. I would also be very interested in knowing what everyone else has to say.

 

I change every 5000 with rotella 5-40 and it turns black within the first few miles. My engine is older (1989 7.3idi) with 155k miles and I burn lots of (according to some on this website) questionable fuels. ex: Used motor oil, K-1, filtered veg oil. Truck runs great, no smoke, 20+ mpg, decent power.

 

you put used motor oil in your regular tank?

 

I don't want to start the used motor oil thing again because opinions very from one extreme to the other. Use it / don't use it???? I am not advising anyone to do this however, this is what I use during the summer months and it works for me. 5 gals diesel fuel, 5 gals of filtered wvo, 1 gal of filtered used motor oil and sometimes a splash of acetone (5oz.)

 

When you use the bio you need to be aware that you are super cleaning your engine and where does it go? The oil. And remember even when you change the oil there is still quite a bit in the oil pumps and resevoirs. Instant black unless you hook up a constant supply and flush your system.

 

Just like a good colon cleanse. On a more serious note this is where bypass oil filtration would come in handy removing the soot deposits. Give a system a try.
Nut

 

so does this mean you should change your oil sooner if you run bio?

 

I have a motor guard ready to go.

TY

 

Adam, it just means that you will need to change your systems filters by at least the 2nd tank of bio. That is providing that your system is that dirty. After the initial cleaning by the bio you will have longer lasting oil and filters because of how clean you make it or purchase it.

 

alright thanks

just to clear it up for me. system filters i should change include: fuel, oil, ???.

thanks again, i really appreciate the info.

 

just the fuel filter.
Have you started running bio yet?

 

No thats not true. You will want to change your oil. The cylinder walls will be supercleaned as well as any valve surface areas where any carbon build up is possible. Any junk or buildup in the injector tips will come out too. Just watch your oil close.

 

Yeah i've been running bio diesel the last few months. I changed my fuel filter after first tank, not overly cloged, and also changed my oil with rotella 5-40 but only because it was time to do so. Made the drive from so cal to northern cali the other week using B99 made from soy bean oil. My truck never ran smoother, and you got to love suporting american farmers and helping the enviornment at the same time .