Note: I am new to diesel engines.

I changed my oil Sunday. It was 70F so I figured I better change it then rather than deal with it in colder weather.

The change itself was probably the easiest oil change I have ever done. The vertical oil filter allowed me to pre-fill the filter, the OEM filter was not installed by a gorilla on PCP and the weird drain plug works. Basically, it was a very nice experience. Plus, I had plenty of room underneath to work. (I used a 4 gallon bucket.)

I was disappointed with the dipstick. I have the cable version and i have no clue what it is trying to tell me. I just chucked 13 quarts in there and hoped that was right. (I used Rotella T6 5W40 at $20/gallon plus an additional quart bottle and a Motorcraft filter for a total of $86 - I have no idea what the dealer would charge but I don't trust the dealer anyways.)

It may be a placebo effect but the truck seems smoother with the new oil. Oil temps are the same as before.

Anyways, to the point finally:

I have never ever seen used oil this dirty before. My truck has 4,000 miles on it. I have done oil changes on cars that have never had an oil change in 50,000 miles (Don't ask, it makes baby Jesus cry!) and even that oil was not as dirty. (That car's oil was probably all sludge anyways, stuck in the oil pan.)

Should I be concerned? Because right now I am kinda freaked out.



Sorry for the long post. I get a bit carried away sometimes.

 

Diesel oil is a totally diffent world. It seems significatly more dirty than a gas engine for a number of different reason. In short its normal for you to see this.

 

I also have the cable dipstick I think it sucks, if they had a way of combining the cable with the flat metal of a traditional dipstick at the bottom that would be ideal

 

In my last oil change, I put in 12 quarts instead of 13. Now it is easy to read the level on the dipstick. The problem is when you drain the oil and replace the filter, there is still residual oil in the engine somewhere. By putting in a full 13 quarts, you are over-filling a little bit and the level will probably read right where the metal probe part joins the cable. That is a difficult point to read. Next time try putting in just 12 quarts and run the engine. Notice the level will be right at the bottom of the cross-hatch. If your engine makes any oil, it will climb a little within the cross-hatch area but stay within the proper level.

 

13 quarts is half way up the hatched area after changing and running the engine for 15 miles then checking it cold. This is with the build 1 twisted metal dipstick. It was higher than this with the dealer first oil change so I think they over filled it even though I was told it was fine.

I filled the oil filter with almost 1 quart and added the remaining from the filter fill plus 12 quarts through the engine filler tube.

 

Thanks for the help. I am less freaked out now.

 

If you check your oil - now - right after your oil - change it will probably look dirty.

 

I just re-read this and need to clarify. When I said run the engine, I meant to run it and then let the engine sit for 20 mins before checking the oil. Just making sure...