Oil question
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Altoona, Ia
Oil question
I was checking my oil today just to make sure everything was ok. Soon as I pulled the dipstick out I could smell fuel really bad. Oil was really thin too. Didn't seem to be overfull but it's kinda hard to check on these new dipsticks. Decided it was best to go ahead and change the oil, better safe than sorry. Took it to the dealer and had them take a look and got a sample to bring home.
Here's my question. Truck has 4300 miles and the oil it black as night and thin as water at 50° or so. Smells more like a can of diesel then oil. That doesn't seem right to me, but the service dept said that's normal.
Should I send the oil off to be tested? Or not worry about it. I changed my own oil on my 6.0 and never saw oil like this with twice as many miles.
Another thing, maybe unrelated, I haven't had a regen in 3-4 tanks of fuel, my mileage has went down 3-4 mpg and the exhaust has a funny smell sometimes (only smell it at the tailpipe) kinda like a rotten egg/foul sorta smell. I've noticed all this in the last month or so. I realize winter fuel is to blame for some of above but maybe there's something else too.
Any input is appreciated.
Here's my question. Truck has 4300 miles and the oil it black as night and thin as water at 50° or so. Smells more like a can of diesel then oil. That doesn't seem right to me, but the service dept said that's normal.
Should I send the oil off to be tested? Or not worry about it. I changed my own oil on my 6.0 and never saw oil like this with twice as many miles.
Another thing, maybe unrelated, I haven't had a regen in 3-4 tanks of fuel, my mileage has went down 3-4 mpg and the exhaust has a funny smell sometimes (only smell it at the tailpipe) kinda like a rotten egg/foul sorta smell. I've noticed all this in the last month or so. I realize winter fuel is to blame for some of above but maybe there's something else too.
Any input is appreciated.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
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Did my oil a few weeks ago and after about 7000 miles it was black. Even now when I checked it on the dipstick is seems black already. I believe someone else commented also that this is normal. can't comment on the smell, but I haven't really noticed and can't say I smell anything by just pulling out the dipstick. I thought I was the only one having trouble getting a good read on the oil level.
My tailpipe smells like that after it has done a regen, but not normally.
My tailpipe smells like that after it has done a regen, but not normally.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,236
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From: Kaysville Utah
How are you using the truck? If you are towing much, you will be doing passive regens and there is no need for active regen.
I towed a trailer up 900 miles up and was half way home running empty before I had a regen. So you can go a long distance with out regen IF you get your exhaust temp up above 750° for sustained periods.
Oil turns very black almost as soon as you put it in the engine. So black doesn't bother me. If you think it is to thin or might have fuel dilution, Send a sample up to Blackstone or other test lab. It only cost $20 or so. Then you won't be guessing.
I towed a trailer up 900 miles up and was half way home running empty before I had a regen. So you can go a long distance with out regen IF you get your exhaust temp up above 750° for sustained periods.
Oil turns very black almost as soon as you put it in the engine. So black doesn't bother me. If you think it is to thin or might have fuel dilution, Send a sample up to Blackstone or other test lab. It only cost $20 or so. Then you won't be guessing.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
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Two concerns stand out to me.
First your regens. It is possible you have just missed the message and not noticed that it has been in a regen mode, but if your estimation is correct theres a problem there. Check your exhaust tips. If they are dark gray/black that is an indication of a DPF problem. Also check for a hairline crack on the DPF housing.
Second, the fuel in the oil. If you suspect anything not normal send the oil in. I use Blackstone Labs. I change oil at 5k and test every oil change. That may be over-cautious, but I like knowing the results.
Your 6.0 and the 6.7 are a world of difference. Engines using DPF technology constrict the exhaust more and this usually leads to increased soot present in the oil (turns black quicker). Also, the process of regenerating the Diesel Particulate Filter introduces some fuel in to the oil. It was a common occurrence with the 6.4L engines, commonly referred to as "making oil". The 6.7 doesn't normally show this. If you do notice the oil level "rising" (check your dip stick often) then that could point to an issue. To be sure though - sample the oil and have it tested. You will get the fuel dilution in the report.
I would be curious what others have to say as well.
First your regens. It is possible you have just missed the message and not noticed that it has been in a regen mode, but if your estimation is correct theres a problem there. Check your exhaust tips. If they are dark gray/black that is an indication of a DPF problem. Also check for a hairline crack on the DPF housing.
Second, the fuel in the oil. If you suspect anything not normal send the oil in. I use Blackstone Labs. I change oil at 5k and test every oil change. That may be over-cautious, but I like knowing the results.
Your 6.0 and the 6.7 are a world of difference. Engines using DPF technology constrict the exhaust more and this usually leads to increased soot present in the oil (turns black quicker). Also, the process of regenerating the Diesel Particulate Filter introduces some fuel in to the oil. It was a common occurrence with the 6.4L engines, commonly referred to as "making oil". The 6.7 doesn't normally show this. If you do notice the oil level "rising" (check your dip stick often) then that could point to an issue. To be sure though - sample the oil and have it tested. You will get the fuel dilution in the report.
I would be curious what others have to say as well.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Altoona, Ia
Truck is used as a daily driver 80-90% interstate. No towing yet and minimal hauling in the bed. Mainly just drive to work. Will be pushing snow if it ever gets around to snowing.
I can't say for 100% sure, but I'm 99% sure I have not had a regen. It's pretty much flat out obvious when the truck is doing a regen as the instant mpg goes down to 10 or less. I leave the lcd screen on fuel economy so I'm always looking down at it.
I can't say for 100% sure, but I'm 99% sure I have not had a regen. It's pretty much flat out obvious when the truck is doing a regen as the instant mpg goes down to 10 or less. I leave the lcd screen on fuel economy so I'm always looking down at it.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
Get the sample done. Sounds like you are making oil.
It sounds to me like you are in alot of regens. With that much interstate and mpg drop offs I'd be concerned.
It sounds to me like you are in alot of regens. With that much interstate and mpg drop offs I'd be concerned.
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Truck is used as a daily driver 80-90% interstate. No towing yet and minimal hauling in the bed. Mainly just drive to work. Will be pushing snow if it ever gets around to snowing.
I can't say for 100% sure, but I'm 99% sure I have not had a regen. It's pretty much flat out obvious when the truck is doing a regen as the instant mpg goes down to 10 or less. I leave the lcd screen on fuel economy so I'm always looking down at it.
I can't say for 100% sure, but I'm 99% sure I have not had a regen. It's pretty much flat out obvious when the truck is doing a regen as the instant mpg goes down to 10 or less. I leave the lcd screen on fuel economy so I'm always looking down at it.
RPM, flat ground.
I have only noticed one or two active regen in 11,000 miles. I have not seen an indication of regen on my LCD display. I do not have the fancy LCD display.
Mileage was a constant 10 miles/gallon (bad). Arond town I only get 13 mpg.
Just a data point. . . . . . ken
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Maryland
Ken, if you select Regen Status as one of the PIDs on your CTS, not only will it say "On" or "Off" in that PID, but it will also show a little red ball with an "R" to indicate active regen. The CTS usually shows this indicator approximately 1 minute before the I get the message on the screen in my truck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Edmonton Alberta
Agreed, if it smells like diesel that much I would definately get it tested.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
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My Blackstone reports have shown 2-3% fuel in oil and the old oil stinks but it doesn't have a strong diesel smell.
I agree with the others, you'll only be guessing until you get it tested.
When Ford released this truck, 7% is considered max fuel in oil.
I agree with the others, you'll only be guessing until you get it tested.
When Ford released this truck, 7% is considered max fuel in oil.
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