My ccsb F350 just turned 4600 miles. It was a dealer trade vehicle when I bought it; had 1300 miles on it. Had dealer change oil and filter as part of negotiation and figured on going to 6k or so for next change if OMS didn't turn on first. On trip to Oregon coast and did an oil check.... on the full mark BUT filthy black... kind of freaked me out. ( never had a diesel before) anyway had the oil and filter already on hand so just changed it tonight.

Does 3500 miles or so typically blacken the oil that much? I ll keep an eye on it after tonight's change but if the oil gets that black each time I m gonna have to condition myself to get to 5K for my changes let alone 7.5K or more.

Note: only about 300-400 of the miles were towing and it just was my 18' alum jet boat. Used MC 10w30 diesel oil and MC filter. And BTW, someone mentioned on our forum the use of a 5 gallon plastic bucket to catch oil.... works like a charm!!! 20" tires

thx for any input on the oil condition!

 

Yes, these motors turn oil black pretty quick, as do most that use a Diesel Particulate Filter and a regen cleaning process. Many suggest the oil in these motors blackens almost right away, and well before the oil has actually degraded to a point where it is no longer adequately performing.

Many are comfortable relying on the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor to tell them when to change the oil. I am not one of these people. I changed my oil first at 1100 miles and then again at 5500 miles. From here on out I plan to do 5000 mile oil changes. I am using Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme 5w40 which is one of the oils on the Ford approved list. Some would say this is overkill, but I strongly believe in preventitive maintenance and would rather err on the side of over changing (versus potentially under changing) the oil.

PS - I am a big fan of the 5 gallon bucket method. Drop the filter into the bucket, then drain the oil into the bucket, then close and seal the lid, and then give the entire thing to the local hazmat recycling place. At next oil change buy a new bucket and lid and repeat. Much easier (and cleaner) than transferring old oil from a tray to the original oil bottles, etc.

 

Thanks skanj0 ! I kind of came to same conclusion on change schedule..5K and know you re treating motor well and not under maintaining. I ll probably stick to MC oil for another couple changes til more info comes out on more applicable synthetics. Another peace of mind thing for me with turbo and all.