strange oil experience EXPLAINATION ??????

[cutt]

I just changed my engine oil (volvo penta 7A/B) with
generic engine oil 10W40 rated CD for diesel and gas engines.
Also changed engine filter with NAPA equivalent.

The oil was very clear after changing. After running 20 minutes
the oil still remained very clean. We are talking really clean.
No black at all. Previously the oil would turn black almost
instantly.

Do I have to worry ? What could cause this ???????

Thanks,



cutt@netcom.com

[Steve A]

I just changed my engine oil (volvo penta 7A/B) with
generic engine oil 10W40 rated CD for diesel and gas engines.
Also changed engine filter with NAPA equivalent.

The oil was very clear after changing. After running 20 minutes
the oil still remained very clean. We are talking really clean.
No black at all. Previously the oil would turn black almost
instantly.

Do I have to worry ? What could cause this ???????

Thanks,

When it comes to oil in a diesel motor I have always used Drydene 30 wt.spec for diesels. I've heard from several sources that multi vis oils are not always recomended.IMHO the oil and filter are the lifeblood of your motor and as such deserve the very best. A vlovo filter might cost a bit more ....but I think it would be far better than the NAPA brand. I have used napa in our fleet of cars and have been very unhappy with both their oils and filters. The gold filters are a much better product than the normal silver line. As long as you have normal oil presure and no leaks things could be ok. Filters are recomended for operating presures, one filter may seat itself properly but may not be the correct filter for the motor.20 mins of running time is barely enough time to warm the motor and if it was not operated with any load on it, then it could very well still be quite clean.As you noted usually the oil gets black pretty quick so I'm a bit curious myself......Steve s/v Southern Lee CD36 #105

[Larry DeMers]

I suspect that the former oil may have had more sulphur in it, which will turn the oil dark very rapidly as it is used. Synthetics tend to stay clearer longer. You generic oil may falll into that category, although synthetics are usually more expensive.

I have to agree with other comments about your choice of oil/filter. To rebuild your engine you will need to cough up $2500-3000..with nothing being replaced..just rebuilt. It seems to be false economy to skimp on that which is keeping your engine from the slag heep.
Certainly you could find a name brand straight 30 weight oil rated for diesels? The filter is also important, and NAPA is not the source that you really want to be using. Get something of higher quality, and a name brand oil too. I have been using Mystik 30 wgt. and found it a farm and tractor supply store -made for diesel tractors. The filters I ordered from Defender..forget the name now.

Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer

I just changed my engine oil (volvo penta 7A/B) with
generic engine oil 10W40 rated CD for diesel and gas engines.
Also changed engine filter with NAPA equivalent.

The oil was very clear after changing. After running 20 minutes
the oil still remained very clean. We are talking really clean.
No black at all. Previously the oil would turn black almost
instantly.

Do I have to worry ? What could cause this ???????

Thanks,

demers@sgi.com

[Walt Bilofsky]

Could it have been as simple as the amount of old oil left after draining the engine? If you drain the oil by putting a tube down the dipstick and pumping it, it might just be that this time you got the tube right down to the bottom of the oil pan. Perhaps the other times, there was a small amount of really dirty oil left in the engine, enough to blacken the new oil.



bilofsky@toolworks.com