oil change question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cubbyflames · #1 08-06-2007, 05:46 PM

i just bought an 81 300d.. had the oil changed,but the oil is still black as midnight... is this normal?

#2 08-06-2007, 05:49 PM

Very normal, the oil will turn black almost immediately in these engines. It's not a problem.

Congrats on your purchase.

Brian Carlton · #3 08-06-2007, 05:49 PM

Welcome to the forum.

Yes, the characteristic of a diesel engine is that it puts soot into the oil and turns it coal black. During your oil change, there was about 1 quart of oil in the oil cooler that did not get changed..........that's what colored the fresh oil right after the change.

Perfectly normal occurrence.

But, the constant contamination of the oil is a message to the owner not to exceed the oil change intervals..........3K for dino oil and 6K for synthetic.........in my humble opinion, of course.

Matt L · #4 08-06-2007, 05:50 PM

Only if you started the engine.

I did notice that on my 606, more oil apparently comes out through the dipstick tube. It takes the oil hundreds of miles to turn black after extracting the oil from the top. If I drain it from the bottom, the oil is nearly black right away.

Ah yes, you do also have a lot of oil in the cooler. I assume that mine can drain during the change.

cubbyflames · #5 08-06-2007, 05:55 PM

thanks very much... very helpful... it's a great car and i'm having fun fixing the little things it needs....

Stevo · #6 08-06-2007, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

During your oil change, there was about 1 quart of oil in the oil cooler that did not get changed..........that's what colored the fresh oil right after the change.

e.

My 240D's oil, even WITHOUT oil coolers, turns black almost right away. The Cummins oil is still "honey" color after 4K.

lietuviai · #7 08-06-2007, 10:00 PM

Hey ask 240Joe what he thinks about this.

pjc · #8 08-07-2007, 12:24 AM

Remember to use a diesel-rated oil, especially if you're using dino. Many oils rated for gasoline engines can't handle the soot generated by a diesel. You'll find plenty of threads on this forum with specific recommendations.

240Joe · #9 12-15-2007, 09:32 AM

Yes, put diesel rated synthetic oil in her, and never change it again after that. Just change the filter once a year, and top off as needed.

Don't let anyone tell you you have to change your oil. That's oil company propaganda.

240Joe

Dee8go · #10 12-15-2007, 09:37 AM

Where do you put "oil?" I've been driving my car for ten years now. Is it time to think about changing the oil yet?

pawoSD · #11 12-15-2007, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 240Joe

Yes, put diesel rated synthetic oil in her, and never change it again after that. Just change the filter once a year, and top off as needed.

Don't let anyone tell you you have to change your oil. That's oil company propaganda.

240Joe

Don't listen to this, always change it every 3k on normal and 6k (or less) on synthetics. If you'd like your engine to last a long time that is. There's a reason all manufacturers give specs on when to change the oil.