Old lookin oil

[NewmanJ87]

When should oil start getting black and old looking, mine does after like 500 miles. I thought this was normal until my friend sayed his oil still looks clean&clear after 1000 or so. Whats going on, is something wrong? Does a bad oil pan gasket have anything to do with it? Speakin of oil pan gaskets, anyone know a of a write up? I gotta change mine. Thanks

[Blaster.]

My oil stays clear until about 1000-1300 miles. If it gets realy burnt like that im thinking its probly bad piston rings? I dont realy know, im not sure, but its my guess.

[NewmanJ87]

Well I was burin oil, but not thru the rings, headgasket.

[Kondour]

Well newman, my dad found this... and it does not look good for u :(

http://www.noria.com/message_boards/message_details_by_list.asp?foldername=What+causes+oil+to+turn+black%3F&messagenumber=1+

[Charlie]

Your car is nearly 20 years old. The motor is tired, and is leaking & burning oil no doubt. The oil will turn black quickly, live with it. It's not going to shorten engine life any more than it already is.

-Charlie

[mgold]

Perhaps its really bad carbon buildup. Try a tank full of Chevron Techron 91, follow that with a good carbon cleaning (hot soak with Lubro Moly Ventil Sauber or Sea Foam) followed by an oil change. If its a problem with carbon build-up that should just about take care of it.

[Ryan Stewart]

Maybe I should take a pic of the inside of this 80k old 525i oilpan. It is litreally covered ina thick black crust/sludge.

Its just how an old motor is. Soo much carbon buildup and deteriorated oil over the years is everywhere in the motor. When you drain the oil you are leaving a large portion of that old oil there because its viscosity allows it to hold on to things (how its designed).

That oil then mixes with your new oil and makes it dark again. 500 miles is a LOT of mixing.

[mgold]

Good point Ryan. Before you follow my suggestion, pull the oil pan, scrub it clean then follow my suggestions and get that carbon OUT!.