Dirty engine oil

[Jerry]

When I bought my Catalina 30 a few years back the engine oil would become black in color almost immediately after the oil change (every 100 hrs). The MD25 had about 1000 hrs and showed no sign of smoke neither on startup nor while running. I have asked a couple of diesel mechanics if this was normal for diesel engines. The answers ranged from "I think so" to "I don't really know". Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[john renfro]

filth

hello jerry. the rapid change in color is normal. this is a short responsebut it is normal for oil to change colorunder use in an internal combustion engin.dont worry, be happy, just change it at regular intervals john

 

[Randy]

Diesel oil

Diesel oil will become black very quickly after an oil change. It's soot and other combustion products, unique to the diesel, that cause it. Change it regularly and faithfully, and you'll be ok.Randy

 

[Ron]

Don't worry

As the others have said,It is "normal" for a diesel engine. Keep a routine in changing the oil (and filter). Always write this down in your maintainance log. If you ever worry that it's too dirty you can "see" the last time you changed it and the hours.As Captain Ron said "A sailor loves his rum and A diesel loves her oil".