Does everyone's oil look this dark after 3k miles?
#1
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![Question](https://www.rx8club.com/images/icons/icon5.gif)
The Castrol GTX 5w-20 that I use looks very transparent, like the color of a lager beer as I'm pouring it in. After draining it out at 3k mile intervals it's a fairly dark molasses-like hue. My 8's got 15k miles total, owned since Jan '04.
Wondering if I should start changing it at 2k, or is it normal for it for the oil to get this dark?
Wondering if I should start changing it at 2k, or is it normal for it for the oil to get this dark?
#2
Go REDSKINS!!!!!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Cerritos, CA
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It's normal. As the oil begins breaking down, it naturally gets darker. Molasses color isn't bad. If it gets real dark, almost black, you went too far between oil changes...
#3
Registered User
You also have to realize you are not changing all of the oil when you do an oil change for this car either. The 8 holds close to 7 quarts I think, most of which are in the coolers and lines. It is not easy if possible to drain it completely, so basically you are doing a partical change every 3k.
#5
Oil color, smell, and taste are not indicative of its wear, or its remaining additive packages.
Only a UOA can determine how much of an oils additive packs are remaining, and how much containments exist.
http://www.blackstone-labs.com
Only a UOA can determine how much of an oils additive packs are remaining, and how much containments exist.
http://www.blackstone-labs.com
#6
Lubricious
Join Date: Oct 2003
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gasoline engines all have some amount of blow-by gases that escape the combustion chamber. This introduces carbon particulates into the oil. Some of these are small enough to get past any filter, and will color the oil. This happens quickly.
#11
Mulligan User
iTrader: (1)
Originally Posted by roonsrx
try using a purolator pure one filter, not the mazda junk. your oil will look cleaner! spend the money it is worth it
i'm actually switching back to mazda oem from pure one after i finish this batch of pure one's i have :D
#12
"Most" OEM filters are really good...OEM as in from the factory (not from the dealer).
If your curious about the construction, cut it up after use and post photos to the forum. Its probably a champion labs based filter.
If your curious about the construction, cut it up after use and post photos to the forum. Its probably a champion labs based filter.
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