Drive up to KY, OldNavy, and I'll let you check out the oil that comes out of my 2003 Dodge RAM 2500 CTD (305/555). At 8k drain intervals and Rotella-T 5W40, it still looks great. I can hardly see much color change at all within the first 3500---4000 miles. The Dodge CTD's of the 325/610 variety turn their oil black soon after a change......I attribute it to the 3 injection events vs. the two on my 305/555. The new 6.7L CTD's w/350--650 and five injection events & EGR will be interesting to see, for sure.

Each time I've changed the oil in my CRD, it's been horribly black. My OCI's are around 5,700 miles and it "looks" better since I switched to the 5W40 Rotella-T. At least I know the oil is doing it's job.



GMsKJ, I'd not get too excited about the oil color......diesels are very different than gassers. If you're worried about the color, invest in some oil analysis through Blackstone Laboratories and send off a sample each oil change.

Greg

After changing oil on a number of diesel cars and trucks, the only engine that I have seen keep its oil clean is the Cummins. I'm not sure why, but I think its related to how completely the old oil drains. My CRD likes to hold at least a half quart until the next morning (based on dipstick readings). That's enough for instant blackness after you start it with the new oil. My dealer included free oil changes - I think I'll take them up on that. Dave

That is a part of it I am sure if the engine has an oil cooler like the VW TDI's, but any diesel with both an EGR & CCV to the intake will blacken the oil real quick. I think ours does have an oil cooler, but I will have to look it up in the FSM later today to be sure.