Oil colour

[wolfgang]

The engine oil in a van I just bought was really black and horrible so I did an oil change. Drove for about 30 miles and checked the oil. Oil is really black and looks like it has been in the engine for ages. Also a faint smell of petrol in the oil. What might be the cause of this ? What should I do?

Thanks

 

[creationblue]

Change the oil again, as it sounds like you have flushed out the crap with it. Then see what happens after that.

 

[wolfgang]

Cheers. Will give it a go.

 

[Happystamps]

The oil WILL turn black within the service period- 3000 miles- just because the tolerances used in these old engines aren't the same as new shiny cars! But you should be able to get about a thousand miles with it still looking pretty clear. As has been said, change it again, especially if it was a long time between changes before that.

Petrol in the oil may be a fuel pump fault- the pump diaphragm splits over time (unsurprisingly- pretty harsh environment surrounded by fuel, grease and heat, plus a lot of movement) and that can leak petrol into the engine. It's worth sorting, if it gets bad your oil will become diluted and thin, and it won't lubricate properly. End result, worn out bearings. For the sake of half an hour with a 13mm socket it's got to be worth a check, especially if the weather's nice and you can have a beer at the same time.

Good luck