seriously dirty oil

[suitcasejefferson]

I just got my 2013 Sonic 1.4 turbo hatch, neglected and abused. It has 51,000 miles on it. The oil looked like black paint. I plan on changing the oil every 500 miles until it starts coming out fairly clean. I have managed to clean out engines like this before, but my main concern here is the turbo. I'm afraid this filthy oil may have damaged it. It seems to run fine, though I can hear a slight ticking at idle, sounds like valve lifters. The car looks nice, and everything works. I am not familiar with this engine (yet) only experience with a turbocharged engine was a 1987 Buick Grand National. Any opinions would be appreciated.

 

[zomby woof]

Any opinions would be appreciated.

The colour of the oil means nothing. Unless you have it analyzed you have no idea of it's condition. Change it and stop worrying about it.

 

[JesusTheAgnostic]

Does it look like black paint or does it feel like black paint? Big difference here. My oil always looks blacker than fresh brewed coffee. That's how used oil is supposed to look. Mine also smells funny. Almost has a burnt gasoline smell, but it won't ignite. If you want send a vial to the lab, if not then don't worry about spending extra money. Also, the engine ticks. The injectors tick and I believe the solenoid makes a ticking noise as well. Unless it sounds like knocking you're probably fine.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

 

[JesusTheAgnostic]

One more thing. Take off the intercooler and you'll see unhealthy oil. Mine is coated in it. It's thick and syrup like, but the car spools up and runs just fine.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

 

[rojoes]

Blackstone Labs
GREAT OIL ANALYSIS for $28.00... Request a free collection kit

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/free-test-kits.php

 

[Natesriv]

Mobile One Synthetic... period.

 

[Papasonic]

Mobile One Synthetic... period.

That's what I use, but the extended performance formula.

Used in all of the vehicles in my signature below.

 

[suitcasejefferson]

Once I get the engine cleaned out as much as possible, I will definitely go to synthetic. Right now it would be a waste of money. The oil I drained out was thick and black. After 1300 highway miles, the new oil I put in is in the same condition. I have torn down engines with oil in that condition and found sludge everywhere. I am a mechanic, and seriously over maintain my vehicles. Even in vehicles with clean engines, I change the oil every 3,000 miles. All I pay for is the oil and filter. Many say that costs too much, but they have obviously not priced a new engine.

 

[Papasonic]

I change the oil every 3,000 miles. All I pay for is the oil and filter. Many say that costs too much, but they have obviously not priced a new engine.

I used to change oil and filter at 3000 miles years ago in prior older vehicles, using conventional and semi-synthetic oils. With my newer vehicles that have tighter tolerances and computer controlled engine functions, and using a high quality full synthetic oil; I extend the interval to 5000 miles. Even at the 5000 mile interval, my oil life monitor is ~50%. Some of my vehicles that don't get driven many miles, (1000-3000 miles per year) get the oil changed annually.

Oil brand, type, and change intervals are a volatile topic on any automotive forum, and I'm not advising anyone what to do; I'm just sharing my ideas as what makes me feel good as I care for my vehicles. I also believe that a naturally aspirated engine can have a longer change interval than a similar displacement boosted engine; again, my opinion.

If you are comfortable caring for your vehicle as you do, continue on! But as I said, this is a topic that few agree on, and will always be controversial.