Forum Discussion

k6ncx's avatar
k6ncx
Explorer
Feb 06, 2017

Newish motorhome, very dirty oil

Forgive me for being an ignorant newbie, but I've got a question about my motorhome'S engine oil.

The rig in question is a 2016 Thor ACE 30.1 (bought new in September, under 5,000 miles and 125 engine hours on it now,) but I don't think the answer is specific to any brand or line. It's built on a 18,000 lb gross Ford F-53 chassis but, again, I don't think the answer is going JG to depend on that.

When I checked the oil last week, it was at the low end of the OK range for level, but I was stunned at how dirty it was. It's not due for an oil change yet "by the book" but I think I'm going to get one.

It is that enough? Should I be concerned? Should I make haste to a Ford truck dealer?
Seeking Advice
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2017
    You can't tell by looking at oil what kind of shape it's in. Just because it's black does not mean it's bad. Just because it amber does not mean it's good. The ONLY way to tell what kind of shape the oil is in is with an oil analysis.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2017
    Change the oil using the Ford recommended oil. THat should be a Syn-blend but I won't swear on it since I don't own that engine. I have a 5.4 V8 modular Ford and the oil gets changed anywhere from 4,000-> 6,000 miles. I have 194K on the odometer.

    A new engine will use a bit more oil than one that has run and set the rings into the cylinders. It will also be darker because of more combustion byproducts in the oil. As a rule of thumb, I'll change out oil on new engines within the first couple thousand miles.
  • 04fxsts's avatar
    04fxsts
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2017
    CampbellDaycruiser wrote:
    Is this your first diesel? If so, you need to know that diesel motor oil turns black in a matter of days, if not hours after an oil change from the soot left from combustion. If you are expecting a pretty amber color on the dipstick everytime you check the level you are gonna be changing your oil on a weekly basis.....


    This is a Ford V-10 gas engine, we have a 2015 ACE 30.1 with the same engine. I change at 5000 miles not the 7500 the manual calls out and there is always the same amount of oil as it started with. Jim.
  • Bird_Freak's avatar
    Bird_Freak
    Explorer II
    Feb 06, 2017
    CampbellDaycruiser wrote:
    Is this your first diesel? If so, you need to know that diesel motor oil turns black in a matter of days, if not hours after an oil change from the soot left from combustion. If you are expecting a pretty amber color on the dipstick everytime you check the level you are gonna be changing your oil on a weekly basis.....
    Who said it was a diesel? F53 chassis should be gas.
  • DownTheAvenue's avatar
    DownTheAvenue
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2017
    enblethen wrote:
    I haven't seen chassis with hour meter.
    Hour meters are normally for the genset.
    No matter what mileage says get the oil anf filter changed.
    Some newer oils instantly turn black after very few miles.


    New vehicles with a digital display and /or odometer will show total engine hours.
  • CampbellDaycrui's avatar
    CampbellDaycrui
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2017
    Is this your first diesel? If so, you need to know that diesel motor oil turns black in a matter of days, if not hours after an oil change from the soot left from combustion. If you are expecting a pretty amber color on the dipstick everytime you check the level you are gonna be changing your oil on a weekly basis.....
  • ctilsie242's avatar
    ctilsie242
    Explorer II
    Feb 06, 2017
    I like changing the oil after the break-in period, because that's is the most likely time to encounter shavings and such. Then, 3k after that, and then follow the manual from there on out, except I like using full synthetic. Oil is a lot cheaper than a new engine.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Feb 06, 2017
    I had the oil changed at 5000 miles on my new F53 chassis. New engine and just gave me piece of mind. On mine you can get a total engine hours readout by pressing the Info button.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Feb 06, 2017
    I haven't seen chassis with hour meter.
    Hour meters are normally for the genset.
    No matter what mileage says get the oil anf filter changed.
    Some newer oils instantly turn black after very few miles.

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