Is it normal

6SPD_FTW · 07-08-2009, 02:33 PM

While we're on the topic of checking oil and such, I have a question.

Has anyone here ever observed some black residue coming off the dipstick whenever you pull the dipstick out and wipe it off the 1st time prior to checking the oil??

Everytime I check the oil, I wipe the dipstick off and noticed black residue (looks like powdered metal to me) on the dipstick. Its not carbon deposits and its not oil...it looks to me like metal stuck to the dipstick. If our dipsticks are magnetized, then that's fine...it's just iron particles and is normal. But if I go a longer span of time between checking the oil, there's a larger buildup of that stuff on the dipstick. Black/dark gray in color, it is. I have 7800 miles and the last oil change was at 4000mi. Engine runs great and I get 28mpg with conservative driving. No bizarre noises or anything else abnormal.

I'm getting ready to switch over to synthetic oil. I ran the factory oil until 1500mi, then ran Mobil 5000 until 4000 mi, and currently have Castrol GTX in there. I think I'm gonna switch to Castrol Syntec 0W-30 in a few hundred miles.

Either way....tell me what yall think bout that.

Late,
Trav

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07-08-2009, 02:33 PM	#16 (permalink)
6SPD_FTW Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bristol, VA Posts: 59 Drives: 09 370Z Bl 6MT Rep Power: 16	While we're on the topic of checking oil and such, I have a question. Has anyone here ever observed some black residue coming off the dipstick whenever you pull the dipstick out and wipe it off the 1st time prior to checking the oil?? Everytime I check the oil, I wipe the dipstick off and noticed black residue (looks like powdered metal to me) on the dipstick. Its not carbon deposits and its not oil...it looks to me like metal stuck to the dipstick. If our dipsticks are magnetized, then that's fine...it's just iron particles and is normal. But if I go a longer span of time between checking the oil, there's a larger buildup of that stuff on the dipstick. Black/dark gray in color, it is. I have 7800 miles and the last oil change was at 4000mi. Engine runs great and I get 28mpg with conservative driving. No bizarre noises or anything else abnormal. I'm getting ready to switch over to synthetic oil. I ran the factory oil until 1500mi, then ran Mobil 5000 until 4000 mi, and currently have Castrol GTX in there. I think I'm gonna switch to Castrol Syntec 0W-30 in a few hundred miles. Either way....tell me what yall think bout that. Late, Trav