Oil in a diesel - X Type

[Springbok]

I've been bought a 2.0D X-Type from a dealer and it has had a service just prior to me collecting the car.

When I got it home I checked the lubricant levels and was surprised to find that the engine oil was very dark. I was expecting a much lighter colour for new oil.

I am told that this is usual for diesels. Is thos correct?

This is my first diesel

Thanks

Edited by Springbok on Tuesday 13th September 15:33

[diesel piston]

Engine oil in diesels can get black very quick, especially if it has been sucked out the dipstick hole or the filter hasn`t been changed.

[Jaguar steve]

Extended service intervalls and sloppy work by garages will contribute to a build up of fine particulate matter in the residue of oil left coating the internal surfaces of the engine. It's much more noticable in a diesel engine due to the nature of the fuel being burnt and it's not uncommon to do an oil change, start the engine and notice the oil has almost instantly discoloured.

If you're concerned then change the oil and filter again with the engine really hot - leaving the sump to drain for at least a couple of hours. I always jack up the opposite corner of the car to the drain plug to make sure I get every last drop out of the sump and always prime a new filter with as much fresh oil that I can get in before I fit it.

Jaguar - just like everybody else - have extended service intervals for marketing reasons to way beyond what is acceptable IMO. They have no interest in extending the life of an engine by recommending more frequent oil changes.

I'd suggest that under some circumstances halving the factory service interval would be a good practice as well as using a fully synthetic engine oil. The extra cost, which is not much nowadays will more than pay for itself with improved fuel consumption let alone the peace of mind you'll get by protectiong your engine as best as you possibly can.

[Springbok]

Thanks Gents.