We have a seldom used 2010 300C SRT8 that usually sees oil changes once or twice a year using the recommended synthetic 5W-40. I am concerned because the oil comes out BLACK even at the 3000ish mile mark.

Is there anything I can do to keep this thing from cooking synthetic oil? The oil my roller cam'd stroker big blocks look better after being overheated that the 300C.

One thought I had was to put in a 180 degree thermostat to drop the operating temperature? Anybody thing this would help relieve the symptom?

Which Synthetic 5W40? Most guys use the Mobil 1 Euro 0W40 or Rotella T6 5W40. They originally were spec'd with 0W40 Mobil 1, now its Pennz Ultra 0W40 or 5W40.

Factory air filter?

If you short trip it/seldom use it and don't get the oil hot enough to burn off the condensation it's goes black, putting in a 180 stat will probably make it worse. My 05 Magnum R/T has the factory stat and is usually around 195-205 on the gauge, and it doesnt get short tripped, generally a minimum of 40 minutes of run time. I change oil at the 5-6K mile mark and while the oil is dark it's by no means black.

I agree with Coronet. Short trips are usually the cause of darker than normal oil. Keep the factory thermostat as a lower temp one will just make
It worse.

It uses Penz or Valvoline 5W-40. I guess it's not black like you would be in a carb'd engine but I have seen endurance engines come off of a road race track with oil that looked less cooked that this does. Maybe I'll try switching it to Redline and see if it helps.

We don't use K&N in this household. Way too dusty around here. Car is bone stock down to the tires.

Our driveway lane is 1.5 miles long and the first small town is another 10 miles....then you hit the freeway. The one thing we don't do here is take a short trip lol. In fact, this car is only put into duty for for road trips/vacations which is why it only has 40k on the clock. It rarley leaves the garage and when it does it's usually a 2k mile trip with a light footed driver (not me).

it more than likely the oil brand you use. Pennzoil in the regular stock has a LOT of additives in it. It turns black fairly quickly. I would assume it's the sane way with their synthetic oil. I switched to Quacker state synthetic, it doesn't turn black like the above oil does. Talk to a local mechanic, and see what they recommend.

Thank you for the insight.

One of the reasons I am trying a different brand of oil (Valvoline) is because I was never a Penzoil fan. Hell, all of my hotrods run tractor oil (Rotella, Mystic, etc.) and they always look good and clean when changed. Will report back next year if I remember lol. Back in the barn it goes to sit next to the '67 300.

I use Rotella T6 5/40 in mine, the truck and wifes car have Pennz Platinum 5W20. Just a slight change in color from new to 3000 miles.

You are making an awfully big assumption by deciding whether the oil is good or bad depending on the color. Get the oil tested by one of the oil test companies, for wear metals, particulate and water/antifreeze.
It doesn't cost that much and is quite worthwhile.

R.

Good Man.

Check the factory filter to be sure you have it seated in there properly. One of my vehicles had a complicated setup and it let a trickle of dirt in. Oil went black in no time.

That is a good point, however I was fishing for someone else with a similar experience. My immediate assumption was the increased engine operating temp ( >200 degrees ). At this point it is most likely a non-issue.

Thanks, that is a good idea. I'll check the intake tract and report back if I see any sign of filter bypass.

It's definitely not a temp issue, hot oil is happy oil (within reason)

I'd send it to blackstone on the next oil change.

Also, a catch can will help catch some of the vapor. The mess that comes out of the catch can is pretty nasty. I've pulled an intake off of a 600 mile 6.1 and the inside of the intake manifold was coated. Several tablespoons of oil came out. I can't imagine several thousand miles of residual build up.

Yes on the Blackstone analysis. It will be good for conversation if anything.

Who makes the best catch can system? I'm trying to keep this thing bone stock but the catch can sounds like it would be a good idea.

There are many, I bought a Billet Tech from Speedlogix and then also installed a UPR diffuser inside it. Might get about 2-3 tablespoons in it between oil changes, 1-2000 miles.

I like the billet tech. It's not really anything that cant be reversed in 5 mins. It just replaces the hose on the PS side of the 6.1 intake.