So on my 84 z28 I changed the oil about 3 weeks ago, and as always I always add a lucas additive to it, yesterday I checked it and the oil was pretty dark....Im surprised as to why its already that dark this early on....?It's my daily driver and I have gone no where near even 2000 miles from the oil change I just did.....?anyone knows what might be going on?thansk!

 

Usually when a oil is darker that means it's doing it's job by taking carbon deposits out of the motor, Some oil like Havoline is darker to begin with from the type of additives that are added. A better quality oil filter with smaller microns will help filter the carbon out. Maybe your Carbed 5.0 is running a little rich also. Have you ever checked the color of your spark plugs? A good tan color is normal.

 

i think it is running rich....and my plugs are new...just put them in about 2 weeks ago...

 

Assuming the rings aren't shot, it usually just means that the engine is pretty well sludged up inside and it quickly discolors the oil.

Sludge is usually worst in the lifter valley but you can get a good idea just by looking at the valve deck area if you feel like pulling a valve cover.

When I inherited my Grandmother's 78 Malibu in 2000 it only had 33K original miles. Unfortunately, she only used it to go to church and the market in town. All short-trip usage. Had more than 1/4" of oil sludge in the lifter valley when I tore it down.

 

dang...thats crazy........and yeah i might take off a valve cover to check it out.......u think i can reuse the valve cover gasket..?i put one of those cork gaskets provably about 3 months ago..

 

I've reused cork gaskets multiple times, just be careful with them.

 

Oil sludge usually comes from using cheap oil and not changing it every 3000 miles, letting a car set for long periods without starting it will also turn oil into sludge.

 

Probably little rich

Mine gets like that if I loaf it around town (has 82 deg overlap). If I cruise it at "normal" rpm and get on it periodically it stays clean.

Work on the rich condition and drive it.