Gray oil

504d

504d

Member
I'm afraid to drive my truck. I got this truck 4 yrs ago, and did a tune up and maintenance at that time, and fixed a few things, but couldn't get the title. I got it recently, and after a few more repairs, am ready to drive to the DMV for inspection, but when I look at the oil, which I changed about 1-2 hours runtime ago, just around the block and idling, the oil is gray. See pic. This engine has no oil filter, and while I've owned Beetles in the past, which don't have filters, I don't recall the oil looking like this, but that was a long time ago.
I'm a novice with this vehicle, or anything older than 1959, so really have little idea if its running or sounds ok, but it runs and drives.
So, is gray oil ok, or should I try to find an expert.

Thanks,
Steve
 

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A few things: If you're curious, dump the oil and filter it through cheese cloth or similar into a disposal container. If you don't see any metal specks in the cloth, I think you are worrying about nothing.

You have to remember that modern oil is light years better than older oil. If it's been a while since the motor was rebuilt or if it's never been rebuilt, the oil is more than likely picking up old sludge and gunk and keeping it in suspension.

My experience has been flatheads turn the oil black-ish very quickly. On my newly rebuilt motor, I also don't run a filter, but epoxied a Neo magnet to the inside of the drain plug. The magnet is still picking up gunk after a few thousand miles of driving.
 
504d said:
I'm afraid to drive my truck. I got this truck 4 yrs ago, and did a tune up and maintenance at that time, and fixed a few things, but couldn't get the title. I got it recently, and after a few more repairs, am ready to drive to the DMV for inspection, but when I look at the oil, which I changed about 1-2 hours runtime ago, just around the block and idling, the oil is gray. See pic. This engine has no oil filter, and while I've owned Beetles in the past, which don't have filters, I don't recall the oil looking like this, but that was a long time ago.
I'm a novice with this vehicle, or anything older than 1959, so really have little idea if its running or sounds ok, but it runs and drives.
So, is gray oil ok, or should I try to find an expert.

Thanks,
Steve
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PXL_20260504_143732936~2.jpg (1 of 1) 05-04-2026 08:30 AM
 
What I see on the "DANGER" part of the dipstick looks perfectly normal. I put an aluminum aftermarket timing cover on my race hemi one time with the wrong gasket, and quickly dumped a bunch of water into the oil pan. It was really obvious what was wrong, as the resultant mixture looked a lot like a milk shake.
 
Your oil looks great to me also. On my new vehicles (late 90's is new, right?) the oil stays clear so long it's difficult to see where it is on the mark. Drive away and enjoy, and don't forget we like pictures.
 
504d said:
I'm afraid to drive my truck. I got this truck 4 yrs ago, and did a tune up and maintenance at that time, and fixed a few things, but couldn't get the title. I got it recently, and after a few more repairs, am ready to drive to the DMV for inspection, but when I look at the oil, which I changed about 1-2 hours runtime ago, just around the block and idling, the oil is gray. See pic. This engine has no oil filter, and while I've owned Beetles in the past, which don't have filters, I don't recall the oil looking like this, but that was a long time ago.
I'm a novice with this vehicle, or anything older than 1959, so really have little idea if its running or sounds ok, but it runs and drives.
So, is gray oil ok, or should I try to find an expert.

Thanks,
Steve
Click to expand...
Steve, the oil you have there on the dip stick looks like the oil the dodge dealer here used back in 60s-70s after the warranty service it looked gray/green.wish i could remember the brand they had in the 55 gal drums. what brand do use. some look mostly clear out of the bottle a honey color. Tom.
 
looks okay to me, but i might think about changing the oil again. a lot of sediment can build up in the pan of an old engine...
 
My earlier comment about the gray colored oil i remember the oil the Dodge dealer used was Northland.it was kinda gray/green has any of you guys had an experienced that oil. i dont know if northland oil was sold retail. Tom.
 
farmertom said:
Steve, the oil you have there on the dip stick looks like the oil the dodge dealer here used back in 60s-70s after the warranty service it looked gray/green.wish i could remember the brand they had in the 55 gal drums. what brand do use. some look mostly clear out of the bottle a honey color. Tom.
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Back at the bus Co. we used McMillin oit also in 55 gal drums in the 60s,70s

this may be it....
 
Another vote for normal appearance. What does your oil pressure gauge read? That would be a better indicator of the oil condition than a visual in my opinion.
 
I recall years ago using Kendall motor oil & had similar results switched brands & it eventually cleared up.
 
If it helps put your mind at ease, this is what my oil looks like with 10 miles put on it after an oil change. I use Valoline VR 20W-50 and no filter.
 

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I agree that the oil looks pretty normal, it’s just cleaned some crud out of the motor. I wouldn’t worry too much, I’d drive it a few hundred miles and change it again just to help clean out the crud.
 
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