After about 500 miles after an oil change, my dipstick shows very dark oil. My Camaro is an 88 with 87,000 miles on it. 305 V-8 with an Edelbrock manifold and 4bbl carb. It does use some oil, but no smoke except for a short time after start up. I realize that this is not a Camaro specific issue but since I just joined this forum, I thought that I would start here.
Thanks for the help.
Ralph

 

Could you change to normal font thank you
Does the oil smell like fuel? Look through the filler cap. What does it look like in there?

 

Sorry about the large font.
Hope this is better.

 

88 with 87,000 miles on it. 305 V-8

dont worry bout it.

 

yeah sounds normal to me

 

Depending on the history of the car this can be normal. If in it's previous life(before you) it wasn't cared for properly premature engine wear could have occured from waiting to long on changes or improper oils used. After 500 oil can start to discolor because of mixing with the old oil that doesn't all come out between changes and also from breakdown.

A small amount of smoke on start up sounds like a typical SB chevy. The valve guides like to leak a little oil into the combustion chamber after sitting so on initial start up you get a few puffs of smoke.

As others have mentioned, check for actual mechanical problems if things don't seem to be running correctly. Over rich condition can cause this. If the engine has weak rings you could be getting some blowbye occuring. Even a motor that runs hotter then normal can cause premature oil breakdown.

What oil are you using? There are grades made for older engines now and they actually do work. They are formulated differently and the additives are there to try and slow down ring wear, bearing wear, valve deposits and other things.

 

I know this sound a little funny but you replace you oil filter right? i had a friend who forgot to replace his oil filter and the next day his oil looked black... next oil change take your car for a little cruse it will heat up the oil and let more ofthe oilflowout better....

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Yes Ido change the filter and am using Valvoline Maxlife.
I owned this car for the first ten years and traded it. A young man had it for 6 years and removed the TBI and added the manifold and 4bbl. Also a high voltage coil. Claims it improved performance. I bought it back and have had it now three years. I added a Flowmaster exhaust and K&N air filter. It used to get about 16 to 18 mpg in town and 26 on the road when it had the FI. Now it gets about 11 in town and 18 on the road. No one seems to know how to adjust the carb, and no I don't use all 4 barrels a lot. It does have an odor most of the time but not Cat smell.
I really do appreciate your input.
Ralph

 

Oil on the dipstick will look black. Put some on your finger, bet ya its golden brown.