Hey Gary,
isn't that the job of the oil filter??? If the filter isn't doing IT'S
job, then your oil should be black. But the oil is there for
lubrication, not cleaning the engine internals, that's only a by-product
of the fluid movement. I say buy the best filter you can, and your oil
should look as good coming out of the block as it did going in. IMHO
anyway.
Later...
Actually, haven't you read your oil bottle? Most of them say
detergent. Or if you read your lawn mower manual it says NON detergent
oil only. The oil does much more than just lubricate. It does clean
internal parts. Your rings do not seal 100% of the combustion gases in
the combustion chamber. A significant amount goes down into the
oil...hence the term blowby. That's why you either have to have a valve
cover breather or PCV valve. The oil also plays a major part in cooling
the engine...especially the pistons. There is enough oil that splashes
on the bottoms of the pistons to cool them off. Why do you think no
auto manufacturer makes an engine with a dry sump system for street
use. Longevity is sacrificed for power.
The oil gets black because of water and gas that get into it. On my
alcohol motor after about 30 passes, the oil looks like a dirty vanilla
shake. It has a lot of water and methanol in it...it gets changed about
every 2 weeks...about 16-25 passes.
-- Drew Schofield 1998 Sport 4x4 5.2 CC Black
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