2011 GMC Sierra Dirty Oil After 2950 miles

[sparko0811]

I just bought a new 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Extended Cab.
. I traded in my Tacoma for my Sierra.

However, I decided, fortunately I might add, to change my oil early. The oil was filthy; the sensor said 66% oil life left after 2950 miles and two months. It would have been a tragedy to allow this oil to remain in my new truck; running synthetic now and should last for 10k miles.

 

[jhighers]

3000 miles is good for conventional oil probably whats in their. the oil in the truck is meant to be a blend or semi-senthetic. The oil condition percentage is meant for the semi-senthetic. My recomendation use semi or full senthetic some of them can go for 7500+.

 

[jagtoes]

I just bought a new 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Extended Cab.
. I traded in my Tacoma for my Sierra.

However, I decided, fortunately I might add, to change my oil early. The oil was filthy; the sensor said 66% oil life left after 2950 miles and two months. It would have been a tragedy to allow this oil to remain in my new truck; running synthetic now and should last for 10k miles.

The color of the oil may not be an indicator if it is contaminated. Some of the new synthetic oils are dark and may appear to be black (like royal purple) when they are still considered clean. If the truck is brand new I would check with the dealer to see what oil they used. If it is used then you won't know if it was syn or dino oil. If you still have some of the drain oil left I would send it out to get an oil analysis. That should tell you if there is a problem. I use 5W-30 dino oil in my 2008 5.3L and change it every 5K miles or once a year. The old oil I take out still looks clean (it's transparent) so I'll stick with this change frequency.

 

[gmc man]

New GM's come with Dexos oil.Requirement is that or of course better;being synthetic.etc.

 

[CEB66]

Hi sparko,

I have 2011 Sierra. Purchased last May. I noticed the oil was black with less than 2000 miles on the motor.

After my first oil change it did the same thing.

A GM tech speculated that it could have to do with the AFM.

I thought it was kind of odd considering the synthetics back in the 1970s and 80s would take forever to turn black like the conventional oils. You couldn't always use "color" as an indicator to change synthetic oil back then. Now this stuff is dark at 1500 miles? Faster than conventional oils?

 

[Z15]

The color of the oil does not indicate much. Oil turning black is normal in many engines. all engines produce some blow-by around the rings, and these spent gases contain carbon, a by-product of combustion. the carbon is dissolved into the oil turning it black. Keep in mind the factory oil is supplied by the low bidder and as often happens with low bids, corners are cut in order to meet the low bid. So while the oil might be great when new, it may degrade rapidly due the corners cut in the formulations.