Scotty, please help! I purchased a new 2021 Honda CRV with less than 20 miles on the odometer in May of this year. It has the 1.5L turbo engine. At approx. 1000 miles, I checked the dipstick and saw the oil looked good but when I wiped it off to check again and found a black residue on my paper towel. I checked it again in two days and the same result. Black residue. I changed the oil and filter myself a day later at 1066 miles. The oil that came out was so black that when put in a glass mason jar, I could not see through it even with a strong LED light behind it! The service manager at the dealership told me that was normal. Is he lying?
Update: I drew a sample of oil after only 200 miles from complete change. Oil is almost as black as 1000 mile sample. Took to dealership. Service manager said same thing. " That's normal, don't worry.
drive it for a few thousand more miles and see if it clears up
Doesn’t sound normal to me. Sounds more like prelube. Google blackstone labs. They will send you a free sample kit with instructions. Costs 30 bucks to send it to them. I would also contact a different dealer or call Honda directly
Ordered on line, 1 test kit from Blackstone. I forgot to capture confirmation page. Did not receive confirmation (like Amazon) in my email. Waited several days, nothing. Wrote them asking if my order had been shipped, again no responds. Finally ordered Wix kit from Amazon, three day shipping and less expensive. Sent out sample on 7/12. Blackstone's arrived 7/13 asking for order number along with vehicle information. Wix's only ask for vehicle and oil information. I'll stick with Wix.
I work at the honda plant #2 on the civic weld seam water sealant line, pre paint in alliston ontario. The crvs are made in plant #1. That is not normal. Call Honda of America directly @ 1-800-999-1009. Discuss with them what is happening. They will help you 100%
I finally got a response from Honda after waiting for weeks and having to call them. The only thing she said was take it to any dealership for inspection.
Could be normal. Some engines parts are greased before assembly. If the grease is dark, it will dilute and darken the oil.
Send the oil to a lab for analysis. I would also change the oil now and keep my eye on the next one.
I am not trying to be sarcastic but how long do I wait for the oil change, 150 miles, 100 miles, 50 miles? Then what do I do with it? How long do I put up with this?
I would change the oil as soon as possible and put a new oil and check it every week or so.
My 2020 Accord 2.0T is turbo and I've been changing the oil for 30k miles every 5k miles. It is never that black and my plugs do not have carbon buildup.
Try driving it a proper oil change interval and seeing what it looks like. If it clears up great. If not or if you have problems, go back to the dealer and let them warranty any repairs needed.
If I were a gambling man, I would try that. However, I'm a retired and not willing to take that chance.
I understand your concern, but as someone who went through a lengthy lawsuit with Ford motor and has seen these issues before, do not expect the dealer to move a finger unless you get mileage on the car and the condition persists. Creating a paper trail for your future lawyer is important.
Gotcha. Thanks.
You're welcome and just so you know I'm rooting for you on this one. Please keep us updated on any developments.
keep that jar of oil
Did the service manager explain to you what that is? If it’s “normal” there should be an explanation from them as to what it is.
Yes, when questioned he said it was carbon from the burning of gas. He said that these turbo engines run dirtier than others. I pulled the spark plugs and saw the metal threaded outer portion that is pointed into the cylinder is already covered with carbon deposits. "That's normal" He said.
You can bet your last dollar on the fact that if the Service Manager's lips are moving, they are lying.
I agree totally.
While not the case 100% of the time, @Doc is right about 9 out of 10 times. Honest ones are out there, but like mechanics they are outnumbered heavily by the shady characters.