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Red tint to engine oil

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by itsneverover, Mar 19, 2023.

  1. Mar 19, 2023 at 1:41 PM
    #1
    itsneverover

    itsneverover [OP] New Member

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    Hey everyone, I’m doing my second oil change on my 23 ORP. I noticed the oil looks a little red on the dipstick. I’m using Mobil 1 Synthetic. Is this something to worry about?

    BD0ABBEF-75F4-48FA-943F-5927C6E08CB0.jpg
     
  2. Mar 19, 2023 at 1:44 PM
    #2
    andrewtheadventurer

    andrewtheadventurer New Member

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  3. Mar 19, 2023 at 1:46 PM
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    dsnow

    dsnow New Member

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    I have no insight into what would cause that, but I am curious, how many miles on this oil?
     
  4. Mar 19, 2023 at 1:49 PM
    #4
    itsneverover

    itsneverover [OP] New Member

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  5. Mar 19, 2023 at 2:05 PM
    #5
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    Changed by you or a shop?
     
  6. Mar 19, 2023 at 2:18 PM
    #6
    itsneverover

    itsneverover [OP] New Member

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  7. Mar 19, 2023 at 2:33 PM
    #7
    steelevo

    steelevo Not so new anymore...

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    Does it smell like tranny or power steering fluid?
     
  8. Mar 19, 2023 at 2:42 PM
    #8
    itsneverover

    itsneverover [OP] New Member

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    No, just smelled like used oil. I’m reading online that synthetics can change reddish because of additives? Idk but this looks really red and my coolant is the red stuff. Wouldn’t the level have gone up if coolant was leaking into it?
     
  9. Mar 19, 2023 at 2:42 PM
    #9
    AuSeeker

    AuSeeker New Member

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  10. Mar 19, 2023 at 2:45 PM
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    nimby

    nimby in the drink

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    That doesn't look particularly unusual to me.

    Just looks like it's in the middle of going from a straw yellow to a dark brown.

    How does your air filter look?
     
    Rocko9999 and Toy4X4 like this.
  11. Mar 19, 2023 at 2:55 PM
    #11
    itsneverover

    itsneverover [OP] New Member

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    Makes sense considering I’m changing it earlier than usual.

    B8E4B3E3-54EF-4793-8A15-840A12B7AC82.jpg
     
  12. Mar 19, 2023 at 3:11 PM
    #12
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

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    Filter looks good.

    That oil color isn't enough to alarm me personally but as @AuSeeker mentioned, you could always send a sample to Blackstone to double check.
     
  13. Mar 19, 2023 at 3:36 PM
    #13
    rmiked

    rmiked New Member

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    I think my 2016 Tacoma would pass thru that color from new Mobil 1 (0-20) to 6000 miles. When just changed I could hardly see the oil on stick. It would be darker when changed. The 3.5 liter V6 would not use any oil. Drained and captured every change. My Accord uses about 1 quart every 2500 miles. Toyota was tightest engine I ever had regarding piston rings and valves.
     
  14. Mar 19, 2023 at 3:57 PM
    #14
    Well69

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    Are you checking at a certain time every month?

    Jokes aside, looks normal to me.
     
  15. Mar 19, 2023 at 4:04 PM
    #15
    steelevo

    steelevo Not so new anymore...

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    Probably not an issue then.
     
  16. Mar 19, 2023 at 4:34 PM
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    Slopemaster

    Slopemaster Slope Survivalist

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    Mine always has a red tint too.
     
  17. Mar 19, 2023 at 4:39 PM
    #17
    5six

    5six New Member

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    That’s what she said.
     
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  18. Mar 19, 2023 at 4:56 PM
    #18
    tblt44

    tblt44 New Member

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    What color is it on a pappertowel,
    The lighting and dipstick can make it look red
     
  19. Mar 19, 2023 at 4:58 PM
    #19
    itsneverover

    itsneverover [OP] New Member

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    9D9609B9-3D2E-4212-8C12-0F85FD5A6066.jpg
     
  20. Mar 19, 2023 at 4:59 PM
    #20
    Brownspotz

    Brownspotz High Class Hyena

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    I had the same color of oil on mine as well. It's on its 3rd oil change with Mobil 1 at 3-4k changes. I'm not the only one
     
  21. Mar 19, 2023 at 7:37 PM
    #21
    5thToy

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    I'm not saying this is alarming, but I do think it is odd and I understand why you are reaching out. I can't say I've seen that color.
     
  22. Mar 19, 2023 at 8:00 PM
    #22
    lrizzo

    lrizzo New Member

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    Just out of curiosity what brand oil filter?
     
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  23. Mar 20, 2023 at 1:14 AM
    #23
    itsneverover

    itsneverover [OP] New Member

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  24. Mar 20, 2023 at 1:32 AM
    #24
    MI-FL off roader

    MI-FL off roader T4R Hobby/Addict

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    Too many mods and too much money
    Stick with the OEM oil filters. Also, make sure your pcv valve and hoses are clear of obstruction and flowing properly.
    That almost looks like the color I get out of my catch can.
    It could very well be a characteristic of Mobil 1, but I've never used it, so I can't say for sure.
     
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  25. Mar 20, 2023 at 1:32 AM
    #25
    Matt83

    Matt83 New Member

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    I have never observed that color of oil on the dipstick on my Tacoma or 4Runner. Both on Toyota 0w/20 and Toyota Filters.

    If you are concerned try an oil analysis and make a note when you send it in, let them know you are using a WIX filter as well.
     
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  26. Mar 20, 2023 at 5:15 AM
    #26
    4Runner75

    4Runner75 New Member

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    What type of driving? A lot of short trips? Sport driving or fast freeway? etc...

    On my former vehicle (2013 Ford Explorer) I used Mobil 1 Advance Synthetic 5w-20 and I do a lot of short trips and around town. Also some on highway but not much. Oil looked red brownish like yours at 2,500 Miles and 6 months. I sent the oil to Blackstone Labs, the report stated that the TBN was down to 3 but the metals content was the same as 1 year use. So to me 6 months change interval is in order.
     
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2023
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  27. Mar 20, 2023 at 6:15 AM
    #27
    tblt44

    tblt44 New Member

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    I think it's just the oil tint of Mobil 1 and getting dirty.
    New Ow 20 extended performance has that orange tint to it IMO.
     
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  28. Mar 20, 2023 at 6:21 AM
    #28
    tblt44

    tblt44 New Member

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    Screenshot_20230320_092030_Chrome.jpgMobil 1 left.
    Don't worry about it, drive and enjoy your toy
     
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  29. Mar 20, 2023 at 7:15 AM
    #29
    semprenissart

    semprenissart Mèfi

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    Like the post above me suggests, it’s most likely the color of the oil.
    OP said the oil had 3800 miles so not all that old. I’m guessing it’s just the original color that is getting dirty but not dirty enough to be darker.
    I’m used to see clean oil as more of a yellowish color but it doesn’t mean there’s no other oils of different color.
    The best you can do is open another bottle of oil that you used and if it’s reddish brand new then everything should be normal
     
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  30. Mar 20, 2023 at 9:00 AM
    #30
    LuLu

    LuLu New Member

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    Change back to Toyota OEM Oil and filter. See if still same after a few thousand miles.
    I have seen pure red and pure green eco engine oils in other countries.
     

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