Red tint to engine oil

Normal. Also, if it were coolant, it would look milky not translucent.

 

Maybe your motor's Aunt Flo showed up?

 

Idk I’m just overly cautious

Lots of little trips! Live in a small town. How does that affect the oil?

 

Just drive the rig boss... you are fine.

 

It’s fine, roll on.

 

What you're looking at is your engine oil turning to varnish because of short trips not allowing engine to heat up to burn off blow by combustion products. I have the same oil color and problem; one solution is shorter OCI's, another is using better quality oil such as Mobil 1™ Extended Performance 0W-20. Here's a recent varnish thread at BITOG; https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/varnish-whats-the-downside.363907/

 

Would this give the oil a smell of gasoline?

 

Yes oil in this truck gets a gasoline smell after being used for short trips. Here's some more reading;
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/reddish-varnish-inside-valve-covers-and-frontcover.265605/

 

I started using Mobil 1 oil recently, and the last time I did an oil change, I also noticed the oil had a distinctive red tint to it. I’ve never noticed it before, so I just figured it was a characteristic of the Mobil 1 oil.

 

Take it out on the highway once a week to get up to operating temp and burn off the moisture. Short trips not getting up to temp is extreme service schedule.

 

Just did my first change the other day (no clue what was in it as I bought it used) and mine had a red tint too. Did the change with Toyota oil and filter and could barely see the oil on the dipstick.

 

I use Mobil 1 and OEM filters, change the oil every 5000 miles and have never seen that color. But the picture you posted does not necessarily have me thinking it is contaminated.

 

I changed my oil last weekend. It was running Mobil 1 0w30 in it for about 5000 miles. It was way darker than 0w20, and it also took on a reddish tinge. Not noticeable in the fluid, but rather on the paper towel used for wiping the dipstick.

 

Which flavor of Mobil 1 did you use McS; 0W30 ESP or Advanced Fuel Economy and are you continuing with that ?

 

The green label advanced fuel economy. Yeah probably will stick with it. Mostly because it makes the dipstick slide smoother in the tube. Very luxuriant lol

 

Seeing this thread makes me comfortable deciding to change my oil more frequently, especially since I mainly do short trips and less than 5 days a week. I can’t imagine going a year or 10,000 kms without changing the oil.

 

Everyone over at bobistheoilguy says the ESP is better.

I couldn't understand why because they might as well be speaking German.

Nevertheless, I've been running the ESP and have been happy with it so far.

 

If it makes the dipstick feel like it’s running on ball bearings, I might give that a try. Is that available in 0w30? I usually don’t commit to a specific oil formulation because every time I say “this is my oil”, I can’t find it in stock when it’s time to do the next oil change. And I hate stockpiling liquids.

 

Yes, it does. I'm running 0w30 ESP.

 

About 1000 miles into M1 5W30 ESP use here and liking how quiet the engine runs with high Boron content of M1 ESP formula, might try the 0W30 next change.

 

Why not stay with the 5w-30? Just curious.

 

Next oil change for the 4R will be into the fall and would prefer to run 0W for winter.

 

The red tint is most likely due to additives. I am using Quaker State 5W30 full synthetic which has a reddish tint and is reported to have a very high compressive strength. Compressive strength is very important for wear protection.

 

Any chance that what you're seeing is remnants of the break in oil from the factory? I wouldnt be alarmed, if you are....take it to the dealership and ask them.

 

try Pennzoil - its very clean coming out of the jug and is also a very very good synthetic oil. To me, Mobil 1 is by far not the best oil but marketed extremely well.

 

You notice the truck running any differently on 0-30 vs 0-20?

 

No, not really.

 

Well, I for one, happen to love how the dipstick feels like it’s on ball bearings using mobil 0w30.

I also notice the oil gets a lot darker after a 5000 mile interval. For some reason I like that. I think I remember learning that dark oil means it’s cleaning better. That could be a load of hoo-ey though.

 

Try the Mobil 1 0W30 ESP version and report back.

 

I read about the ESP on the Mobile 1 site. Why would they specify “European” on this oil? Different requirements?