Hi - I'm a new member of Briskoda. I have driven an Octave Elegance TDi diesel auto for about four years. I recently changed to a new Skoda dealer for service as they were near to my home. Immediately after my last service I noticed that the engine oil was black. When I phoned to query this, they said that diesel engine oil turned black as soon as the motor was switched on. Have I been conned?

Engine oil in Diesels does turn black,thats normal.

Small amounts of old oil left in the engine discolour the new oil,plus soot from burnt Diesel,which also blackens the oil.

Its the soot deposits within the engine that turn the oil black so quick I think?

I looked this up a few months ago and read that diesel fuel reacts with the engine oil to turn it black and it does this soon after putting new, clean oil into the engine.