(Not an) Oil drip - 350 miles (RESOLVED)

[MattH89]

Noticed on garage floor today a few black spots. Looked underneath and I was able to skim a little black oil off the black skid plate area with my finger. Kinda surprised how dark it is if it is oil.

Have an appointment Friday morning to have it looked at and I'll post back here what they say.

 

[RHOfan]

Dark oil? A little odd. When I changed mine at 1200 miles, it was still amber (dark amber), not black.

Has your oil been changed yet?

I got a drop of oil on the floor after the oil change. Seems the engine design holds oil above the filter (maybe 1/2 qt). I completely drained the oil pan 1st. Then, when I broke the filter seal, a bunch of oil splashed everywhere. Some of it collected above a skid plate & that’s where the drop came from. Some careful cleaning took care of it.

Let us know what your dealer finds.

 

[MattH89]

Dark oil? A little odd. When I changed mine at 1200 miles, it was still amber (dark amber), not black.

Has your oil been changed yet?

I got a drop of oil on the floor after the oil change. Seems the engine design holds oil above the filter (maybe 1/2 qt). I completely drained the oil pan 1st. Then, when I broke the filter seal, a bunch of oil splashed everywhere. Some of it collected above a skid plate & that’s where the drop came from. Some careful cleaning took care of it.

Let us know what your dealer finds.

No nothing has been done yet. I've had the truck for 5 days.

I agree the color is weird/concerning. Maybe a mix of oil and road grime (winter slush here).

It's a very small amount so far, so not hugely concerned but something I'd prefer not to have to deal with already on a $90k truck

 

[MattH89]

Well in case we needed any reminder that my mechanical acumen is just north of 0, this was not an oil leak.

Dealer diagnosed an improperly seated brake line at the ABS module. So I was dripping brake fluid, not oil.

They were able to get it sorted in less than 30 minutes. I'm thankful this is all it was.

Oh also the black color must've just been dirt mixed in. Subsequent spots were clear in color.

 

[RHOfan]

Well in case we needed any reminder that my mechanical acumen is just north of 0, this was not an oil leak.

Dealer diagnosed an improperly seated brake line at the ABS module. So I was dripping brake fluid, not oil.

They were able to get it sorted in less than 30 minutes. I'm thankful this is all it was.

Oh also the black color must've just been dirt mixed in. Subsequent spots were clear in color.

Don’t feel bad. The colors on these fluids can get confusing.

My Ram RT had a tranny cooler leak. Bunch of red fluid came out that I assumed was trans fluid. Nope…antifreeze!

All the same, glad you got that fixed before you had the brake pedal hit the floor!

 

[Cautionary Tale]

Dark oil? A little odd. When I changed mine at 1200 miles, it was still amber (dark amber), not black.

Has your oil been changed yet?

I got a drop of oil on the floor after the oil change. Seems the engine design holds oil above the filter (maybe 1/2 qt). I completely drained the oil pan 1st. Then, when I broke the filter seal, a bunch of oil splashed everywhere. Some of it collected above a skid plate & that’s where the drop came from. Some careful cleaning took care of it.

Let us know what your dealer finds.

At 1,749 mine was black black like a child left to work in coal mine for a decade and never saw sunlight. Smelled was off too. I didn't attempt a taste test, but I was put off by its smell enough that I let it drip out for a few hours to get it all out. For good measure I then warmed up a qt of good stuff and poured that through to knock anything loose than wished to remain.

 

[Cautionary Tale]

Well in case we needed any reminder that my mechanical acumen is just north of 0, this was not an oil leak.

Dealer diagnosed an improperly seated brake line at the ABS module. So I was dripping brake fluid, not oil.

They were able to get it sorted in less than 30 minutes. I'm thankful this is all it was.

Oh also the black color must've just been dirt mixed in. Subsequent spots were clear in color.

I'd rather leak oil than brake fluid because I enjoy the miracle of stopping. Glad you noticed it and got it sorted quick.

 

[RHOfan]

At 1,749 mine was black black like a child left to work in coal mine for a decade and never saw sunlight. Smelled was off too. I didn't attempt a taste test, but I was put off by its smell enough that I let it drip out for a few hours to get it all out. For good measure I then warmed up a qt of good stuff and poured that through to knock anything loose than wished to remain.

Yeah, at 1200 miles, my oil smelled of way more gasoline than I’m accustomed to. But the color looked semi-golden.