"Dark" engine oil after 70 hours use?

[tboydva]

My DF60A has about 90 hours on it. I did the break-in exactly like the manual stipulated. I changed the oil at 20 hours and it appeared unused. I have run this motor pretty hard (as advised) with a prop giving ~5,500-6,000 rpm at running speed. I have also done quite a bit of water skier (tube mostly) pulling which is taxing I suspect. Anyway, when I last checked the oil, it was quite dark (for what I'd expect in a 4-stroke). I decided to change the oil yesterday and it "felt" just fine, but was pretty dark. All my searches for dark or discolored oil all return lower unit questions. So - is it normal for the engine oil to be reasonably dark for a 4-stroke outboard after 70 hours of use? I suspect the detergents are just doing their job, but I was curious what others have noted? BTW, the outboard runs like a champ - it's simply outstanding!

[artdf175]

Would ask about if you are experiencing any oil loss ?
Do a 100 hour check up early check valve clearances
Dirty oil and a l loss of oil Could be an indication that the rings did not seat correctly
Art

[tboydva]

Thanks Art - didn't use a drop of oil from the first change (was sitting at the exact same spot on the dipstick). Will check in each time I use if from here on and observe the color. The oil wasn't black (I have diesel vehicles - that's some discolored oil!). It was just a bit darker than I expected given the first break-in change at 20 hours... I have the extended warranty (special when I got the engine last March). I hope I don't have to use it!

[artdf175]

The no oil loss is what should happen
I can suggest changing at 100 hours then observe what happens after that
If it is not black I would suspect it is just use
I had ring and valve problems and the oil would be black with very little running and would use a quart of oil in 10 hours
If you don't have an engine manual -get one it has a maintenance schedule plus a lot of information that no one ever tells you
Art

[tboydva]

Art,

Went ahead and changed the oil, so I'll be monitoring it very closely. On advise here (and elsewhere), I've run the engine (what I would consider) pretty hard (at 5,000-6,000 rpm). I wonder if that just "breaks it in" more than the 10 hours of gentle use during the manual's breakin recommendation. I have the shop manual BTW. Very useful (although the description of the shift rod disassembly during impeller replacement has me baffled). As I mentioned, I have a good warranty and other than running the engine at the recommended RPM, I've babied it. Still looks brand new (polished yesterday!). Thanks for the info!!!

Tom