Why is my oil black?

[Unilevers]

clean oil on a 870 is harder than newer engines. The 870 is old and the turbo setup clunky and slow. Clean oil on a 870 has more to do with driving habits than anything else really once is demandated. The turbo actuator is slow to respond so you always get some soot when getting on the power and most of them have lotsa miles and are tired.

If you are getting into the 7+ with your 870, and it is demandated properly and in good shape chances are your oil stays fairly clean for quite awhile. Anyone with north of 550hp will have a almost impossible time doing this. Its the 450hp trucks that are hypermiled that stay clean. if you have gone non vgt forget about any kind of clean oil as its a soot monster.

Newer engines with electronic turbos react must faster and make much less soot.