I changed my oil aproximately 4 weeks ago. Since the change I have put almost 1000 miles on it. When I checked the oil last night it was black. I have searched some of the threads and not come up with an answer as to if this is normal. Any help would be appreciated.

It's normal for a diesel to be almost black within a few miles of a change. If it's not black you have a problem. Means your oil is not dispersing soot and sludge and it building up somewhere. Oil keeps the soot and contamination in suspension so it doesn't attach to parts and and also allows the filter to catch the particles.

Thanks. After I posted this thread I continued searching and found some helpfull information. Your reply makes complete sense. I am a first time diesel owner and still figuring out alot of things.

Mine does not get black for a long time - I am guessing 5k miles or more. I am thinking it is the EGR blocker plate. Do you have the EGR Blocked?

Same here, I have the blocker plate and my oil never goes black. I change it out around 3K or so, might be early but its cheap and I burn the waste oil.

Every engine is different. Doesn't make sense that some stay clear and some don't, but don't worry, black is ok. Only way to know if it's really dirtry is with OA.

Black is normal but not mandatory. If you want to minimize the soft black carbon residue (soot): change the oil at 3-5,000 mile intervals, use one of the DP recommended synthetic oils, use a Wix or Amsoil filter rated at 8 microns, install a bypass filter with a 2 micron element, use a good grade of LSD or ULSD fuel from a reputable station and it might take several oil changes with all of the above to clean it up. It will never look like a gas motor vehicle but it won't be coal black.

True:)