ok so i had changed my engine oil end of May with 174,000 kms. (108,000 miles) and i think its almost time to change the oil. Right now its has 181,000 kms (112,000 miles)so i checked the dipstick and i was surprised to see the oil very clean. It was as if the oil was changed recently. I mean the oil looked golden brown and clear. Now i am getting a bit nervous because this had never happened before and even after such a time/distance interval the oil should change colour. I was reading somewhere that if the oil is still clear that means there is build up of sludge is that true??
i dont have any problems is driving or performance. Also the oil was Pennzoil 5W30.
any insights? or is this normal?

 

I have never heard that oil staying new looking indicates sludge, would seem to be the opposite of that. Sludge occurs when the oil cooks itself, which means it breaks down and turns black (and of course fills with combustion residue) and eventually into carbon.

If you are really paranoid pull the front valve cover it's really easy.

 

Don't worry about it, I've had the same happen to me. It will turn dark after another 1000 miles or so.

 

The oil very often looks fine on the dipstick. Then, when you change it, black as can be. I would change it if it were me.

 

ya i will change it over the weekend ..its just that even after this mileage interval i know the oil in the dipstick looks dark brown. But not clean as i thought.