Ford Thunderbird Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(157)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(157)

Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection Service

How much does a Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Ford Thunderbird Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1986 Ford ThunderbirdV8-5.0LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
1990 Ford ThunderbirdV6-3.8LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1972 Ford ThunderbirdV8-6.6LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1963 Ford ThunderbirdV8-6.7LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
1965 Ford ThunderbirdV8-7.0LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
1973 Ford ThunderbirdV8-7.0LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1991 Ford ThunderbirdV6-3.8LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
1985 Ford ThunderbirdV6-3.8LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Ford Thunderbird Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection prices

Car engines need oil to operate smoothly and efficiently. Engine oil helps lubricate the dozens of moving and interacting parts, helps prevent rust and corrosion as well as aiding in removing the heat that an engine generates. Modern oil also helps keep an engine clean by removing sludge and build-up. An engine without oil simply will not function.

Brand new engine oil is a lovely amber color but over time it will turn black and in some cases will get gritty. Fortunately, this is usually not a problem, it is simply a result of the oil doing the job it was designed to do.

How this system works:

The primary function of engine oil is to lubricate the various moving parts of an engine. The constant contact between these moving parts generates both heat and wear and tear. Engine oil keeps friction to a minimum and dissipates the heat.

Engine oil is stored in the oil pan. The pan holds between 4 and 6 quarts of oil. When an engine is started, an oil pump sucks the oil from the pan through the pickup tube. The oil then travels to the oil filter, which removes any dirt and debris that has accumulated in it and then sends the oil into the engine via spurt holes. The oil moves through the engine and eventually makes it way back to the oil pan where the process starts again.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Normal Wear and Tear: Regardless of how often oil is changed, eventually it becomes black and slightly gritty. This simply means it is doing its job. Modern detergent engine oils which have detergent additives are designed to disperse the tiny particles or engine sludge and hold them in suspension in the oil so they do not build up on engine parts.

This will make the oil darker in color, and slightly gritty but it’s better for the build up to be trapped in the oil then building up on the vehicles engine parts. Oil can only hold so much sludge and eventually it will need to be replaced.

  • Dirty Oil Filter: An oil filter’s primary function is to filter out contaminants in the oil that it picks up while cycling through the engine. Over time an oil filter will become full and will need to be replaced. If it is unable to filter the oil the contaminants will remain in the oil and possibly damage the engine.

  • Overdue for an Oil Change: Oil needs to be changed on a regular basis. While oil turning black and getting slightly gritty is normal, extremely black oil that develops globs on the dipstick needs to be changed immediately. The interval between oil changes will vary depending on the type of oil being used but it is a good idea to follow the manufacturers recommendations.

While 3,000 miles used to be the recommendation, most modern oils, especially synthetics can go between 7,000-10,000 before an oil change is needed.

  • Oil Light Comes On: In most vehicles, if the Oil Warning light comes on, it is reason for immediate concern. In most cases this will indicate a low oil pressure situation, which could be the result of a failing oil pump or a leak. This can do severe damage to the engine. The vehicle should be inspected and repaired immediately.

  • Oil Level is Dropping: If the vehicle is consistently low on oil or the level is dropping sharply over a short period of time, there is probably an oil leak somewhere in the system. An oil leak can lead to a dangerously low amount of oil in the car and should be repaired immediately.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the source and cause of the Oil is Black and Gritty issue, ​and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The mechanic look for normal wear and tear of the engine oil, along with the oil filter, oil level and other indications that will help determine if any problem exists or if additional procedures are required in order to provide you with an accurate diagnosis.

How important is this service?

In most cases black and gritty engine oil is normal. Engine oil should be changed on a regular basis according to the manufacturers recommendations. Going too long between oil changes can affect the performance of the engine and lead to expensive repairs.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Ford mechanics

Real customer reviews from Ford owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(157)

Rating Summary
149
3
2
0
3
149
3
2
0
3

Richard

13 years of experience
601 reviews
Richard
13 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V8-4.6L - Serpentine/Drive Belt - North Las Vegas, Nevada
cool thank you for your help.....

Lavell

28 years of experience
277 reviews
Lavell
28 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V6-3.8L Turbo - Car is not starting - Oakland, California
Super fun guy to be around working on cars. He knows he's stuff

Allen

36 years of experience
471 reviews
Allen
36 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V8-3.9L - Car will not turn over - Orlando, Florida
Amazing! He arrived early and did a wonderful job. He explained everything clearly and worked very affectivly.

Adam

17 years of experience
242 reviews
Adam
17 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V8-3.9L - Valve Cover Gasket - Boca Raton, Florida
Very knowledgeable

Excellent Rating

(157)

Rating Summary
149
3
2
0
3
149
3
2
0
3
Number of Ford Thunderbird services completed
1727+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Ford MECHANICS
1700+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How Touch-Activated Car Door Locks Work
When When small digital systems appeared in the 1980s, the car industry was quick to pick up and use them. In short order, Ford developed the first computer-controlled keypad door locking system in about 1980. A few years later, small...
P2705 OBD-II Trouble Code: Transmission Friction Element F Apply Time Range/Performance
P2705 means there is a malfunction in the transmissions friction elements due to failing transmission components, low fluid level or electrical issues
How to Test a Power Brake Booster
If your brakes start to feel spongy, the root cause may be the power brake booster. Test your power brake booster to see if it needs replacement.

How do I adjust the height of the seat belt?

Before driving, it’s important to adjust the height of the seat belt so that it is at a safe height. To raise the height of the shoulder strap, slide the belt adjuster upwards to the desired position. To lower the...

Odometer runs backwards while running forward.

Many older vehicles used manual gear arrangements to run the odometer. This means that a mechanical system was required to make the odometer function. It is possible that the gears have been lodged or rearranged in such a way to...

I have coolant leaking from the side of my reservoir tank when I try to fill , as well as steam.

To estimate a variety of leaks please request a leak inspection/diagnostic (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-fluid-leak-inspection). If coolant is leaking from the reservoir, the reservoir may be cracked; if so, YourMechanic can replace the reservoir (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/coolant-reservoir-replacement). If the leak from the bottom of the...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com