An engine lubricant composition, a method for maintaining the soot or sludge handling capability of an engine lubricant while not adversely affecting elastomeric seal material in the engine and a method of operating an engine. The engine lubricant includes a base oil and a dispersant. The dispersant is a reaction product of A) a hydrocarbyl-dicarboxylic acid or anhydride, B) a polyamine, C) a dicarboxyl-containing fused aromatic compound, and D) a non-aromatic dicarboxylic acid or anhydride.