[adorsey]

So I go and crank the truck today and as it turns over black smoke comes out. I hit the gas and get the RPMs up around 3000 and it does it again. I go down the road and punch it and it does it again. Right now it doesn't do it.

Is it something that is just built up or what? I run 87 gas ALL the time so that may be my first mistake and I ran Seafoam in the gas tank only about 3 weeks ago. Over the past couple of weeks I've noticed a slight drop in throttle response and in power. And ideas?

 

[lane.mcpeak]

I run 87 only all the time and have never blown out any smoke. Could be the seafoam, could be something else. Doesn't black smoke mean it's fuel rich? Like it's getting too much fuel?

 

[adorsey]

I have no idea. I haven't messed with anything on the truck in months. Got the oil changed about a month and half ago and still have 1500 or so till the next change.

 

[RedFrontier]

Black Smoke: Black smoke is caused by excess fuel that has entered the cylinder area and cannot be burned completely. Another term for excess fuel is "running rich." Poor fuel mileage is also a common complaint when black smoke comes out of the tailpipe. Black smoke out the tailpipe is the least cause for alarm. Excess fuel will usually effect engine performance, reduce fuel economy, and produce a fuel odor.

How did the fuel get into the cylinder in the first place? Some of the causes of excess fuel are a carburetor that is out of adjustment, a faulty fuel pump, a leaky fuel injector, or a faulty engine computer or computer sensor. If black smoke is present, check the engine oil as in the white smoke example to make sure excess fuel has not contaminated it. Do not start the engine if a heavy, raw fuel smell can be detected in the engine oil. Call your mechanic and advise him of what you have found.

I hope this helps you determine what could be causing your engine smoke, and the possible reasons behind the smoke.

Source: Is your car smoking from the exhaust pipe?

 

[VeS206]

Could be from a bad cat... But try and fill a full tank of gas and run a can of seafoam thru it... Mine was doing the same thing.

 

[nizmut]

How is your air filter doing. It should adjust with the mass air flow sensor, but you never know. Another problem with running rich, is the excess fuel wipes all lubrication from the cylinders. That can lead to excessive engine wear.

 

[06_footy]

Hey adorsey. If you need help incase anything gets too serious for a one-man job. Im a phone call away. Im more than willing to head to your place and we give it a good shake down.

 

[adorsey]

I ran a can of Seafoam through the gas tank about 3 weeks ago.

My air filter looks decent. I'm going to clean it tomorrow and clean the mass air flow sensor just in case and see how that happens.

I don't know how long this has been going on, I just noticed the smoke today.

Thanks footy.