Technical Black soot in exhaust tip

[VinAms Lubes]

I have a 500l with the 1.4 turbo. It has 18k miles now. It runs well, and has good fuel consumption. Since new, it builds up carbon inside the tailpipe. The studio just said the air fuel ratio is within specs. I can't help but think its running rich.

If you have a turbo 1.4, any description, of inside your tailpipe would be helpful to me. I drive in frequent highway conditions, with no excess idleing.

Comments appreciated.

 

[portland_bill]

I'm surprised you've not seen this on all your previous cars, as it is normal. Carbon is a product of combustion, so is normal in the exhaust. When we had leaded fuel, the lead oxide formed greyish deposits in the tailpipe, and then black did show a rich mixture. With the removal of the lead from fuel, something you'd experienced many years before us in the UK, we gained sooty deposits in the tailpipe. For the first few years of unleaded fuel and catalysts, garages here suffered many complaints from customers, until we all got used to it.

Many exhausts exit downwards under the rear, so are less noticeable, perhaps that's why you've noticed it now. Nothing to worry about.

 

[VinAms Lubes]

Hi Nigel
I do know exactly what you mean. And certainly do follow all forementioned by you. I nearly wanted to qualify this, with an owner, of a similar vehicle. Is yours turbocharged?

That being said, still seems a bit much, regarding the amount of carbon. Do you have any idea, if the turbo, could allow engine to run slightly rich, during initial boost? Years ago, I had the necessary instruments, to observe air/fuel on my own, where I could qualify mixture at various rpm's. I guess I would be more comfortable then. As vehicle approaches 20k miles, I'll probably analyze the oil, through the Amsoil lab. I'm a long term dealer of Amsoil, and have been Since wrench turning days were over.

I was actually a "tuner", before there was such a term. Owned, a tuning shop, that specialized in muscle cars, all 50's V8's, and any performance foreign iron. Any electrical work. And distributor work, on ANY distributor, of any vintage vehicle. Foreign distributors, only stuff sold in US. I race prepped, power tunned for hi per American stuff. In those days, dyno was not so common, as it is now. The Sun machine, was state of the art then.

My personel specility was what was then, called pure stock. I had a number of cars, some mine, some customers, that I tweaked, enough to compete at regional/national level. Now that's pure stock, not pro stock, of course. I lost interest, in drag racing, with advent of bracket racing. Being an early street racer, back in the day, head to head, was the only thing of interest to me.

Haven't tuned though, since early '90's. Then did engine failure analysis, to supplement me after I closed shop, n started the Amsoil distributor.

4 cyl stuff is new to me. This is first I've owned. I have nothing in my profile though, to tell some of my auto past.

Hoping you have some further thoughts though.

As a last point, knowing what you said in your reply, is that in the many vehicles I've had, say since 1980, upward. Neva say black, dark grey, n lighter. But never, where it's kinda cacked on, (like a bit thick ). That's what prompted my post.

Tell me a bit of your Fiat ride, engine, mileage, up, etc. As I am novice to this.

 

[portland_bill]

Is yours turbocharged?

That made me smile.

This side of the Atlantic, we have always had generally smaller engines. Less space, not so far to go. For most of my early years, a 2.0litre was considered a large engine, as was anything over about 80hp.

My Panda uses the 1242cc FIRE engine, producing all of 60hp, doing so quietly and gently, but keeping up with the traffic adequately. Quite relaxing, not trying to compete with anyone. And giving 50 miles per imperial gallon without having to work at achieving this. Petrol is around £1/imperial gallon here. It is a 2006 vehicle, a special edition based on the Eleganza, and is orange inside as well as out. It just made me laugh, so I brought it home. Now, at ten years old, it has only covered 52,000 miles and is running sweetly. These engines, given the necessary oil changes will go on well over 100,000 miles without trouble, although many need a head gasket at 60-80,000, just routine age deterioration. Google "Panda Alessi" for an overview of the model. The paint lacquer on the roof and bonnet, affected by 10 years of sun, is peeling, so these panels will need painting sometime.

Hopefully, within a few days, someone with a similar vehicle to yours will give their answer. Sometimes it takes a few days, as many only view the Forum occasionally.

 

[Mikehep]

Where are you buying your fuel at £1/imp gallon?

 

[portland_bill]

Where are you buying your fuel at £1/imp gallon?

Oops! Should have said £1/litre. Got all excited at having to compare with US gallons.

I do remember though, when in the seventies there was a big fuss when the price rose quite dramatically from about 35p to 50p/gallon.