Any info on this problem would be most greatly appreciated!

Here's the problem, On first starting my cinq sporting, I get a little bit of black smoke from the exhaust (a bit like when a diesel engine starts) which only lasts for about 2-3 seconds but it's worrying me. I also get a squeaking sound sometimes on starting and it sounds like the alternator belt but i'm convinced it's the head gasket on it's way out.

any help with this would be appreciated to help put my mind at rest.

Is adrenaline brown?

Black smoke on start up shouldn't be too much of a problem, it'd point to mixture rather than anything else. White steam may be water from a blown head gasket, and blue smoke tends to come from a well worn engine.

Head gaskets don't usually squeak, as far as I know! Maybe a worn or slack alternator belt, I'd check this first as it's the cheapest option.

There's ahead gasket faq for some pointers if you're worried at
https://www.fiatforum.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1948

Pete.
Cinq sporting 1242cc
Cinqs&Seis Yahoo group
Clubcento