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Black Smoke
Black Smoke Coming From Exhaust Pipe

By Matthew Wright, About.com

Symptom: Black smoke from the exhaust. You notice black smoke coming from the exhaust when you start your car. The smoke may or may not disappear after the car is warmed. If it is, it is less noticeable. Engine may or may not be running rough or misfiring.

Possible causes:

  1. If you have a carburetor, the carburetor choke may be stuck closed.
    The Fix: Repair or replace choke.
  2. Fuel injectors may be leaking.
    The Fix: Replace fuel injectors.
  3. You may have a dirty air filter: Replace the air filter.
  4. There may be some other type of ignition problem.
    The Fix: Check distributor cap and rotor. Ignition module may be bad.
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