BLACK STUFF

[simon gray]

Forgive the usual levels of low mechincal knowledge. On cold start up of my Griff small amounts (specks) of what appears to be oil come out of the tailpipes.The inner part of the tailpipe also shows a thin layer of 'oil' has coated it
Before I take it to David BAtty can anyone offer some advice.

With thanks

[apache]

this is an indication that your oil is too thin (you're probably using mobil 1)it is soot produced by oil getting past the piston rings, being burnt and spat out the back. It isn't a prob just put something heavier in, I use Texaco fully synth 05/40 but it's up to you

[Stig]

Simon, the Griff is well known to blow a bit of oil as (I believe) it only uses one scraper ring on the pistons.

My 500 used to use a litre every 500 miles or so, so don't be alarmed too much by this especially when it's cold (the oil won't burn off so readily).

[Stig]

Added to say a heavier oil is also a good bet. I agree that Mobil 1 is too 'thin'.

I used Valvoline Racing 20-50 and all was well (used in my race cars and the Ultima too).

[simon gray]

Apache/Stig thanks for your replies appreciated. I will change oils at next service

[simon t]

I reckon it's small droplets of water coated with soot from the exhaust. As the hot exhaust gas hits the cool silencer and pipes it condenses and picks up soot as it travels down the pipes....nothing to worry about
Simon

[apache]

simon t said: I reckon it's small droplets of water coated with soot from the exhaust. As the hot exhaust gas hits the cool silencer and pipes it condenses and picks up soot as it travels down the pipes....nothing to worry about
Simon

good theory Simon, but once I had changed from Mobil 1 to the heavier stuff I got no more soot on the back of the car at all.

edited to add my oil consumption with M1 was 300/500 miles per litre. With Texaco 1500 easy per litre



>> Edited by apache on Friday 28th March 14:52

[thirsty]

I get sooting on the back of the car (Chim 450), but my oil levels hardly ever go down. (mobil 1). Since there is no evidence of oil in the tail pipe, I assumed it was unburned fuel. I asked the dealer when I bought the car, and he said that the sooting was normal. I have had the car tuned and serviced and it is running great.

It isn't really that bad, but it shows up fairly quick since my car is yellow.