Black smoke out of tailpipe

BETHI

MEMBER
1992 CHEVROLET VAN

Black smoke comes out of tailpipe, runs but wont stay running what could this be? When I back up it stalls, and it is a chevy and its white my wires have not been replaced in a long time but the spark plugs have could this be my fuel pump I just had it replaced 5 years ago what do you think please reply with the bestest possible answer high mileage please reply with the good answer and I drive it alot with my daughter and every time I start it it has black smoke coming out of the back and it smells like gas alot and stuff and recently black soot has been coming out of the tailpipe too it looks like oil and aloso please give me a good answer and or should I get rid of this van yes or no it stinks badly I have already fixed my fuel pump and I think something is wrong and it is clogged maybe it is my catillatic converter spark plugs have been changed recently and it stalls when I back up and black smoke has been coming out of tailpipe for about a year when I go from stopped at a light to going forward, what could be clogged in there and why is black soot coming out of the tailpipe at the back of the van thank you

8 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,389 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like you have a fuel pressure regulator that has gone bad which is common on these cars. The diaphragm goes bad allowing raw fuel to be burnt.

Here is a guide that will give you some insight to the problem so you can get is fixed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-black-smoke

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 10:33 PM

MAGICCAR1

MEMBER
2 POSTS
1990 CHEVROLET VAN
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
172,000 MILES

Engine Performance problem
1990 Chevy Van V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic 172000 miles

After 15min. Blows black smoke & dies. Won't restart for a time.

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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 10:33 PM (Merged)

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Is the service engine light on? Read the codes like this, post the results. It sounds like either the ECT(enine coolant temp) sensor, or an O2 sensor, too rich...
Cross these two terminals as shown, then turn the key on. Count the flashes, a 22 will flash as 2 flashes then a short pause, then 2 flashes, if more than one code is stored, the pause will be longer. The codes will display three times and end with 12. Write them down and post here. This connector is right under the middle of the dash...

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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 10:33 PM (Merged)

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Sounds like its running too rich

1. Fuel pressure not within specs. Can be cause by restricted fuel return line or defective fuel pressure regulator.
2. Defective Oxygen Sensors.
3. Leaking injectors.
4. Coolant temperature sensor out of calibration.
5. Restricted air intake system.

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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 10:33 PM (Merged)

MAGICCAR1