1996 Cadillac Seville SLS Smoking when starting engine

1996 CADILLAC SEVILLE
Avatar
NRIVERSIII
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
1996 Cadillac Seville SLS bought it in May 2007 with 84,000 miles and it ran great. Last month I started to notice that when I start it black smoke comes out of the exhaust and then it would run fine. Now, my wife tells me she sees smoke come out of the exhaust when I am driving in front her when I accelerate. Now, I notice that there is puff of smoke almost each time I start it. I checked this car really good when I purchased it and it did not smoke. It runs great and the gas mileage is pretty good for this Northstar engine. About 22 mpg on the interstate.

What should I do to check this out and get it fixed, reasonably?
Sep 23, 2007 at 2:52 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
MERLIN2021
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Black smoke is a mixture proble, running too rich, it's either gonna be 02 sensor related or temp sensor, possibly the Mass air flow sensor. Any codes? When you start it is it always black smoke?
Sep 23, 2007 at 5:44 PM
Avatar
NRIVERSIII
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
[quote:4adae05b31="merlin2021"]Black smoke is a mixture proble, running too rich, it's either gonna be 02 sensor related or temp sensor, possibly the Mass air flow sensor. Any codes? When you start it is it always black smoke?[/quote:4adae05b31]

Yes, it always black smoke never steam or white smoke. I also notice that it uses more oil than it did when I first got it in May, 2007.

Where should I get it checked?
Sep 24, 2007 at 2:15 PM
Avatar
BUZZSAW
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 1,198 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
[quote:7600470bd0="nriversiii"]1996 Cadillac Seville SLS bought it in May 2007 with 84,000 miles and it ran great. Last month I started to notice that when I start it black smoke comes out of the exhaust and then it would run fine. Now, my wife tells me she sees smoke come out of the exhaust when I am driving in front her when I accelerate. Now, I notice that there is puff of smoke almost each time I start it. I checked this car really good when I purchased it and it did not smoke. It runs great and the gas mileage is pretty good for this Northstar engine. About 22 mpg on the interstate.

What should I do to check this out and get it fixed, reasonably?[/quote:7600470bd0]

sorry guys its just heavy carbon build up, the car needs blown out, stomp it to the floor a few times, seen it many times, as far as the oil usage, again carbon, pull out the plugs, after warming up the motor, and dump top engine cleaner into cylinders, let sit for 4-6 hrs, turn engine over with plugs out, blowing out cleaner, it is messy and you will see chuncks of carbon, cover engine with plastic before turning over, reinstall plugs and wires and hose off, change the oil, it will smoke badily at first but it will be fine ( i was a group leader at Cadillac) I know this problem well

prob is premium gas causes carbon build up for granny drivers, got to stomp on the gas in a cadillac and blow it out
Sep 25, 2007 at 1:05 AM
Avatar
NRIVERSIII
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Buzzaw,

Thanks. Your suggestion seems like a good idea and the solution sounds very likely. I will blow it out today. Also, I noticed this morning that the smoke is not always black but comes out kind of blue or gray as well. Do you think that is still carbon build up.

Should I find a good mechanic to clean the plugs and treat the engine with cleaner? How about a tune up? Or at least new plugs?

Thanks
Sep 25, 2007 at 12:31 PM
Avatar
BUZZSAW
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 1,198 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
[quote:a1354fc5fc="nriversiii"]Buzzaw,

Thanks. Your suggestion seems like a good idea and the solution sounds very likely. I will blow it out today. Also, I noticed this morning that the smoke is not always black but comes out kind of blue or gray as well. Do you think that is still carbon build up.

Should I find a good mechanic to clean the plugs and treat the engine with cleaner? How about a tune up? Or at least new plugs?

Thanks[/quote:a1354fc5fc]
depends on the plugs, platiums last 100000 mil, me personally would also put wires on at this time, 90k
dont buy cheap ones, again auto zone parts just dont last
Sep 26, 2007 at 7:02 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.