Blowing black smoke out the exaust

Tiny
CHERYLE WHITTLES
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
Engine Performance problem 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 205104 miles

My car is blowing black smoke out the exhaust, the engine shakes, the tack bobs up and down. One mechanic told me to drill holes in the catalytic converter, another said to change the throttle position sensor, I just want to know if either one of them are right. Please help.
Saturday, October 30th, 2010 AT 9:39 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Is the check engine light on? Black smoke indicates a rich condition which means too much fuel is being added to the air/fuel ratio. A throttle position sensor or clogged converter will both cause this issue yes, but it's not wise to just guess and replace parts randomly. Drilling holes in the converter is a no-no BTW. If engine light is on which im assuming it is I would suggest taking to local auto part store and ask them to pull your vehicle's trouble codes, they do this for free at most auto part stores. Write down the code(s) and list them here so I can further help.
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Saturday, October 30th, 2010 AT 9:58 PM

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