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6 Causes Of Black Smoke From Exhaust (+How To Fix)

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Excessive black smoke from exhaust troubling you?
This is one of the most recognizable symptoms of problems in your gasoline or diesel car. 

But what causes black smoke to come from the exhaust?
And how do you fix it?

In this article, we explore the main reasons for black smoke coming from the exhaust, as well as five helpful fixes. We’ll also answer a few questions in the FAQ section

This Article Contains 

Let’s jump in.

6 Causes Of Black Smoke From Exhaust 

Black exhaust smoke typically indicates that your petrol or diesel car is excessively burning fuel. 

This often comes from faulty fuel injection, causing the fuel mix to run rich — meaning that there’s either less air or more fuel in the combustion chamber. Too much fuel pressure can also cause black exhaust smoke. 

Several problems can lead to this condition.
Let’s go through them: 

1. Clogged Or Dirty Air Filters 

The air filters in your car engine supply clean air to the cylinders for combustion. If dust or dirt clogs an air filter, not enough air will flow through the engine. 

As less air reaches the engine cylinders, more fuel gets burnt. This is one of the most common causes of poor fuel economy and excessive black smoke emissions coming from the exhaust.

2. Bad Oxygen Sensor

The function of the oxygen sensor (O2 sensor) is to send information about the fuel mix to the engine control unit. It lets the car computer know if the fuel is burning rich (not enough oxygen) or lean (too much oxygen). 

If your car’s O2 sensor is damaged, the air-fuel ratio will be off, and your engine may burn more fuel than necessary. A poor oxygen supply will lead to incomplete combustion, which causes an outpouring of black smoke from the exhaust. 

Note: A bad oxygen sensor can also result in poor idling and hard starting, amongst other issues. Your ECU will likely register a code like P0131, P0134, or P0155, indicating that you have a faulty O2 sensor. 

3. Damaged Piston Rings 

Piston rings prevent engine oil from infiltrating the combustion chamber. They interact with the cylinder without actually touching the cylinder walls, playing an essential role in complete combustion.  

If your car’s piston rings are damaged, more engine oil will enter the combustion chamber, causing an unhealthy mixture of engine oil and fuel.

Too much burning oil will cause heavy black smoke clouds to emerge from your exhaust pipe. 

4. Bad MAF Sensor

The mass airflow sensor (MAF sensor) is an essential engine component that measures the rate of air flowing into the combustion chamber. 

When your MAF sensor isn’t working correctly, it can cause unnecessary fuel to be left in the combustion chamber, resulting in untimed detonations. 

As we know by now, burning excess fuel leads to black smoke from the exhaust. 

5. Leaking Fuel Injector 

Fuel injectors at the head of the engine block ensure that fuel flows directly into the cylinder head. But more unburnt fuel than necessary can flow through the engine when you have a leaking fuel injector. 

Faulty fuel injection results in unnecessary fuel combustion, leading to a carbon buildup in the engine, emitted as black smoke when you hit the gas.

6. Engine Deposits  

The combination of heat, fuel pressure, and oxygen within a gasoline engine culminates in carbon deposit formation. These deposits interfere with an engine’s performance as they make their way into components like the fuel injector and combustion cylinders. 

This condition reduces fuel economy, increases oil consumption, and damages valves like the exhaust gas recirculation or EGR valve. When that happens, you see excessive emission of black smoke from the exhaust system.

Now you know what causes black smoke to come from the exhaust.
Let’s go through a few ways you can fix the issue. 

How To Get Rid Of Black Smoke From The Exhaust (5 Fixes)

There are a few fixes to black exhaust smoke that you could do yourself. However, some problems may require the help of a professional, qualified mechanic

Here are some solutions to excess black smoke from the exhaust pipe:

1. Clean Air Filters And Combustion Chamber 

By now, we understand that black smoke emissions are often a result of clogged filters and buildup in the engine.

The easy fix? 
Clean the dirty and clogged engine components. 

By doing this, you’ll ensure that there is proper airflow throughout a diesel or gasoline engine. Only then will the correct combination of air and fuel prevent black smoke from coming out of the exhaust. 

Cleaning an air filter or the fuel pressure regulator may be difficult as you’ll first need to remove it entirely from the engine bay. It may be best to contact a professional to do this job. 

2. Use Fuel Additives 

If you drive a diesel engine car, mixing additives like detergents with your diesel fuel may reduce the amount of black smoke from the exhaust. 

Why? 
Adding additives to diesel engine fuel can help clear out combustion and engine deposits and excess debris that may cause the engine to run inefficiently. 

Note: Special fuel additives will also work for gasoline-powered cars.

3. Replace Oxygen Sensors 

As we already know, oxygen sensors are essential for measuring the oxygen-to-fuel ratio. Your car can’t run efficiently when these small devices are damaged or worn out. 

If you’re noticing a lot of black smoke from the exhaust system, check the O2 sensors and consider replacing them. 

4. Check Piston Rings 

Piston rings seal combustion in the engine to minimize the loss of any excess gas. When these rings are not in top condition, black exhaust gas will pour out of the exhaust.

Piston ring replacement or repair isn’t easy. It’s best to contact a professional to perform this fix. 

But who should you call?

5. Contact A Professional 

Hiring a professional mechanic is a surefire way to get your car to stop emitting excess amounts of black smoke from the exhaust. 

Whether you have a cracked engine block, want to check the cylinder head or fuel pump, repair the oxygen sensor, clean a clogged air filter — or simply need the proper spark plug, professional help will make your life much easier. 

This is why you should get ahold of AutoNation Mobile Service

AutoNation Mobile Service is a mobile vehicle maintenance and engine repair service designed for your convenience.

Here’s why you should hire us: 

Still have a few unanswered questions?
Let’s go through the FAQ section.

3 FAQs About Black Smoke From The Exhaust 

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about black smoke coming from the exhaust:

1. Can I Still Drive My Diesel Car If Black Smoke Is Coming From The Exhaust?

The severity of black smoke exhaust emissions can vary. If you only notice one big puff of black smoke, it should be okay to continue driving for a while.

However, if you see a continuous stream of black smoke pouring from your exhaust, it’s best to stop driving and get expert help. Driving while your gasoline or diesel fuel car emits black smoke can cause further damage to the combustion chamber, fuel pump, and more. 

2. What Color Of Smoke Is Most Dangerous?

Exhaust smoke color diagnosis can prevent an engine from becoming irreparably damaged. That’s why you should know that different colors of smoke result from various problems: 

3. Is Grey Smoke The Same As Black Smoke?

Grey exhaust gas doesn’t stem from the same problems as black smoke.

Grey smoke is a complex diagnosis as it could indicate the same problem as blue smoke, which is oil burning in the combustion chamber due to an oil leak. Grey smoke could also suggest that the engine’s automatic transmission fluid or coolant is burning.

If a transmission fluid leak is entering your vehicle, it could mean a pretty expensive repair. In any case, if you notice any excess grey exhaust smoke, it’s probably best to contact a mechanic. 

Wrapping Up

Black smoke from the exhaust is caused by various reasons, including incomplete combustion, damaged piston rings, a faulty fuel pressure regulator, and a clogged air filter. Exhaust smoke color diagnosis and repair may be difficult, especially if you’re not a car expert or certified mechanic. The problem, however, should not be left unchecked. 

To makes things easier, contact AutoNation Mobile Service for convenient mobile repairs right in your driveway.