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1990 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL

Question: black smoke

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560 SEL, North Miami Beach, FL, November 10, 2010, 18:23
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 Rookie

I have a 1987 Mercedes Benz 560 SEL and recently there is thick black smoke coming out of the tail pipe. why?

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  • Answer #1

    patrick mannion from Greg Solow's Engine Room, November 10, 2010, 20:29
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     Master

    Light colored smoke out the exhaust is normal until the engine warms up, especially noticeable on cold mornings dense air. Blueish/gray smoke is a sign an engine is "burning oil", excessive black smoke would be a sign an engine is running to rich/too much fuel is entering the engine. White steam perhaps noticed with a slightly sweet odor from the exhaust, rough engine running, over heating and or coolant loss would be a sign of a blown or mildly blown head gasket.

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