MotorCityMuscle

I have an 86 Trans Am with an LB9 305 TPI. Sometimes when the engine is revved, it leaves a trail of sooty wetness behind the tailpipes. Other times it just blows some carbon out of the tailpipes. This didnt surprise me, as I knew before i got the car, it had needed a tuneup badly, so I figured the motor was just blowing some built up carbon out of the exhaust. The exhaust smells slightly rich, despite the fact that the 02 sensor was recently replaced, as well as the plugs, wires, cap and rotor. However, i am fairly sure the catalytic converter has been gutted. For a while, i was thinking maybe I had a bad head gasket, but there is no sign of coolant in the oil, and the exhaust doesnt smell like coolant.

Why is there wetness in the exhaust, Im very concerned about this. Thanks in advance.

RB83L69

When fuel (composed of hydrocarbons) burns, its 2 components (hydrogen and carbon) combine with oxygen to form hydrogen oxide (water) and carbon dioxide, with some carbon monoxide if there is insufficient oxygen in the mix. So, water is completely normal and inevitable in the exhaust. Once the pipes warm up, the water doesn't condense any more, and it doesn't seem wet, even though tihe stuff coming out the tailpipe is about 15% water. The richer the mixture (the more hydrocarbons you put in), the more water you get out.

MotorCityMuscle

So basically, dont worry about it?

Viprklr

iTrader: (5)

Basically. I have the same problem. Mine's being amplified though with no muffler to catch any of the condensation. I actually have to put something beneath the pipes to catch the black crap.