Hello all,

first post on the forums. I own a 97 A4 1.8T.

Recently I've noted that once in a while, when I start up the car in the morning or after it's been sitting for an extended period of time, that I see black smoke coming out of the exhaust. It usually doesn't last long, perhaps for about 5 seconds or so.

Concerned that this could be signs for a bigger issue.

thank you all in advance for your replies.

 

first make sure that it is black smoke. If it is, that is just traces of carbon making there way out(nothing to worry bout) but if you find that the color is acctually blue, well then we have a biger issue. and welcome aboard.

 

black means running rich...white means running lean right?

 

if your car is running legal you shouldn't see rich unless your at WOT. but white is usually associated with a cold engine and what you are seeing is just water vapor. unless it smells like antifreeze.

 

Perhaps your car is part of a conclave voting on a new Pope

Black smoke is carbon. Either your car is missing when starting up or it is not black (unless you are a deisel)

Blue smoke on startup is leaking valve seal usually.

White is actually steam, either condensation or or leaking coolant.