What are the reasons for black smoke from gasoline cars?
2 Answers
The main reasons for black smoke from gasoline cars are as follows: 1. Wear of piston rings, cylinder liners, etc.: After the wear of valves, piston rings, and cylinder liners, the compression pressure is insufficient, and engine oil enters the combustion chamber, changing the normal mixing ratio of the air-fuel mixture at the end of the compression stroke. This causes the fuel to burn without sufficient oxygen, leading to carbon deposits during the combustion process, and the exhaust gases form large amounts of black smoke. 2. Excessive fuel supply: Too much fuel entering the cylinder results in a rich mixture (more fuel, less air), leading to incomplete combustion of the fuel. 3. Poor fuel quality: Low-quality gasoline contains more impurities, reducing combustion efficiency.
I've been driving gasoline cars for many years and have seen quite a few cases of black smoke emissions. This condition is usually caused by an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture ratio, meaning too much fuel is being injected with too little air. A common cause is a stuck or leaking fuel injector, which leads to excessive fuel delivery. Another frequent issue is a faulty oxygen sensor, which is responsible for telling the engine control unit how much fuel to inject—if it malfunctions, it can cause over-fueling. A severely clogged air filter can also restrict air intake, leading to thick smoke. Additionally, poor fuel quality or ignition system failures can prevent complete combustion. Black smoke not only wastes fuel but also makes the engine sound rough. I recommend first checking the fuel injectors and air filter before jumping into major repairs. I make it a habit to clean these components regularly to reduce failure rates. Remember, long-term neglect can lead to engine damage, so it's crucial to get it checked by professionals promptly—safety always comes first.