06 MCS, totally stock, 25k miles

I bought the car about 3 months ago. While I was washing it I noticed that there was evidence of black soot draining out of the exhaust.

I say "evidence" because there is no accumulation of soot (just a trail), on the inside of the tips or on the ground when it's parked for an extended period.

I carefully cleaned it with a moist rag but after a few days it was back.
There is no smoke during startup and I have followed the car during hard acceleration and there is no smoke.

Do I have a problem?
Is the engine burning rich? (My MPG is about 29.7 according to the on-board computer)

I have warranty left so if there is an engine issue I need to figure it out now. If the dealer wasn't 250 miles away, I would take it to them right away.

Thanks for the help.

 

I've had that from every turbo car I've owned. I wouldn't worry.

 

No. Supercharged and turbo cars usually run rich from the factory. My neighbors Mazdaspeed3 (turbo) is as sooty as a chipped diesel. It's normal.

Simple Green and a mag/aluminum polish help to easily wipe away the soot.

 

I appreciate the quick replies. I failed to mention that I have an 03 MCS but it doesn't have the same issue.

Hmmmm.
Thanks.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeus7625

...there was evidence of black soot draining out of the exhaust.

Merely the products of combustion. You don't see the water because it evaporates. The soot is some of the same stuff that makes your oil turn dark. Makes no difference whether it’s Turbo, SC, or NA, it all burns the same.

-Will

 

I have an 03 MCS and it has the same sooty trail, it is 100% normal.

 

03 MCS 26,000 miles noticed the same concern since we bought the car in July.After changing the oil last month with Royal Purple it seems to have stopped doing it.