RickZ28

Hi everyone my new SS/SC has black smoke coming out of the pipe when i start it and giving it some throttle.
I use octane 91 gasoline as told in the manual, i once had this problem with my 85 Camaro Z28 when using 91 octane gasoline then i switched back to normal gasoline and the problem was gone.
I'll try normal gasoline tonight even if it's not recomended
Then i'll go the the dealer this week to see what they have to say.

Anyone else got this problem ??
Any stories or suggestions will be appreciate

Thanks in advance

Rick

dcshoes23

Everyone's does that, it's normal for these cars, leave it at 91 octane

WopOnTour

I've observed almost all SS/SCs belch black smoke at times, usually right at start up after a cold soak .

If you dont like the large black "starburst" stain on your driveway, I suggest you refrain from revving the engine in your driveway - or park on the street
WopOnTour

dcshoes23

the bike wheel in the garage behind my car is all black from me starting my car

WJW

A puff of black smoke coming out the exhaust under throttle is definitely normal.

Ever been behind a performance car like a Camaro or Mustang when the driver jumps on it?? There will almost always be 2 puffs of black smoke from either tail pipe, especially if the cars hasn't been run hard in a while. Its basically just carbon buildup being pushed out the exhaust after its built up in the engine/exhaust system

phxSS

I've never noticed black smoke BELCHING from my exhaust.

AZ_OrangeSS

I've never noticed black smoke from my exhaust upon startup. Course, I don't rev-up the cold engine in my driveway. Black smoke from your new Cobalt is NOT carbon build-up! It's unburnt fuel being expelled as a result of incomplete combustion. This is common with performance engines that are not up to operating temperature yet.

Repeat after me....

Blue Smoke = Burning oil
Black Smoke = Unburnt Fuel (or your driving a Diesel)
White Smoke = Water in the combustion chamber

freakaccident

Carbon or other contaminants in the combustion chamber burning up will also burn black smoke. I agree that in this situation it is unburnt fuel but that is not the only reason for black smoke.

kissmySS

all cars start up rich to the best of my knowledge......

R33P3R007

mine blew black crap out at like 500 miles becuase the Cat was toasted and it was breaking up and coming out the exhaust in pieces. might wanna get it checked just in case.

djt81185

When I get on my car it makes black smoke...I just say go go gadget smokescreen before I punch it...o wait...your car is stock...its still ok...nevermind...I'm modded.

tiny

if your car is new, thats normal, lots of cars do it too
you could wash out your exhaust, put some soap in the muffler, take your hose, spray water in there, obviously dont be rediculous and get it up into your header, but thats never been a problem for me
once your muffler is filled with water, itll start pouring out, hop in the car, rev it to push all the water out
itll shoot like 50 feet

do it a couple times, and bam!! your exhaust is cleaner

Mike's SS

If you want to ruin your exhaust.

Asstyme

I have a silver SS SC and I always notice black soot on the rear of the car. Kinda sucks cause I can never keep it really clean. I can wash it, go for a 20 mile ride and it has soot all over the back

freakaccident

I think it's kinda rediculous but I highly doubt it will hurt your exhaust at all.

RickZ28

Many thanks for all these replies, i sleep better now knowing it's normal

BlwnGP

You are only partially correct, though. The steam you see on a cold morning, or ocassionally under WOT is CLEAR and is condensation in combustion chamber, exhaust, water in fuel, etc...

White Smoke is NOT water in combustion chamber

White Smoke = COOLANT in combustion chamber.

cause = blown head gasket, cracked head, coolant leak in block.
result = blown motor, loss of coolant, toasted bearings.
fix = rebuild

EvlPeanut

1st post.

Yeah, I just got my SS2.4, two weeks ago. My buddy noticed a little smoke on my way home (he was following me), so I called the dealer. They said it was normal, for the first day or so of driving, but if I was still having problems bring it in.

After day 3, I took it in, even though it was somewhat going away. The guy said everything seemed fine, and for my trouble, they took care of my first payment!

Everythings great now! Whoo!

CobaltCoupeCrazy

iTrader: (1)

Moisture condensation on startup on a cold day isn't smoke!! It's moisture. There is a difference b/n condensation from the exhaust and white smoke. When the engine is cold and started on a cold day it takes in cool dense air. The car isn't hot enough to dry out all of the air as it passes through the engine and exhaust system. When it exits the tailpipe, it hits cold air and the moisture then condenses. This is what creates the moisture fog from the tailpipe.