Black Smoke coming from exhaust
 

Hello guys,

1990 300 SEL w/ 165 K.

I've just noticed black smoke coming from my exhaust pipe... it's not a little neither. Anyway, when I accelerate tons of the black smoke comes out then when I'm driving I look out of my rearview mirror and don't see any while the car is driving. As soon as a stop at a light or get stuck in traffic then hit the gas to resume I see it coming out again, lots of it. Also, I’ve noticed when I start the car in the morning I see black spots on the ground, similar to black powder residue coming out of the tailpipe. I did indeed take it to a mechanic (not specialized in MBs) he said it's an internal engine problem and he wasn't too sure but he did say I have to take care of this issue before I blow the engine...Yikes! When he told me that I just parked the car and haven't driven it since. I did speak with a friend of mine who knows a little bit about cars and he said it's most likely an internal stem gasket that needs to be replaced which will cost at least $1k for labor and parts from a reputable MB shop and since I love my car I'm willing to do almost anything for her but I am afraid to take her into a MB dealer to have them check it, I think most of them are a bunch of rip-offs. I just need to get an idea of what is causing this problem. Any thoughts are highly appreciated.

Thx


Fondest regards,

300 SEL MAN

RE: Black Smoke coming from exhaust
 

it's just running rich.

fuel distributor EHA or metering sensor does this.

the engine runs smooth and plenty of power...right? :)

RE: Black Smoke coming from exhaust
 

Engine does indeed ride smooth and it does have power. I just made an appointment to bring it into the dealer on Monday (even though I hate to) Hopefully I won't go into the poor house now. Thank you very much I really appreciate your feedback. I'll keep you posted.

ciao

MM

RE: Black Smoke coming from exhaust
 

Hey Sleepwalker,

You were indeed correct my Fuel Distributor needs rebuilding. And the computer also revailed that I also need an exhaust manifold as well as a replacing the valve cover gasket. $4k to fix these problems from the Mercedes Service Center. I told them I'll think about it. Is that really a fare price?

RE: Black Smoke coming from exhaust
 

fair? that's astronomical!

brand new fuel distributor is only 1.6k. if they will rebuild and calibrate it, will spend only half that amount. swapping it with a rebuilt ones will cost even less than $200.

valve cover gasket is easy and DIY.

replacing the exhaust manifold needs a lifter and better let them do it. (why change the exhaust manifold anyway? maybe a gasket will do?)

RE: Black Smoke coming from exhaust
 

Wow! I had a feeling that was a bit much. What do you think is a fair price to put one in, a couple of hundred $'s? I'll try to find a rebuilt one and just have someone put one in.

RE: Black Smoke coming from exhaust
 

I'm having the exact same problem with my '89 300E.

Were you succesful getting a rebuilt fuel distributor?

If so, any recommendations on a source?

Thanks

RE: Black Smoke coming from exhaust
 

i know a person how rebuilds them ...$400.00..with warranty