Black Soot shooting from exhaust

[03protege5]

Sup everybody

I have an 03 Mazda p5 with around 145k on it. 5 speed. Most recently I’ve noticed when backing up my driveway I’m leaving a trail of black soot where my tailpipe exits. It must do this on start up after sitting over night as well as before it’s warm. I never see this during the day or anything other time

I’ll post some photos of my driveway for reference. I’m assuming maybes it’s excess fuel But not sure why or how. I have no check engine light and everything seems to be running as it should be

Within the last 6 months. New plugs, wires, coils, new converters (removed the 2nd) so other than the typically oil change and sometimes oil additives that’s been it

Any ideas?

 

[Lazy2.5]

wow, that's awful!

How hard do you typically rev the engine? like what range of rpm's are you usually driving at?
does it burn oil?
whats your fuel economy like?

 

[03protege5]

wow, that's awful!

How hard do you typically rev the engine? like what range of rpm's are you usually driving at?
does it burn oil?
whats your fuel economy like?

Usually change gears between 3-4K. However, 90 percent of my driving is highway between 70 mph and 75 which puts it about 3500rpm. It def uses oil, probably about 1.5 quarts between oil changes and as far as fuel economy. I have 320 miles on 3/4 of a tank right now some of that is dependent upon my driving

 

[Lazy2.5]

Usually change gears between 3-4K. However, 90 percent of my driving is highway between 70 mph and 75 which puts it about 3500rpm. It def uses oil, probably about 1.5 quarts between oil changes and as far as fuel economy. I have 320 miles on 3/4 of a tank right now some of that is dependent upon my driving

Fuel economy sounds normal based on the way you drive, oil consumption doesn't sound too bad... I certainly wouldn't be pushing like that on the highway if you're dealing with this though.

I'd reckon its primarily running too rich in combination with whatever oil you're consuming (worn internals such as seals.)

 

[03protege5]

Fuel economy sounds normal based on the way you drive, oil consumption doesn't sound too bad... I certainly wouldn't be pushing like that on the highway if you're dealing with this though.

I'd reckon its primarily running too rich in combination with whatever oil you're consuming (worn internals such as seals.)

What’s a go to for something running too rich ? Or is it process of elimination?

 

[Lazy2.5]

What’s a go to for something running too rich ? Or is it process of elimination?

I would pull the plugs out and assess their condition. Especially the old ones If you still have them.

Checked for stored codes.

You'd need to check your fuel trims and AFR ratio using some sort of software.

Have you replaced your o2 sensor recently?

This is likely occuring due to rich mixture to warm the car up in the mornings, hence which is why it goes away after.

 

[Mazdiod2]

Have you replaced your o2 sensor recently?

Good question. There are two of them, right?

 

[03protege5]

Good question. There are two of them, right?

There a two but only one that’s monitored with an o2 sensor

Both have been replaced on mine. They were clogged