What's this oily, sooty crap on my tailgate?

Zoo Mob · Post by **Zoo Mob** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 7:20 pm

My 93 legacy L wagon seems to be spewing something out of the tailpipe, after just a few days of being clean, a black sooty, slightly oily dust/film develops on my tailgate. I'm wondering what the cause of this could be and if I should be worried? The car does have a good oil leak coming from the front crank seal, and oil does drip on the exhaust and burn, the smell is very apparent. There is however no white or black smoke coming from the tailpipe, unless it is below freezing, in which case I'll get a little of what seems like normal thin white exhaust visible. Any thoughts on what could be causing this, if I should be worried and how to fix it? Not sure if this should be in engine or exhaust, so it is posted in both.

Thanks

Aerotech · Post by **Aerotech** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 1:04 am

Is the inside of the tailpipe oily? If so, there's your source. Check your PCV valve.

If not, it's likely from the engine leaks.
The oil mists at speed, and the flat back of the wagon creates a low pressure area that sucks oil & dirt onto the surface.

BSOD2600 · Post by **BSOD2600** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 1:23 am

Got any pics of how much?

For example, I notice the back of my wagon always gets black/dirty quickly after I wash it. Yes, it's still raining in Seattle so I suppose it could be from all the dirty highway water too. I think it's a combo of the design of the wagon to just catch crap there.

Buffman · Post by **Buffman** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 2:22 am

mines all over the rear hatch. I dont know if it's soot not sticking to the stainless pipe or the oil that burns at 5.5k+rpm..

thehookeup · Post by **thehookeup** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:54 am

any pics of it?

kinda shootin in the dark otherwise.

ericem · Post by **ericem** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:49 am

Car is probably running to rich? I suggest replacing the PCV valve or atleast cleaning it. I just seem to think it would create this issue for some reason.

beatersubi · Post by **beatersubi** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 6:37 am

Leaking fluids can deposit themselves on the back of the car at speed.

Zoo Mob · Post by **Zoo Mob** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:12 am

I'm fixing the front crank seal soon, we'll see if this fixes or helps the issue. Good to know I'm not alone.

Post by **Legacy777** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:37 pm

Please only post your question in one forum.

I will move the other posts over here.

Thanks

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What's this oily, sooty crap on my tailgate?

What's this oily, sooty crap on my tailgate?