I may be dumb but I'm slow

[ZSaint]

Sopmetimes major problems turn out to be small problems if you just don't panic. Good job!

[ddezso]

When I start the car a fairly significant amount of black soot and water sprays out the tailpipe. Any words of wisdom? I think it's as simple as a rich mix and carb adjustment to fix.

Also - are there any products other than running the engine that can clear this stuff out?

Thanks

[DatsunZGuy]

When I start the car a fairly significant amount of black soot and water sprays out the tailpipe. Any words of wisdom? I think it's as simple as a rich mix and carb adjustment to fix.

Also - are there any products other than running the engine that can clear this stuff out?

Thanks

This stuff is the bomb!!!

http://www.seafoamsales.com/motorTuneUp.htm

[ZSaint]

Take the car out on the freeway and drive it for 30-40 minutes at speed. Then see if you still get the black soot and water when you start it. We used to call this the "little old lady" tune up!!

[ddezso]

I've done plenty of that. Does fuel additive carb cleaner cause the engine to kick out the soot? I did use some of that and the soot level has increased. Anyway, it is running so rich that it might not matter. I have an appt to get the carbs tuned and balanced......

[ZSaint]

Sounds like you need ZTherapy's help! How about the water? Condensation or are you losing water from your rad? Maybe you have one lean plug? Could be a headgasket leaking water. See if you have one whitish plug. That is the sign of a water leak.

[ddezso]

Interesting point. I've also noticed a bit of grayish watery liquid under the engine on my garage floor. Seems to come from the rear of the block - almost under the starter. Is the water leak you refer to water leaking inside the engine from the channels where radiator fluid cools the block? That is a serious problem right? I did just flush and refill the radiator with fresh coolant/distilled H2O.

The liquid on the garage floor was happening before and after that. When I changed plugs about 4 weeks ago they were all equally sooty but none of them appeared white.....

I did talk to a guy at the car show yesterday who has worked on Z's for 30 years and has a shop here in town. He's going to give it a once over quite soon, tune the carbs, and check it out...

[ZSaint]

If your plugs are all uniformly black, you probably do not have any fluid leaking into the combustion chambers. Do you have A/C? Are you losing any water/ coolant from your system? I think you just need to get it tuned up. Let us know what the Z guy says and did, OK?

[ddezso]

Will do - thanks. No A/C on this one (good thing I live in Phoenix!) Keeps me from driving it CONSTANTLY