Our 86 prelude is smoking, can we fix it cost effectively?
 

Our 86 prelude is obviously 21 years old....but it seems to run great with the exception of almost black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. It blows out a lot for a few minutes, then usually seems to stop...Is this just because it is old, or do we need to look into some underlying cause?Thanks everyone!

sounds as though your plugs are fouled, and/or your oil is not changed on a regular basis. Try a routine tune up and oil change, see if that eliminates the problem.

take the cigarettes away itll save you money too

You're either burning oil because of the age of the car or you need a ring job on the engine. Carry a blanket with you and send out smoke signals for help !

i would start with a tune up, cap, rotor, plugs, wires, air and fuel filters. usually black smoke means a carbon build up on the plugs, or possibly the valves. blue smoke indicates oil burning, but it sounds like carbon. you also might buy some valve cleaner that can be poured into you fuel tank. these are just some suggestions, hope this helps you with you problems, good luck.

Black smoke is gas not being burned. Take it to the dealer and they can fix it with out a lot of trouble. Take it in before the car stalls and will not run. The car has probable not been sericed in he last 8 years. Who ever you are talking too it is not junk... It is a good car fix it. Keep your friends out of the hood area. Or it will cost more than before they monkeyed with itDon't care??? call me and I will come get he car--fix it and drive it proudly.