What color is your tailpipe

[Jim-ME]

I am under the impression that the color of the tail pipe should be grey unless the Rover is either using oil or running rich. Am I correct?
Jim

[jp-]

Ummm, rust color?

[TSR53]

I think that it might have to do more with the amount of lead in the fuel. IIRC, back in the good 'ol days of leaded 76 high octane the inside at the exhaust tip on my father's fuel injected 1969 Porsche 911E would be grey. I was recently at the Lime Rock Vintage festival and most if not all had grey exhaust as they are running leaded 108 race fuel.

[Mercedesrover]

BLACK!

[chester rides again]

green...

[Jim-ME]

I asked a legitimate question. It doesn't help me make sure my Rover is tuned and adjusted correctly if I get cutsie answers.

[dmurrell]

I've always heard that a properly tuned motor would have a "gray" tailpipe color. I have never acheived that level of tune on my Series truck in the 10 years I have driven it (or any other carburated car I've owned).

It might be that the main jet in my carburetor is too big, but that's how it was set up when I bought it.

In your shoes I might look for answers to tune in a different manner, by asking questions like:

1) Does the engine run well?
2) Is my fuel economy in the ranges posted on other sites for Series trucks?
3) Do my plugs foul frequently? etc

[Jim-ME]

dmurrel,
Well said and thanks for a real answer. No offense to anyone else.
Jim

[jp-]

Oh! You meant the inside of the tailpipe!

On everything I've ever run, its been black. The color is not what tells the story. It's the "feel" of the soot. If it's dry, that's good. If it's wet (oily / greasy), that's not good (means the engine is burning oil).

The condition of the soot is a terrible way to judge how well a motor is or isn't running, and should only be attempted by experts.

{jp = certified expert}

[LaneRover]

Tailpipe?

OOOooohhhhh that's why mine sounds like a lobsterboat at full throttle!