I have a diesel MINI! (gas/petrol engine has sooty exhaust residue)

Mine looks about the same. Never does less than an eight mile journey. Fuel consumption is around 35mpg, so the mixture must be about right.

Have you asked your dealer about it?

Haven't directed them to the sooty exhaust, but have asked them twice regarding the drop in revs when accelerating - indicative of too rich a mixture or 'flooding'. My usual journey to work is 15ish miles with 3 or 4 urban stuff at the end plenty of time for the engine to get warm. I only get about 32mpg. Have tried Shell optimax in latest fill, but having improved to 38mpg in first 50ish miles is now back down to 32-33. Runs like a stuck pig sometimes as well!

Mines the same... unless I use Shell Optimax then theres less there

I just thought with modern engine management it shouldn't happen.

In older cars with chokes/carbs, if the choke was left 'on' for the whole journey you'd get too rich a mixture and plenty of soot - likewise if the carb etc wasn't set up properly.

I assumed the engine management should take account of all conditions and adjust accordingly resulting correct running in all situations.

There's nothing wrong with a sooty exhaust! (cue innuendo and cries of oo-er missus!) Some cars are just worse than others and it's perfectly normal.

The soot is probably more obvious than on a non-trim finished tailpipe. Basically the more you cane a car the sootier and blacker the deposit.

Think of it as a fun-o-meter rather than soot!

DC

So that explains the fact that my chilli red ONE's rear end is always black.

My cooper does it, sooty bum that is, and the ones I've seen also suffer this trait. Maybe its cos mot many cars have chromed tail pipes, and its more noticable. I'm checking my oil frequently just in case, and the dealer will know about it when we go for the mini-adventure, sorry, service! Along with the dodgy MPG... see other threads.....

I had it a start of use of car and just presumed it was the engine bedding in. Or summat.

I use optimax all the time now, and not really noticed it. Will look tomorrow.

My Acura RSX Type-S (LEV) exhaust pipe always turned black after only a couple hours of use (after washing). I didn't like it, but I believe it to be normal.

my exhaust is never sooty its always grey

OOps must be going too fast again

zoooooom said:

my exhaust is never sooty its always grey

OOps must be going too fast again

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You mentioned that word "fast" .... but I think you got away with it!!

Unleaded petrol is to blame!! You used to be able to set a motorcycle up by looking for the light grey colour on the exhaust exit with good old leaded 4 star, but not now.

R1 said:

You mentioned that word "fast" .... but I think you got away with it!!

Unleaded petrol is to blame!! You used to be able to set a motorcycle up by looking for the light grey colour on the exhaust exit with good old leaded 4 star, but not now.

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I too am a biker so go get a Bandit my friend if you know whats good for you


Suzuki rules if you know what I mean 1200

Hmmm, I guess I messed up. It showed up when I previewed the post, but not when I submitted it. Glad you could fix it. Thanx

mine gets a little 'sooty' but no where near as bad as the first pic....but i do clean the exhaust each week....

Cape Cod MINI said:

Hmmm, I guess I messed up. It showed up when I previewed the post, but not when I submitted it. Glad you could fix it. Thanx

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I am confused I tried to look at your picture but it did not work so I then posted it and when I checked it they were both working How did that happen??

My exhaust gets sooty too, all Minis do. But I wouldn't worry, a quite wipe with a cloth and it comes straight off.

zoooooom said:

I too am a biker so go get a Bandit my friend if you know whats good for you


Suzuki rules if you know what I mean 1200

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A workmate of mine has just sold his Bandit 1200 for a Yamaha Fazer 1000. He said the Fazer made the Bandit feel exactly what it was .... an old bike!!
He was especially amazed with the engine and it's a de-tuned R1 unit !