black soot in exhaust pipe

This is a strange thing I have noticed about my 07 taco 4x4 and some others. I get a black soot buildup in the exhaust pipe, I notice some other trucks have it and some don't. Some have perfectly clean ones and some are black. I was wondering why, maybe it has something to do with engine assembly perhaps lifter sizes from factory, I want to find out if they are all fitted with the same size lifters when built. Mine also makes the notorious "ticking noise" from the engine, I have a friend who has a clean exhaust pipe and quieter valve train. Mine sounds like it needs a valve adjustment, it has done it since it was brand new - now has 50k. I think I will have the valve clearances checked at 60k like manual suggests.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about the black soot, I have this too.

Here is a write up on a possible fix for your ticking engine. I hear the ticking, but not very much and it doesn't bother me so I haven't tried this mod. So I'm not 100% sure it will work, but a lot of guys said it worked or helped.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/43632-ticking-engine-one-fix.html

 

I'm wondering if the other ticks are valve related - there are many different lifter sizes. I am debating whether to do adjustment myself, I used to do my volkswagons and motorcycle engines.

 

Since it has done it from the start, and many people hear the same noise. I wouldn't even mess with it. If the truck is running good, why fix it? If it ain't broken, don't fix it.

My suggestion.

 

It does recommend checking valve clearance at this interval. I'm wondering how many people actually do. From what I have read on the forums most dealers do not even do it. It is very labor intensive, removing timing chain and cams etc. I went over the instructions, looks like three hours of work for an experienced mechanic, plus picking up the proper size lifters and replacing those not in clearance ranges. They would probably charge another $400 just to check all of them.

 

Well OK, I still don't think you should, but I suppose it would be a good chance to check things out. Have fun, and welcome to TW.

 

Unless I'm really bored one weekend - looks like way too much work - not as easy as a GSXR! A Toyota tech told me one time you only need to adjust them if they make a really lout noise when you start the motor in the morning. I guess I just like to trip on stuff like that. If I had nothing but time and money I would figure out the soot thing it is weird. Thanks!