EXHAUST PIPE BLACK WITH SOOT

THIS IS MY FRIST TOYOTA AND MAYBE MY LAST I USE THIS TRUCK TO RUN SERVICE APP 50000 MILES A YEAR I HAVE A 08 V6 4 WD WHICH WAS BROUGHT NEW AND HAS A RICH RUNNING ENGINE AS NOTED BY THE TAIL PIPE THIS WAS BROUGHT UP TO THE DEALER AND I WAS TOLD TOYOTA'S RUN THAT WAY. I BEEN TO THE DEALER ONCE FOR SERVICE AND IT MAYBE THE LAST THEY ARE CLUELESS. THIS SITE IS GREAT AND A REAL EYE OPENER TO TOYOTA SERVICE DEPT.
I AM A MECHANIC MYSELF BUT NOT ON AUTO'S THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON WITH A PO420 CODE I'M SURE SOMEONE ON HERE CAN HELP ME
I HAVE NO FAITH IN THE DEALER

 

WELCOME TO TW PLEASE STOP YELLING SOMEONE HERE WILL HELP YOU

 

Bank 1 o2 sensor is what I found for that code. My exhaust looks the same, since day 1

 

Thats a code for " Catalyst system efficiency below threshold"

 

this code specifically states "catalyst system performance below threshold" to put it in simple terms the converter is not working anymore and might need to be replaced

 

When was the last time you replaced spark plugs ? if you doing 50k per year that means you need to replace spark plugs once a year.
Cat efficiency is probably the aftermath and not a cause of the problem.

 

At 50K a year and not changing plugs the cats are probably toast, have you been changing plugs? If bought new in 08 he is looking at 150,000 miles at least. I would change your plugs, check your 02 sensors, do a full service. See if the fault will clear.

 

THE TRUCK NOW HAS 115000 ON IT. THE PLUGS WERE CHANGED AT 86000
I WILL PUT NEW PLUGS IN IT THIS PIPE HAS BEEN BLACK SEEN DAY ONE I'M SURE IT IS SOMETHING SIMPLE. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER AT 60000 MILES FOR THAT SERVICE WHICH WAS VERY COSTLY THE LIGHT STAY OFF FOR LESS THAN 5000 MILES. I UNDERSTAND TRUCKS NEED SERVICE WHICH I DON'T MIND PAYING AS LONG AS IT ADDRESSES THE ISSUES I AM HAVING. CASE IN POINT AFTER BUYING THIS VEHICLE I HAD A CAP AND SLID BED INSTALLED, NO TOOLS THE TRUCK LOOKED OVER LOADED TOOK IT TO THE DEALER I WAS TOLD I OVERLOADED THE TRUCK I WAS UNAWARE OF THE TSB FOR SPRINGS AND THE DEALER I GUESS WAS TOO. I BELIEVE THIS SITE WILL HELP WITH MANY THINGS THE TSB SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALERS