'83 is smoking

Hi guys,

OK, give the skinny on what I might hear when it goes to the shop (not looking forward to this):

The '83 is putting out some black smoke and leaving soot on the driveway - just like inside the chimney. The black smoke is there when you rev the engine, even when the choke is fully opened. You don't see it smoking going down the road. Smoke is black - not blue.
It stalls easily and often idles very rough like it's just on the verge of stalling.
There had been an oil leak. They replaced a head gasket and now this is happening. There is still a small oil leak - don't know from where. Doesn't seem to be using oil to any significant amount. Getting about 15 mpg around town.

I'm rather concerned this is bad!

'83, 305ci, 95K

Here's a pic going to Prom last weekend (my son, not me):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/cone9/IMG_0994.jpg
Cragar S/S 15"x8", Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 - 275/60 rear, 235/60 front

Some of you will remember a little different view of this car:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c157/sickspics/83%20Caprice/83caprice2.jpg

Ha, I remember that old picture.... it sounds as if it's running too rich. Like it's not getting a signal from the o2 sensor and the computer is thinking your running very lean and is trying to compensate. Check all the wiring to the oxygen sensor (1 wire)... it's possible that in the process of changing the head gasket, it was never plugged back in. Or, the wire may have burnt up on the exhaust manifold. If that is the case, the check engine light should have kicked on. To be sure the check engie light isnt burn out, turn the key to the on position but don't start the engine. If you don't see a "check engine" or "service engine soon" light come on then odds are the bulb burnt out.

Definitely sounds like a fuel delivery problem (as in too much fuel is being delivered!).

Now, you should be seeing a check engine light for a code 45 - mixture too rich. Odds aren't necessarily with a bad EGO sensor or wiring, the things I would check are carburetor (float needle and seat) or a plugged air filter. Another thing to look at (all of these can cause a 45) is the electric wire for the choke disconnected, or the choke is malfunctioned and not opening properly. Especially this time of year, the choke should open fully within a minute of starting the engine - if it takes longer, this is suspect.

Oh and I also remember the story behind the picture of the car in the creek.

PS a very beautiful looking car - the Cragars look great on it, too.

Yeah i must add to that also, your car looks great! the rims are nice too. but yeah my caprice also spits out black stuff sometimes as well.

So far...
Sevice engine light works. I checked for service codes and only get the '12' code to indicate it's working.

Oxygen sensor wire is connected and appears in good condition.

Choke seems to be working correctly. Opens as it should (or at least as this novice evaluates it).

I looked for any unconnected wires or hoses. Only found the hose from the PCV valve was not connected to the air cleaner. PCV filter is way dirty. Air filter was replaced a few months ago and is OK.
Still the sooty smoke from the tailpipe.

The idle reminds me of the 70's muscle cars whose knowledgable owner's have them tweaked so they sound as though the car is always on the verge of stalling - which I guess they are. My former neighbor had a '73 Challenger. He could do anything with a car (sure wish he still lived there!). That car sounded like this... only louder...and like it was supposed to sound that way...and sounded REALLY good! Unfortunately, it doesn't sound right in this car.

One good thing - the problem the car had for so long with run-on is no more.

Faulty mixture control solenoid??? Also, have you tried replacing the o2 sensor even thought you don't get any engine codes?