black smoke

93 rodeo 3.2lv6 seems to run ok, after a while it feels like it's choking down and lugging a little bit. At this time it starts blowing thin black smoke. After doing this a few miles the cel comes on and the engine goes back to running good. ideas?

Get the CEL codes read. They should stil be stored and auto zone will read them for free.

Sounds like o2 sensors going bad. Black smoke means its running way too rich. When the CEL comes on it goes into 'limp mode' and just uses preset readings instead of looking at the sensors.

also try a new pcv valve......my 96 3.2 started luggin and blowing smoke out the back like a tractor traiiler..........oil on the air filter is a sure fire sign to tell whether its your pcv or not.

Gizmo, you were absolutely correct. I changed the 02 sensor (had no problem getting it out) and it was like a whole new engine. It runs smooth and the gas mileage increased dramatically, and the exhaust fumes don't smell of gas anymore.

thanks

How bad did your mileage get? What are you getting now? I did my O2 sensors last year and went from 14 or 15 mpg at best up to 18 mpg city and 20+mpg highway.

I had the exact same problem and solution this past weekend. I first changed my spark plugs (BTW, I have oil in my plug wells, any suggestions on how to fix the O-ring seal?).

I used the Bosch universal O2 sensor and it made a world of difference. At one point, I thought would need a new engine.

You have to remove the valve covers to change the plug tower o-rings. Several hours a side.

I....(BTW, I have oil in my plug wells, any suggestions on how to fix the O-ring seal?)....like he said, they're in the valve cover.

but, are you using the ignition wire set that isuzu came out with to seal off that oil that does seep in? the plug connector is larger in diameter and have sealing ridges to keep the oil from reaching the plug and shorting out. afaik, they are available only at the dealer.

isuzu came up with this idea to avoid having to replace all those oil seals under warranty. they do work, so if you are getting shorting problems and random missing, that would be the way to go until you replace the seals. in fact, it is recommended to use the new wire set even with new seals.

/'/'bc

Borg-Warner makes wires with the sealing boot. Just installed a set.

http://www.partsamerica.com/productdetail.aspx?MfrCode=BOR&MfrPartNumber=CH76120SP&PartType=5004&PTSet=A