Well.... My '82 / 22R seems to carbon up the tail pipe more these days, any thoughts as to if this is normal? motor has 250,000mi and runs ok, passes smog fine. If I try to lean the idle screw it gets shaky so think its set correct. new air filter and timings right on. Just thought now, the only thing I haven't done in a few years is the valve adjustment and probably over due even though don't drive high miles alot.

 

Well usually you have to start with a complete tune up with distributor cap, rotor, pcv valve, fuel filter, spark plugs (correctly gapped), wires, check filter, adjust valve lash as the manual says (hot). Spray some carb cleaner to clean as much of the gunk off that you can inside the carb, replace old vacuum hoses. All of this is pretty cheap and helps rule out any simple tune up problems. Has your mileage gone down? does it consume any oil?

 

Thanks, I've done most of your list but see a couple I better check, like distributor & valve adjusting, plugs. Mileage has been about the same since I bought it over 10 years ago but might check that also for reference. OIL? No leaks but it needs about 1/4-1/2 a quart every 6 weeks maybe depending on my driving. I don't worry about it going down much on a long drive. I check the oil level every week or two. 250,000mi has to use some but no smoke and pass smog ok.

 

Then maybe the black soot is more because the engine burns oil that it running rich. Just a thought!

 

Could be your choke setting. If you have an electric choke check it out. Does your truck seem to run fine otherwise?

If your rings are getting tired you'll likely see the inside of your air-filter getting wet with oil. If not, and your mileage is ok and the truck runs fine I say don't worry about it!

 

Air filters always dry. As said might be the oil that gets burned off slowly? When theres time I'll see if it gets better after doing a more complete tune-up...

 

You know, it's also normal to have black soot in the tail pipe if the truck runs fine don't worry about it, it's 32 years old.