You know, it's funny you bring it up....the problem that my father had
occurred mostly when the van was used only for short trips (less than 2
miles) but at the same time, he had manufactured a cat by-pass (because on
the cal models, the cat is right next to the valve cover, which the mechanic
says caused the original PR tubes to leak.  We have since replaced the seals
and reinstalled the cat and no more problems).  My father is now
semi-retired and the few trips he makes are now longer.  During the last
smog inspection, we did lean the mixture out a little, but with the cat in
this trail does not occur anymore.  If I were you, I'd find someone with a
CO meter and check the mixture (but change the oil first-moisture
accumulates quite a bit).
Try that and let me know what happens.
Karl Batzler
84 Vanagon
192,000 mi.
-----Original Message-----
From: Bulley-Hewlett & Associates <gmbulley@bulley-hewlett.com>
To: 'KBatzler' <KBatzler@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 1998 5:35 AM
Subject: RE: black exhaust residue

>BTW: My father's 81 does the same thing....but I would suspect that your
>running a little rich.
>Karl Batzler
>
>
>So what do I do about it? Do you know? Thanks for the info. :)
>
>gmb
>
>