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What's the black smoke and shuddering about?

Don't know jack about cars today as i was driving the car shuddered and shook and black smoke poured out from under the hood. I looked under the hood and saw a bit of oil spilled. So is the engine blown? Just how screwed am i?

Update:

It's a Saturn SL1. I've had an engine blow when riding in a friend's car once and that car died. My car would still start up but shake like an old WW1 biplane. It's at a mechanic's now so i'll know for sure in the morning.

Update 2:

oh yeah and it was a lot of smoke all at once

6 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    i own a repair shop,and before i ruled it as being blown up,id have someone look at it,they might can tell you whats wrong with it,it sounds serious ,but you never know with today's cars what caused it,have a good mechanic take a look at it ,good luck i hope this help,s.

    Source(s): been a certified mechanic for 36 yrs.
  • Aliz
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    Oil may have spilled on the engine and the black smoke is the oil burning off and if that is the case then there is no problem with your car. But if a head gasket has blown and that is the cause for the smoke.You will need to have the head of the engine removed and a new gasket put in.

  • 1 decade ago

    Yeah what kc said. Good luck.

    You are sure its coming from the engine? what car do you have. Sounds like it's a newer car. Just make sure its not like a tire or something? But yeah, other then that if your sure then what all these guys said, cause we can't tell you what to do, with no experiance, over yahoo answers. Don't drive it anywhere, have a mechanic come out, or a family friend that actually knows something, rather then nothing.

  • jekin
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    I would suspect the timing belt. If it loses a few teeth the timing could go off making valves and spark happen at the wrong time. The fire could get in the crankcase and blow oil out the breather, etc

    If you are lucky and the valves didn't hit the pistons and bend them or break a piston, it is a less than $200 fix. If the valves hit the pistons and break stuff you best look for a new car.

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Black smoke most likely burning oil under the hood doesn't mean your screwed. If the car shuts off and starts to smoke thats when your in trouble

  • 1 decade ago

    Sounds like you need new rings ASAP so you DON'T ruin the engine.

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