Hey when i first bought my 2002 honda accord se 4 cylinder and put my finger in the exhaust (about a year ago at 138 KM) there was no black soot in muffler.
Recently i noticed there is black soot now and it was a little wet last night when i wiped the inside of the exhaust.
Keep in mind i did replace the muffler for a wider piece but not a fancy muffler.

Is this an issue?

 

That is normal stuff, nothing to worry about

 

completely normal

 

for god's sake stop
fingering your exhaust.

 

do you finger every tail pipe you have access to?

 

.As they stated its normal, because you put a new piece I'm guessing th oil or whatever they put in mufflers is burning, so naturally it will go black. However, if it is wet. Clean it enough so that it will dry after you drive, at least till you notice all the blackb is gone. I didn't do this and it rusted a little bit, won't cause any performance issues but it is a small eyesore

 

why you sticking your finger in there

 

I tend to stick the good finger there for practice
On a side note.. Yes, Yes I do stick my fingers in every new muffler i get

Ive heard if the muffler is really black its a good trick to see if your burning oil or using up more gas.

 

Hi,
On the serious side, could it be a some kind of problem with oil burning?
Mine 2002 Civic has 170 K on it and it is a recent purchase.
It worries me a little because mine tail pipe is covered with black soot.

 

lol If a "little black soot" is bothering you, you should see my exhaust. Its normal, car, truck, dirt bike.

 

hey i would also say that is normal its not much to get worried. it happens most of the time