I have an 05 RL with 236k miles (yeah that's right) and the engine and gas mileage are still great. Lately I have noticed carbon buildup around my exhaust pipes and on the paint. I am curious as to what may be the cause. I have always used 93 octane and kept up with the plugs being changed. Any ideas?

 

I get that too a little bit and only on the pipes.. I have never gotten it on the paint. Mine has 40k miles... mine is minor though.. Mine comes off during a normal wash..

 

Carbon buildup has been an issue with the '05s. A number of folks have had the exhaust tips replaced, usually as a warranty or courtesy item, with '06 tips that I believe extend a bit further out and keeps the carbon buildup off the paint. With 236,000 miles, you may have a tough time convincing the dealer to replace them for free. I have an '06 and I don't get any buildup on the paint. I do get some on the exhaust tips bit it's an easy clean as long as I don't let it sit for months.

LL

 

Mine were completely black when i got my RL. A lil stainless steel cleaner should get it off the tips and bug and tar remover should get it off the bumper. Only needs a lil elbow grease.

 

There was an Acura ServiceNews bulletin on this issue in Feb 2006. See the 2G RL Garage Sticky

Black Soot on the Rear
Bumper
Got a ’05 RL in your shop for black soot on the
rear bumper? You’re looking at a cosmetic
problem caused from water in the exhaust, black
exhaust particles, and just plain aerodynamics at
work. If, however, your service client is really
miffed about driving around with a messy
bumper, mount a set of ‘06 RL finishers to the
exhaust pipes. Not only do they cut down on this
problem but they look cool, too. Order these parts
from Honda parts stock:
• Right Finisher: P/N 18310-SJA-A01
• Left Finisher: P/N 18320-SJA-A01

 

Thanks to all of you for your answers. The elbow grease seems to work well. I just wanted to make sure that there wasnt something that I was missing.I think I am going to have to go with the 06 advice and ad the finishers. Thank's again.Hopefully one day I will be able to post when I cross 400k.