I'm new here. I have general knowledge about cars, but I am a quick learner.
I have a 1988 mustang 2.3l, and when it is idling, the exhaust is kind of thick. When you rev the engine, it puts a nice dark black spot on the ground. I read another post similar to this but, I have one difference. My catalytic converter is rattling, and busted(I'm gonna put pics up tomorrow). Is that possibly the only problem, or would I need to check through everything like mentioned in the other post. Also, the car has been sitting around on and off for about 2 years maybe. The only thing I'm worried about right now is getting the car up to inspection standards so it can be driven.
The other thing is that a seal is broken on some part of what looks like brake fluid flows through, and its gotten worse. It drips and splatters, slowly over time. I'll also put a pic up of that situation as well.
Thanks for any help, I have been a member for a few days, and this is the first question I have had to ask.
-Sy
EDIT: BTW it is a standard, didn't know if that would affect anything.
If the cat rattles its shot. In my state they tap the converter with a rubber mallet and if it rattles. Other than the grass shield. It fails. As far as the black or what ever color the exhaust is thats not right and will have to be addressed. Send us some more info like SES light ON ETC.
Alright. I'm sure that light doesn't come on. I'll double check it and some other things. See what other info I can get you. The spark plugs where recently changed and that helped with the car running altogether. The other day when I was out there working on it, when I revved it up, it put a black spot on the ground and was dripping, but it had also been raining. I check the color of that, to make sure it wasn't oil, and from what I could see it was not. If there is any other information you need let me know!
have you checked air filters etc and made sure they are clean?
i know its kinda an obvious question but just have to throw it out there to make sure and elimiate that possibility.
__________________
(Newer Motor [70,000 miles] Spectre Cold Air Intake, EGR Delete, AC Delete, Cat Delete, Flomaster 40 Series Muffler, Shortened Exhaust, American Racing Outlaw Series II Rims, Stalker Hood, Pioneer Deck Set, 12" Pyle Quoobz, Planet Audio Amp, [500 Watts Total]. Comp Cam [mild], Bored .30 over,
The air filter needs to be blown out. The oil filter was put in brand new when the oil was changed. Is it possible the oil put in it is too rich for the motor, or isn't the right kind(I should say)? It also seemed to run a little bit cleaner when I had the silencer off of it. Could the air restriction be part of the problem? I didn't see the SES light, not even with the ignition in the start position(before cranking the motor) so I may see about replacing it.
EDIT: I checked the liquid(COMPLETELY black) on the black spot and it just looks like build up from the motor or the exhaust.
clean the filter. black smoke means your car is running rich on gas. the "type" (name) of oil shouldnt matter but the "weight/viscosity" makes a difference. but that wouldnt effect you on this matter.
just clean the filter and let us know the results
__________________
(Newer Motor [70,000 miles] Spectre Cold Air Intake, EGR Delete, AC Delete, Cat Delete, Flomaster 40 Series Muffler, Shortened Exhaust, American Racing Outlaw Series II Rims, Stalker Hood, Pioneer Deck Set, 12" Pyle Quoobz, Planet Audio Amp, [500 Watts Total]. Comp Cam [mild], Bored .30 over,
1988 Mustang 2.3l Running Rich + Brake Fluid 
