Have a 1996 Ford Thunderbird and while driving today it suddenly had black smoke out of the tailpipe and loss of power. It cut off but I was able to start again and drive slowly home. Any suggestions? Am I in trouble?

 

This can be a variety of problems, but is likely engine or engine management (computer) related.

 

Some causes could be: clogged catalytic converter, hole blown in piston head, bad piston rings, computer delivering too much fuel (running way rich), improper intake/computer modifications, and many more. How many miles are on the engine and what size motor is it?