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Water in Tail Pipe

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Obtong

Obtong

Jedi Hopeful
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Hello All,

I think I may have water in the engine. My exhaust is sometimes very smokey, white-ish. If I put my hand at the tail pipe I feel a lot of moisture. After the MG has run for five minutes or so, there is practically no smoke, but there is still a bit of (but not as much) moisture coming out of the tail pipe.

I read somewhere in the forum that the plugs should be removed and the engine cranked.

I'm a quite a novice to all this and I don't want to damage anything. SO, is this what I do to remove water from the engine?
* Remove spark plugs
* Turn on the ignition to get the starter motor going (cranking?)
* Replace plugs

What causes moisture in the engine, and what should I do about it? Do I need to worry?

Thanks,
Obtong

[ 03-05-2003: Message edited by: Obtong ]</p>
 
It is normal to have water in the exhaust system when the engine, pipes & muffler are cold. water is a natural byproduct of the combustion. It only shows when the pipes & outside air are cold enough to condense the water vapor.

Try warming up & running the car for about 20 miles at a good clip & then check the exhaust. If everything is ok, no water will show. If there is still water you have a problem. There is still water there in the form of steam but it won't show unless the outside temperature is pretty cold.
D

[ 03-05-2003: Message edited by: Dave Russell ]</p>
 
As Dave has correctly said, some moisture from the tailpipe is normal, especially when cold. In my area (where it's cold at the present) most cars have a little "dribble" at idle, even when they're warmed up. Nothing to worry about.

But.....watch the level of anti-freeze/coolant in your radiator. If the car's losing coolant, you could have a more serious problem. Do not worry if the car blows out a pint or so of coolant after the radiator is filled to the top...this is just "expansion". If the car continues to use coolant at significant levels, the problem might be related to a headgasket or related parts.

You didn't mention coolant loss, so I'm guessing your car is fine (but talk nice to it, and wax it, "just in case").
grin.gif
 
If it is from the engine, you should be able to smell the antifreeze!! It has a distinct smell!! I bet it is justt condensation!!
 
Thanks for putting my mind at ease folks. There is no coolant loss/smell, and the amout of water vapor from the tail pipe appears to go after a short while. As you say, it's very likey only condensation.

Thanks,
Obtong
 
If you want another demonstration of water produced at the tailpipe, go look at a school bus idling in the winter - water practically pours out of a lot of them.
 
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