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Anonymous Posted on Mar 17, 2009

1998 Ford Escort Water dripping from tailpipe

Upon first startup of the day I've noticed some water dripping from the tailpipe. Once driven the water stops flowing. I have no water or coolant present in the oil. No sweet smell. No overheat problems. The car drives smoothly @ 154,000 miles. Idle is a bit uneven and rough, but might be due to a need for a tuneup. Concerned about water out of tailpipe but does not seem to affect cars performance (atleast yet). Any ideas experts?

Thanks,
Mark

  • Anonymous Mar 17, 2009

    Thanks for the help folks.



    Best,

    Mark

  • nva_2007 Apr 20, 2009

    I have a 2006 honda accord and I noticed a puddle of water near my muffler. I looked under the car and I can see where the water is leaking. Is this a eay fix or does it sound like I will need a new muffler?

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3 Answers

tosea

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  • Posted on Mar 17, 2009
tosea
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This is quite normal -- all cars do this, some are just more noticeable. Once the car heats up, the water evaporates inside the exhaust system and you never see it!

P.S., If this has answered your question, please use the rating system to give me a good rating!! Thank you!

  • tosea Mar 17, 2009

    ...Just thought I'd add to my explanation for general interest:



    As moisture from the air is drawn through the engine, it exits the tailpipe, and because the exhaust system is cold when you first start the car, the water condenses on the cold metal.



    After the exhaust system has warmed up, the water no longer condenses, and just exits as invisible water vapor...



    This is why on cold days, you can see the exhaust coming out of the tailpipe--the cold air is condensing it.

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Ed Warden

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  • Posted on Mar 17, 2009
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The moisture you are seeing out of the tailpipe is common upon startup especially when it is cold out,this is mearly condensation ad should not be of any concern. Hope this helps

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Anonymous

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  • Posted on Mar 17, 2009
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Hello Mark

I wouldn't worry about it at all. Every car does exactly the same thing, it's just a by product of the of the exhast system process .

Hope this helps.

Many Thanks

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