Every car has internal combustion for the best boost-up performance. And as a part of this combustion process, a variety of gases come out from the exhaust pipe or the tailpipe. This process keeps running by releasing the unnecessary items, produced during the combustion system. But if all kinds of gases, don’t get released and make a place inside the combustion chamber, then it can seem like a severe issue. Many car owners face a problem like water coming out of the exhaust. In certain scenarios, leaking water is a very normal by product of the combustion process. But when should you consider the leaking fluid as a serious problem and what are the primary causes that can end up creating such an issue?
Downwards, we will discuss some of the reasons and the possible fixes for them.
Water Coming Out of The Exhaust: Some Primary Reasons
Water is an unignorable material to keep the car running. Some of time, users get panic watching water coming out of the exhaust or the tailpipe. Well, it’s a 50% possibility that you have any severe issues inside your car and that’s why water is coming out. The reason can be as simple as normal water condensation or as complex as a faulty catalytic converter or gasket.
However, you can smell or taste the leaking water. If that does not taste sweet, there is nothing to worry about. But if the water smells sweet, that means that is coolant. But let’s have a look at the causes elaborately.
Normal Water Condensation
This is the most common and prominent reason among all, that happens most of the time. As a result of the combustion process, different types of gases like Carbon Dioxide or Nitrogen get formed. But along with all these gases, water vapors also get formed by the process. The gases leave the chamber in a very certain manner and sometimes, water vapors get stuck. As the engine cools down, the remaining gases mix their molecules with the vapor, and water vapors form a liquid. Lately, they release themselves from the tailpipe or the exhaust.
So, if you see the water from your exhaust, don’t get panic instantly. However, in this case, the action should stop after a few minutes or a few droplets of water. If it is not stopping, then you might have a bigger problem in your notebook.
Condensation Of the Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter is out there to make your car eco-friendly and to save you from pollution fines. It purifies every harmful combustion by product into less harmful gases. Like carbon monoxide gets transformed into carbon dioxide. In this process, water can get a shape too. This is a very normal by product of the catalytic converter condensation process. So, there is no need to worry in this case also. If you see droplets of water leaking out of the tailpipe that can be because of the catalytic converter. But if the amount is not within droplets, it can be another reason.
A Faulty Head-Gasket
Well, the previous two are not an alarm to your car’s health, but a faulty head gasket is. Manufacturers install gaskets as a physical differentiator between the internal combustion chambers. The purpose is to keep oil, coolant, or other contaminants out and the combustion gases in. though being an integral part of the combustion process, this can’t last forever.
Over time leaks get developed which allows oil or coolant to leak out and gases to leak in. it leaves some symptoms behind. If your engine overheats or if the water pump fails, this can be a sign of a faulty head gasket.
In this case, you can water from the tail-pipe along with white smoke or there will be air bubbles in the coolant reservoir than at a normal level. Oil and coolant can leak out from the exhaust. You should consider going to any professional mechanic right away. This is not an expensive car part so the replacement should be done within $100-$200. A user should pay attention to this as it can make a bigger bill later.
Defective EGR Cooler
An EGR cooler is used by some newer automotive engines, particularly diesel engines, to cool the gases before they reach the intake. The coolant, which can break, is what cools the exhaust gases. Coolant may leak into the tailpipe and flow from the tailpipe if an EGR cooler fractures.
If the water flowing from the pipe, smells sweet, your automobile may have an EGR cooler that is broken if it has one.
Broken Pistons or Rings
Fixing a damaged piston or damaged piston rings is more difficult and expensive. The cylinder that is a component of the combustion engine holds the pistons. The combustion process drives the crankshaft, which is then transmitted to the gear and lastly to your wheels, by pushing pistons up and down.
To prevent the pistons from making contact with the combustion chamber’s inner walls and to aid in sealing the chamber, piston rings are positioned between the pistons and the walls. You’ll notice water dripping from your tailpipe if the rings and gasket head fail. However, you’ll also see clouds of smoke and a burning or pleasant smell if only the piston or rings fail.
Cost To Fix Water Coming Out of The Exhaust
Well, it depends on the reason. If the water is coming out because of water condensation or catalytic converter condensation, then there is nothing to worry about or spend your money on. But if the issue belongs to the head gasket, then you might need to do a replacement. A $100-$200 bill can make you pay money for this replacement. Sometimes, a replacement can cost less than a repair as it requires fewer labor charges.
While the piston and bearing replacement can cost you $1000-$5000. It depends on the faulty piston number. A user should not ignore any of these two. Later, it can even create a whole engine replacement situation.
Don’t let a faulty exhaust harm your car and health. Get it fixed now! Contact with our expert
Frequently Asked Questions
An exhaust full of oil isn’t a good indication because it means the engine is having major issues. Oil can only enter the combustion chamber and then exit through the exhaust system. This could be brought on by worn valve stem seals, worn piston rings, or a broken PCV valve. But whatever the issue may be, you should address it right away to avoid inflicting further harm to the motor or even the catalytic converter.
When the automobile is idle, it’s typically entirely normal to see water trickling from the exhaust. This occurs when a portion of the hazardous exhaust gases are converted by the catalytic converter into water vapor, which could then freeze within the exhaust system.
Most likely, the dark fluid coming from the exhaust is rust mixed with water. Typically, this problem primarily affects cars that are often driven on short distances. This occurs as a result of the liquid water in exhaust gases condensing on cold muffler walls that must warm up.
It is possible for water to leak from the muffler during regular driving. The engine’s exhaust emissions include water vapour when it is operating at its best. And as it passes through the exhaust pipes and mufflers, this vapour could condense and convert into water.
