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Just got an 03 Z06 and it has Magnaflow with cross pipe. I noticed after it idles a while water leaks from one of the joints after the cross. Will this bring a quick exhaust leak? Or is the gasket in need of replacing or is this normal?
It's completely normal for some condensation to exit the tailpipe, especially this time of year. It's a product of combustion...cold air and warm exhaust. Unless the liquid smells like oil or antifreeze, don't fret...
Yes, it can cause rust, which is why it's recommended not to drive short distances. The warmer the motor/exhaust gets, the better opportunity for the condensation to be burned off in the oil and exhaust pipes.
Gasoline is a mixture of hydrocarbons.... Carbon (C) and Hydrogen (H)
To burn it (combustion) you add Oxygen (0)
Every Carbon has 4 bonds. one attaches it to the Carbon beside it. Thus a chain of hydrocarbons is
...CH2-CH2-CH2...
When you add Oxygen you get H2O (water) + CO (carbon monoxide)
You will always get water when you burn gasoline. Whether it comes out a a vapor or liquid depends soley on the temperature of the engine, exhaust system and the external ambient temperature.
If it is coming out of a joint, there is a leak at the joint. Many joints leak, few peopole are observant enough to notice.
Stampede3, vetting, rustyhmt and rws.1 are all correct. "water" at start up is normal, as is vapor durring warm up. "humid" exhaust is normal as well at idle when warmed up. - FROM THE TIPS.
However if water (liquid being thicker then air) is leaking through a joint, you "won't get" an exhaust leak later on. YOU HAVE ONE now. Best to try tightening the joints up, and or replaceing the gaskets. IF the gasket is new, remove it, get some copper coat, spray a few coats on each side and toss that puppy back in.