Is water leak from exhaust piping normal or an issue?

[ClassicStangFan]

I purchased a used 2018 Ford Mustang GT earlier this year for which a former owner installed Corsa performance exhaust. Ever since ownership I have noticed a minor leak of water coming from underneath the brackets connecting the X pipe and axle back Corsa Performance mufflers. I assume it is due to condensation or moisture from exhaust fumes. Is such an issue or just normal?

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[DougS550]

I purchased a used 2018 Ford Mustang GT earlier this year for which a former owner installed Corsa performance exhaust. Ever since ownership I have noticed a minor leak of water coming from underneath the brackets connecting the X pipe and axle back Corsa Performance mufflers. I assume it is due to condensation or moisture from exhaust fumes. Is such an issue or just normal?

Its normal, that is your catalytic converter working its EPA Magic LOL.

" Main Reasons for Water Dripping Out From the Exhaust:

1. Engine Combustion and Water Condensation
   As combustion takes place in your vehicle’s engine whenever the vehicle starts, a mixture of water and carbon dioxide is formed. When the engine cools down completely and exhaust gasses exit the combustion chamber, condensation of water and carbon dioxide can be noticed much more, and in a moment like this, you notice water dripping from your car’s exhaust pipe. This is completely normal and you don't have to take your car to a professional.
2. Catalytic Convertor Byproduct
   Catalytic converter plays a major role in reducing the pollutants that go into the environment. It transforms the byproducts of vehicles into substances that do not harm the environment. It converts the toxic waste products of the vehicle into non-harmful components as in water or gas form. Water dripping out from exhaust is an example of a catalytic convertor working at its best and this is not something that you should be worried about.
   Another issue specifically with catalytic converters is theft. In 2020 and 2021, the number of cases of catalytic converter theft has been rising dramatically. To learn more about catalytic converter theft and what you can do to protect yourself, click here!
3. Condensation From Heat
   If your car is in a colder climate, it will need to warm up before it can work properly. This causes excess heat to be built up in your car and is later expelled through the tailpipe. That heat will produce condensation in your exhaust system, so you will see water droplets coming out of your tailpipe. This has the potential to be dangerous, but all you need to do is let the engine run for a few minutes before you start driving".

REF: https://wrench.com/blog/reasons-for-water-coming-from-the-exhaust/#:~:text=When the engine cools down,your car to a professional.

 

[EFI]

condensation

You answered your own question. It's perfectly normal.

 

[Dave2013M3]

Oh snap!!!

 

[ClassicStangFan]

Its normal, that is your catalytic converter working its EPA Magic LOL.

" Main Reasons for Water Dripping Out From the Exhaust:

1. Engine Combustion and Water Condensation
   As combustion takes place in your vehicle’s engine whenever the vehicle starts, a mixture of water and carbon dioxide is formed. When the engine cools down completely and exhaust gasses exit the combustion chamber, condensation of water and carbon dioxide can be noticed much more, and in a moment like this, you notice water dripping from your car’s exhaust pipe. This is completely normal and you don't have to take your car to a professional.
2. Catalytic Convertor Byproduct
   Catalytic converter plays a major role in reducing the pollutants that go into the environment. It transforms the byproducts of vehicles into substances that do not harm the environment. It converts the toxic waste products of the vehicle into non-harmful components as in water or gas form. Water dripping out from exhaust is an example of a catalytic convertor working at its best and this is not something that you should be worried about.
   Another issue specifically with catalytic converters is theft. In 2020 and 2021, the number of cases of catalytic converter theft has been rising dramatically. To learn more about catalytic converter theft and what you can do to protect yourself, click here!
3. Condensation From Heat
   If your car is in a colder climate, it will need to warm up before it can work properly. This causes excess heat to be built up in your car and is later expelled through the tailpipe. That heat will produce condensation in your exhaust system, so you will see water droplets coming out of your tailpipe. This has the potential to be dangerous, but all you need to do is let the engine run for a few minutes before you start driving".

REF: https://wrench.com/blog/reasons-for-water-coming-from-the-exhaust/#:~:text=When the engine cools down,your car to a professional.

 

[ClassicStangFan]

Perhaps my description was not clear or detailed enough. The water leak is not coming from the end of the tailpipes, I understand such is normal and the cause. The leak is coming from underneath the brackets/clamps that connect the back end of the x pipes to the front end if the axleback exhaust mufflers. I did not see such issue with my previous 2013 V6 Mustang.

 

[SheepDog]

Perhaps my description was not clear or detailed enough. The water leak is not coming from the end of the tailpipes, I understand such is normal and the cause. The leak is coming from underneath the brackets/clamps that connect the back end of the x pipes to the front end if the axleback exhaust mufflers. I did not see such issue with my previous 2013 V6 Mustang.

It just means that the connection isn't water tight. The conversion of exhaust gases, and the subsequent condensation that occurs as the exhaust gas cools, begins right after the cats. Drill a tiny hole for a drain if you want, but mostly, non-issue

 

[K4fxd]

Try running E85, on some cool nights it looks like I have a blown head gasket. A bunch of steam coming from the tail pipes.

 

[WV millwright]

Perhaps my description was not clear or detailed enough. The water leak is not coming from the end of the tailpipes, I understand such is normal and the cause. The leak is coming from underneath the brackets/clamps that connect the back end of the x pipes to the front end if the axleback exhaust mufflers. I did not see such issue with my previous 2013 V6 Mustang.

Factory exhaust is one continuous pipe from in front of the resonator to the tail pipe. When a x of h pipe is installed, or an aftermarket exhaust, it must be cut. This leaves a place for the moisture to escape. A lot of the x or h pipes and aftermarket exhaust, just clamp together on the rear with just a butt joint and a clamp. It is nothing to worry about. Perfectly normal.

 

[skinnyb]

Mine drippy drippy as well. Perfectly normal.

 

[WD Pro]

Factory exhaust is one continuous pipe from in front of the resonator to the tail pipe. When a x of h pipe is installed, or an aftermarket exhaust, it must be cut. This leaves a place for the moisture to escape. A lot of the x or h pipes and aftermarket exhaust, just clamp together on the rear with just a butt joint and a clamp. It is nothing to worry about. Perfectly normal.

Standard active exhaust has water drains in each muffler

WD

 

[DougS550]

Perhaps my description was not clear or detailed enough. The water leak is not coming from the end of the tailpipes, I understand such is normal and the cause. The leak is coming from underneath the brackets/clamps that connect the back end of the x pipes to the front end if the axleback exhaust mufflers. I did not see such issue with my previous 2013 V6 Mustang.

Same here. Not hurting anything and I did a leak check and I didn't feel any exhaust air so, I just let it go. I would try to retorque the clamps and see if that helps, If it still leaks to where it bothers you enough, Buy high quality clamps, reseat the pipe connections and torque or Have the connections/flanges welded, never leak again, BUT; you exhaust is pretty much one piece and if you had to remove it, that would be a little harder than with clamps.
Good Luck.

 

[WV millwright]

Standard active exhaust has water drains in each muffler

WD

I learned something new today.

 

[LOL WUT]

100% Humidity, E85, AC on, and idling for a few minutes and you can swim under my car.

 

[DougS550]

I learned something new today.

I think the op was talking about the mid H pipe not the muffler, which do have seep holes to help prevent rust from water puddling in the mufflers.

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