Question for the pro mechanics here

[eddie1278]

I'm a mechanic myself but not certified so want to ask you guys. My truck had water coming out of the muffler drain hole and exhaust. This is nothing new but today it was more then usual. I know water is normal because it's the byproduct of combustion. I also had some white smoke which also is nothing new but was slightly more.

After I put new plugs in the muffler drain was dripping like a leaky faucet pretty stready. Watch the video.

After I drove it no more water drip and no more white smoke.

Just seemed excessive today. 1997 Chevy Tahoe 5.7 4x4

 

[phred]

Not a pro mech here but that is normal. A well tune engine will make water almost instantly.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

Also depends on the humidity of the air as well.

Ford Crown Vics would actually nearly drown in water in the exhaust on rainy or heavy humidity days when idling for extended periods. I remember when at accident scenes having to periodically rev the engine of the cruiser to blow out the accumulated water buildup.

 

[eddie1278]

I can hear water spitting out the exhaust when I drive too. I'm pretty sure it's perfectly normal. I drove and came back not a drip and no faint white smoke.

 

[srmofo]

So whats the question?

 

[eddie1278]

So whats the question?

Lol I just read my OP and never stated exactly what my question was. Just want to know for sure if the water is normal.

 

[Super Mech]

100% normal. If its getting cooler where you are you'll see a little more than usual.

 

[kendogg]

Pull the new plugs and inspect them. The 5.7 is notorious for intake gasket leaks, but they're usually an external leak. If the plug slook good, and you aren't losing any coolant, than it's normal.

 

[BillK]

Eddie,
I didn't read all of the posts, but my 99 Tahoe is basically identical to yours and I can say I have never seen a drop of water or smoke coming out of the exhaust. When the truck is smoking does it smell like coolant ? If so you have a problem for sure but if its just clear water I don't know what to tell you. I don't think it is "normal" by any means.

 

[eddie1278]

Eddie,
I didn't read all of the posts, but my 99 Tahoe is basically identical to yours and I can say I have never seen a drop of water or smoke coming out of the exhaust. When the truck is smoking does it smell like coolant ? If so you have a problem for sure but if its just clear water I don't know what to tell you. I don't think it is "normal" by any means.

It is normal I read the Tahoe forums there are many posts about water from the exhaust. I think it also depends on drive times I drive short distances a lot like under 4 miles round trip.

My neighbor has a newer Lincoln that and he parks next to me I just saw water spots where he parks. It's like 50 degrees out I doubt he used the AC.

 

[srmofo]

Lol I just read my OP and never stated exactly what my question was. Just want to know for sure if the water is normal.

Yes water is normal. Its just condensation. Its common this time of year and usually more noticeable when the vehicle only makes short trips because the exhaust never gets warm enough to evaporate it.

Smoke is not normal

 

[Wood'nMetal]

Funny, I was reading your post and I thought "Oh, sounds like my Tahoe!" then got a little farther and saw you had a Tahoe, too!

I've been told by the GM dealership that it is totally normal. It seems like GM cars are more prone to it than other makes.

 

[oilslick]

Water is a byproduct of combustion, don't drink it though.

 

[jcinga]

My father owned and operated a service station and we installed a few exhaust systems in our customer's cars. Back in the day, Midas offered a lifetime guarantee on their mufflers. So my dad priced a system for his '73 El Camino and with his discount, he opted to go with a Midas system. In about a couple of years, even though it had low mileage on it, the muffler needed replacement as it had rusted through. This continued throughout the years and after several replacements, they finally figured out that my dad didn't drive the vehicle long enough on each trip segment for the exhaust system to heat up enough to vaporize the water as it went through the exhaust system. Our home was one mile from his service station. The guys at the local Midas shop would always laugh and ask him when he was going to get rid of that El Camino. Well, he still has it and now it sits under a cover, so the muffler has lasted many years now.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I'm a mechanic myself but not certified so want to ask you guys. My truck had water coming out of the muffler drain hole and exhaust. This is nothing new but today it was more then usual. I know water is normal because it's the byproduct of combustion. I also had some white smoke which also is nothing new but was slightly more.

After I put new plugs in the muffler drain was dripping like a leaky faucet pretty stready. Watch the video.

After I drove it no more water drip and no more white smoke.

Just seemed excessive today. 1997 Chevy Tahoe 5.7 4x4

White smoke=bad head gasket or at least water/coolant is getting into combustion somehow (cracked block, cracked head, cracked intake manifold, etc) depends on different factors. If there is no coolant in the oil then it's just a bunk head gasket and/or head warpage.

My 10 cents.