Exhaust water...

[ShivaYash]

A strange question/ comment.

Having driven 25 miles this evening, upon my return home, I noted that 'water vapour' was coming out of the exhaust. Surely this isn't right? Usually I only see this in cold weather when the car is cold.

I drive a S124 E200 1994, M111 engine. It has 119k miles on the clock.

Thanks.

 

[television]

Is it loosing water

 

[ShivaYash]

I don't think so. I replaced the thermostat last week and its all running nicely. Topped up the coolant lost during the replacement and checked for airlock before putting the cap back on the water tank. Will check water level again in the morning.

What do you think it may be?

 

[richardN2O]

I think its ****** cold and my exhausts are doing the same as is every other car I've seen today

 

[cleverdicky]

Normal. Air warm or cold holds huge amounts of water.
Although cold air actually holds less.
You only notice it at the exhaust as it doesn't immediately re evaporate in cold weather as it would in the summer.
If you had an engine problem you would notice severe poor running, white foamy oil, and loss of coolant.

 

[wireman]

You are burning Hydro-Carbon fuel, some of the combustion products are oxidised carbon and the rest are oxidised hydrogen, i.e. water, if the air temp is sufficiently low this will condense on exit from the exhaust system. There are also nitrogen and sulphur components which make the water slightly acidic.
Quite normal.