Causes of condensation in the muffler of a car and its removal
Content
Abundant condensate, accompanied by thick white smoke, indicates poor fuel quality.
For the good operation of the vehicle, it is necessary to eliminate all causes of the presence of water in the muffler of the car.
Water in the muffler of a car: the reasons for this phenomenon are different. External signs of a malfunction are clearly visible: in the warm season, splashes fly out of the exhaust pipe, and in the cold season, a small puddle accumulates under it. A small amount of liquid is normal, but if it is more than usual, it can cause a breakdown. You need to know the reasons for the presence of water in the muffler of a car in order to prevent this.
Causes of water in the muffler of a car
The exhaust pipe functions in difficult temperature conditions. It gets very hot while driving. When the engine stops working, it starts to cool down, and condensate of water vapor dispersed in the surrounding air accumulates on it. In cold and humid weather, the formation of droplets is especially intense.
A small amount of water vapor is also formed during the combustion of fuel. It also condenses on the walls of the pipe and is thrown out in the form of splashes. But as soon as the motor and pipe warm up, the splashes disappear.
muffler condensate
These are the reasons for the presence of water in the muffler of a car in the absence of malfunctions.
In winter, condensation adds to the trouble:
- it is much more than in summer;
- it often freezes, and ice can block the pipe (but small pieces of ice are not dangerous).
Abundant moisture itself does not mean a malfunction. The appearance of liquid is due to such reasons:
- frosty, cold, wet weather;
- heavy rain or snow (precipitation is thrown by the wind into the exhaust pipe);
- short trips and long periods of vehicle downtime;
- low-quality fuel (good gasoline produces less condensate).
If colored water appears in the car muffler, the reasons are as follows:
- black - a problem in the particulate filter or in the catalyst;
- yellow or red - oil or antifreeze leak;
- greenish or blue - worn parts, oil or coolant leaks.
For the good operation of the vehicle, it is necessary to eliminate all causes of the presence of water in the muffler of the car.
Negative effects of moisture in the muffler
When water accumulates in the muffler of a car, the reasons for the accelerated appearance of rust are provided. Corrosion threatens even stainless steel, as water reacts with sulfur dioxide in the exhaust gases. An acid is formed that can corrode even stainless steel in a couple of years.
During engine operation, loud gurgling and unpleasant “spitting” sounds may be heard. This is only a violation of aesthetics, it is better to get rid of it.
Exhaust system diagnostics
When the ambient temperature drops below zero, frozen condensation in the muffler of the machine can form an ice block.
Removing condensate from a car muffler
There are several ways to remove condensate from a muffler. It is easy to get rid of the liquid, letting it drain naturally. For this:
- The car warms up for about 20 minutes.
- They put it on a small hillock so that the slope is towards the stern.
A hard method to remove condensate from the muffler: drill a hole in the resonator with a thin drill (diameter no more than 3 mm). This method effectively removes moisture, it flows freely through the hole. But a violation of the integrity of the wall accelerates corrosion and enhances the sound of the exhaust, and corrosive gases can seep into the cabin after this procedure. Therefore, it can be used in extreme cases, when the accumulation of water is too large (up to 5 liters).
Methods and means of dealing with water in the gas outlet system
Water can accumulate in any part of the fuel system. You can reduce its amount if you regularly fill the gas tank. A half-empty tank sharply increases the formation of drops, which accelerates the wear of many parts. Therefore, the tank is filled even in the off-season, when the car rarely goes out on the road.
You can also remove accumulated moisture with the help of water removers, which are produced by CASTROL, HI-GEAR and others. The converter is simply poured into the tank, it binds the water, and then it is discharged along with the exhaust gases.
Castrol removes condensate in the muffler
To combat excess condensate at least once a month, it is necessary to make trips for at least an hour and at high speeds. Empty country roads are suitable for such "ventilation" of the exhaust system. There you can pick up and slow down the speed, repeating the alternation several times. For such maneuvers, it is useful to use a lower gear.
Measures to prevent moisture from entering the muffler
It is impossible to completely get rid of water in the muffler. But there are ways to significantly reduce its amount.
- Garage. It protects the car from hypothermia in winter and overheating in summer, which reduces the amount of moisture.
- Auto heating All new models have this handy feature. Heating works according to a given program, at certain intervals, and when leaving in the morning, you need to create increased pressure in the exhaust pipe. To do this, you need to drive a little at first speed. But if the car has to stand still for several days in the cold, then it is better to turn off the auto-heating, otherwise the exhaust pipe may become tightly clogged with an ice plug.
- Parking. If the terrain permits, the machine should be positioned so as to provide a slope towards the rear. Then excess water will flow out of the muffler itself.
- Travel frequency. At least once a week, provide the car with a long run.
- Try to use good fuel. Low-quality gasoline causes abundant formation of water vapor, soot and other harmful substances that are destructive to all vehicle systems.
- If there is no garage, then in winter you can insulate the exhaust pipe with a non-combustible heat insulator.
Regular application of these protective measures will save you from having to go to the car service once again to fix annoying problems.
