The formation of condensation in the car will not lead to anything good, but rather, on the contrary, will cause damage. Especially now, when it is winter outside, and moisture passes from a gaseous state to a liquid, and then to a solid one. One of the problems with this is that we do not even notice such a phenomenon. We are talking about condensation. What is the reason for the formation of condensate in the car engine and in other systems and units, this article will tell.
Condensate (lat. condensatus - compacted, condensed) is a product that changes from a gaseous state to a liquid substance when the temperature drops. Vapor condensation occurs almost constantly in the atmosphere.
And it's not just happening there. The same thing happens in your cars, or rather, in its various systems: in oil system and in the fuel, in the cooling system and in the exhaust system. Condensation also accumulates in the interior of your car and in closed body cavities. How much harm does it do? Now we will tell about it.
- Water in muffler
Condensation begins to form in the exhaust system as soon as you turn off the car engine. Outside, the system cools down much faster than inside. Therefore, dewdrops immediately appear inside the exhaust pipe. After a few hours, the dew will freeze, and as soon as you start the engine, it will melt and start dripping from the pipe. Many car owners do not see anything good in the amount of water pouring out of the exhaust pipe.
But experts say and insist that it does no harm.
The presence of condensate in the pipe just indicates that the engine of your car is normal. The amount of condensate depends on the operating conditions. If in cold weather you travel in your car, this is what causes condensation to form. This is especially active with cars that warm up using auto-start. In 10-20 minutes, the pipe warms up, but the condensate has time to thaw, but does not evaporate. And so it starts to pour out as soon as you start moving. If, when warming up, you press the gas pedal properly, then the water immediately pours out.
There is only one conclusion - the water itself in exhaust pipe does no harm. Water in the pipe is not a sign of failure. But it can damage the car, because condensate is the main cause of internal muffler corrosion. In winter, this does not happen quickly, but in spring and summer, rust forms rapidly. In winter, motorists complain about freezing of the muffler after long-term parking. In 2-3 days, the muffler can freeze so much that the car refuses to start.
On automotive forums, they suggest making a hole in the resonator so that water can drain through it. But exhaust system vendors strongly disagree. So the muffler will rust much faster, and corrosion will begin to appear around the hole. Think for yourself - if the problem with condensate in the exhaust could be solved in this way in a simple way, then manufacturers would have done so long ago.
See also:White smoke many cars? Moreover, such smoke appears in many cars not only in winter time. Have you also noticed something similar in the behavior of your car? Don't worry, this doesn't mean your car's engine is faulty. The most common cause of excessively white smoke from the exhaust pipe is ordinary condensate. That is water. However, there is no need to worry. In most cases, the presence of water in the muffler does not mean that your car needs repair.
You won't believe it, but a lot of water can accumulate in the muffler. This usually indicates a motor problem. If there is little water, then the temperature difference is to blame environment and temperature inside exhaust system which leads to condensation. By the way, the same effect appears in the form of drops on a cold glass bottle of sparkling water, which has just been taken out of the refrigerator and placed on the table in the kitchen, where it is very hot. Almost instantly, condensation drops will form on the bottle due to the temperature difference between the bottle and the environment.
You understand that the temperature in the exhaust pipe exhaust gases can be very high. For example, in some catalysts it can reach up to 900 degrees. Yes, sure, traffic fumes, entering the exhaust pipe, which is located behind the catalyst, are already noticeably cooled, but nevertheless their temperature is still very high. As a result, condensation may accumulate inside the muffler over time. Especially in winter, when the temperature difference is significant.
Still, any car owner should definitely pay attention to the water in the muffler, since too much water can clearly indicate catastrophic problems in the engine. Although most often serious malfunctions engine, instead of water, antifreeze or a mixture of water and antifreeze will come out of the exhaust pipe. For example, this can happen when there is a crack in the engine or when the gasket of the engine block is damaged.
If a little water forms in the muffler (for example, a few drops), then this is normal. But did you know that the main cause of water droplets in the muffler is not actually condensation? Water is normal by-product fuel combustion. That is, even if there is no condensate inside the exhaust pipe, then, as a rule, you will still find the presence of water in the muffler. Why? .
Here is the chemical equation for burning fuel:
C 8 H 18 + 12.5 O 2 -> 8 CO 2 + 9 H 2 O
Please note that real gasoline is not a chemically simple compound and various nitrogen oxides NO x are formed during its combustion
But from the chemical side, it is quite simple to explain the appearance of water in the muffler. Liquid gasoline initially contains water, which, when the fuel is burned, turns into water vapor (that is, into a gaseous state).
Since the exhaust gases are hot, they mix with hot water vapor, which has turned into a gaseous state during the combustion of gasoline in the engine. in the form of steam will remain in this state in the exhaust system until it drops below 100°C.
However, when you warm up cold engine, then, as a rule, in this case you will not see water flying out of the muffler. The thing is that at this moment the water in the vapor state, when the engine warms up, does not have time to condense in the exhaust system. That is, the water leaves the muffler in a gaseous state. True, this is possible only at a certain ambient temperature. For example, when it's cold outside, steam can condense in the exhaust pipe and come out of the muffler as a few drops.
Remember that with a normally running car (read - fully serviceable), too much water should not come out. Also keep in mind that as the engine warms up and the entire exhaust system warms up, the formation of water droplets should stop, as water vapor will stop condensing due to the temperature inside the pipe equalizing with the temperature of the atmospheric air.
Any water that condenses, for example, in a silencer, also does not remain in liquid form for a long time, since as the temperature rises, any liquid quickly turns into a gaseous state, that is, into steam.
For this reason, in the exhaust gases of a serviceable car, the formation of too a large number liquids.
Water can cause exhaust system corrosion
Do you know what can cause corrosion in an exhaust system? But how can water damage the muffler and other components of the exhaust system, if in most cases it does not linger there after the engine warms up? It turns out that in some cars, the accumulation of excess water may be present. Especially in winter, when the car owner uses the car mainly for short distances. For example, from home to work or to a store that is close to where you live. In this case, in winter, the car simply does not have time to warm up. And then, due to the large temperature difference inside the muffler and the environment, the water vapor present in the exhaust pipe and muffler begins to condense in the form of water.
You and I know that water is the enemy of ordinary metals, as it contributes to the formation of rust.
Fortunately, modern cars (including new domestic cars), as a rule, are equipped with stainless metal elements of the exhaust system. Nevertheless, over time, even stainless resonators and mufflers are adversely affected. Since exhaust gases consist of a huge number of different chemicals, which, in addition to carbon dioxide and lead, include sulfur oxide (SO 2), which, when interacting with water (H 2 O), forms unstable sulfurous acid.
That is, a fog of sulfuric acid is formed in the exhaust system, which is the smallest droplets of sulfuric acid, which over time easily corrode even strong and stainless metals. That is why even a stainless exhaust system can be damaged over time. Moreover, if in winter the car is used for short distances and does not have time to warm up to normal operating temperature(engine and exhaust system), the service life is noticeably reduced due to the formation of water. That is why it is so important to warm up the car completely in winter and try not to use it for short distances. If this is not possible, then we advise you to dry the entire exhaust system every three to four days to reduce the risk of excess water in the exhaust system. To do this, use the car for at least 40 minutes. Preferably not at low engine speeds, so that the pressure of the exhaust gases heats the entire exhaust system to a temperature conducive to the evaporation of condensate. As a result of such long trips on high revs all excess water, having turned into a gaseous state, will simply leave the system.
Water and smoke from the exhaust
If, after your car is fully warmed up, you notice that water is still dripping from the exhaust pipe and goes white smoke, check the muffler for burnt hot oil. If such a smell is present in the exhaust pipe, then this may indicate damage to the pistons in the engine or wear. piston rings. But the worst thing is when the exhaust pipe starts to smell like maple syrup. In this case, it may indicate more serious problems with engine. As a result, you need to take the car to complex diagnostics to motorists.
Condensation in the exhaust system of a car occurs when cold and hot air mix. Dripping water from a muffler always scares a novice car owner. Is it so scary and what Negative consequences can be?
Where does the water in the exhaust come from?
Water vapor tends to turn into condensate. In the car, condensate collects in many places - in the exhaust and cooling systems, in the fuel and refrigerant lines. Moisture also accumulates in the cabin and hard-to-reach niches of the body.
After the engine is stopped, condensation begins to form in the exhaust system. This happens even on new cars, fully working. This is explained by the fact that the outside of the system cools much faster than inside. Therefore, drops of water splash from the muffler. They can quickly harden, coating the inside of the muffler with an ice crust. There will not be much damage, although many drivers believe otherwise.
The natural formation of moisture in the exhaust system is unavoidable. The most intense is:
- after active operation of the car;
- on cars with auto start;
- after a hard press on the accelerator pedal.
If condensation appears at temperatures below 0 and there is not much of it, it's okay.
Silencer water: causes
There are 2 reasons why water drips from the muffler. Condensation can appear from the outside - when snow and rain penetrate inside automotive systems. In the second case, moisture is formed directly in the exhaust, since any engine runs on a fuel-air mixture.
Steam is formed on a hot motor, the amount of which increases due to sudden changes temperatures.
Condensation can also accumulate in other vehicle systems:
- In the engine itself. White coating at the neck - traces of condensate.
- Near the valves (due to gasket damage).
- In the lubrication system (due to the refrigerant).
- In the fuel tank (due to the use of low-grade fuel).
Try to keep the tank filled to the brim, and put the car in a closed room. Then the risk of moisture in the tank will be minimal.
Moisture inside the car - a big problem, because it may not reach the muffler, remaining invisible.
The liquid will significantly accelerate the wear of the elements. Therefore, it is worth regularly checking the under-hood space, and undergoing maintenance in a timely manner.
The presence of condensation in the fuel tank can be determined by the difficult start of the engine or by its interruptions. Moisture gets inside the tank along with low-quality fuel.
When refueling, look at the price of gasoline or diesel fuel. If it is significantly lower than the market, beware, do not rush to rejoice. Octane number easily increased synthetically, with the help of additives. Therefore, it is better to call on proven, branded gas stations.
Experienced motorists always try to keep fuel tank complete. This is not a whim, but the ability to avoid condensation even with low-grade fuel. There is simply no room for moisture inside the tank. Conversely, regular partial fillings contribute to the retention of moisture in the gas tank and other car systems.
No less hassle with condensate in the engine. This is where it comes from the fuel tank. Symptom of the problem - excessive heating motor. You need to inspect the car for leaky gaskets or valves. If there is moisture on the internal combustion engine itself, this can be determined by grease stains on the engine case. Oil mixes with hot air, evaporates, settles in the form of condensate.
It will be possible to get rid of moisture in the tank and engine by applying chemistry - special enzymes dissolve in water. Connections are formed that easily burn out during engine operation without causing damage to the engine installation.
Water is more likely to form in vehicles with modern system exhaust gas cleaning. Condensation can flow out of the muffler while driving. It occurs in a catalyst that oxidizes platinum, palladium and other harmful compounds coming from the engine. As a result of the reaction, carbon dioxide and water vapor are formed, which remain on the walls of the pipe.
What threatens the water in the muffler
Natural transparent condensate is not a problem if it is small. It's just water - its accumulation, on the contrary, indicates the health of all systems. The situation is worse if the color of the moisture is unusual, thick black smoke appears.
Danger number 1 - condensate can turn into ice. This threatens to rupture the muffler or resonator. In addition, when water freezes, important channels connecting the motor to other systems are clogged. Therefore, the car is very difficult, almost impossible to start.
Danger number 2 - corrosion. The internal cavities of the exhaust system quickly rust. For example, on the first VAZ cars, resonators and pants rotted in almost 3 years, although they were made of durable steel. With a stainless muffler of foreign cars, things are somewhat better, but condensate can react with sulfur dioxide (present in the exhaust of any internal combustion engine), form acid and corrode metal in 1-2 years.
Moisture is especially dangerous for diesel unit. It's easy to freeze here. fuel lines, filter fine cleaning, there are interruptions in the operation of glow plugs even in summer.
The color of the condensate coming out of the muffler is important. A yellow (or red) color indicates an antifreeze or oil leak. Black condensate - use low-quality fuel with additives. Also, black color indicates the deposition of soot. Green tint - a consequence high content sulfur in gasoline.
How to get rid of water in a muffler
Moisture must not actively accumulate inside the muffler. You can avoid its formation by adhering to the following recommendations:
At least once every 30 days (preferably in winter or autumn) it is worth making long trips. This will make it possible to warm up the car and its exhaust system well. Hour trip on the highway at high speeds - The best way remove excess moisture from the muffler. Short-term trips around the city do not give such an effect. This, on the contrary, is a detrimental factor - the condensate will only have time to thaw and turn into water.
Can the muffler be drilled?
You need to drill the resonator, not the muffler itself. A thin 3 mm drill bit for metal is placed on the drill. Exhaust cans can leak up to 250 ml of water. The method is imperfect, but quite safe. Some drivers use it even on new cars.
The manufacturer does not recommend making holes in the resonator. The muffler metal quickly becomes unusable after that, because even a small hole is a potential source of corrosion. Because of high temperatures and dirt, the rust spreading process becomes more intense. In addition, the leaky muffler makes a lot of noise, exhaust gases enter the cabin.
The resource of exhaust elements is 4-5 years. With regular use of the car - even less. When purchasing a new muffler, give preference to models with anticorrosive.
Every second driver in the Russian Federation is forced to solve the problem with condensate. The humid Russian climate is the reason for this. Be careful, keep an eye on the amount of moisture. A small amount of water is not a problem. If there is too much of it, it is better to contact a car service, perform diagnostics and accurately find the source of the problem.
The appearance of water on the exhaust pipe of a modern car equipped with (a system for neutralizing harmful emissions) indicates normal operation systems such as ignition, fuel supply, exhaust gas cleaning, engine cycle management. Therefore, water in indicates the correct functioning of the main components.
Causes of water in the muffler
The main "culprit" of the phenomenon is condensate. It is formed due to inner part the exhaust pipe is not cooled as intensively as the outer one. The condensation process begins immediately after the engine is stopped; inside the muffler, dewdrops immediately appear, which later freeze. As soon as the engine is started again, the ice begins to melt and moisture begins to drip from the pipe.
At modern cars equipped with a catalyst, water can drip during the operation of the car. This is primarily due to the principle of operation of the purifier of harmful emissions. A whole “bouquet” of various chemical elements and their compounds is supplied to the exhaust manifold from the cylinders, including carbon dioxide, oxygen, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, unburned hydrocarbons, and water. Of these components, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water are harmless. All other compounds enter the catalyst and are oxidized due to the presence of platinum and palladium in the design of the cleaner. They are located on the longitudinal cells of the catalyst through which the exhaust gases pass. The result is carbon dioxide and water vapor. The latter condenses on the inner surface of the muffler and appears as water droplets.
Periods of the most intensive formation of moisture
Most often, water appears at the stage of warming up the engine. This is due to the use of an enriched mixture, which is designed to speed up the warm-up time of the catalyst, because it works most effectively in the region of + 300 ° C. As a result, rich in carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, it is intensively converted into steam and water.
Constant and frequent accumulation of water in the muffler will inevitably lead to corrosion of this element of the exhaust system. To avoid such a nuisance, it is recommended to make long, active trips, which will contribute to better heating of the muffler and prevent the formation of moisture. Another way is to completely warm up the engine; driving with a cold engine only contributes to the formation of condensate.
Winter is the most unpleasant time of the year for a motorist living in the middle lane (there is nothing to say about the north). Very often, in the cold, the car simply refuses to start, even if it has stood on the street for only a couple of nights. The reason for this may be bad or dirty candles ignition, oxidation of battery terminals, bad oil or accumulation of frozen condensate in the muffler. The best way to avoid similar situations, of course, prevention and proper operation. But if trouble does happen, there are many ways to solve your particular problem. Let us dwell in more detail on the accumulation of frozen condensate in the muffler. The way out of such an unpleasant situation is to warm it up.
Instruction
You can try to drive to the station Maintenance, where for a symbolic sum the masters will do all the work in at its best. You can get it to take it to a car service if you unscrew the exhaust pipe of the muffler (or simply) below, which is used for additional purification of exhaust gases. The car will start. But there is a small "but". The car will make a lot of noise, even roar, which is not surprising, because you removed part of the muffler.
If there is no desire or opportunity to tow vehicle you will have to act on your own. Before warming up, you need to know where, in fact, to start warming up. Condensation tends to accumulate further away from the engine. Therefore, you need to start heating from the can under the bumper.
