My new-to-me '03 E250 with 5.4 gas motor, 166K miles seems to have a lot of tail pipe condensation, much more than I've noticed on three other E250's with the same type motor I've owned.

Its not engine coolant as there's no smell or taste of anti-freeze and the level never seems to permanently drop in the reservoir. I've noticed this since May so I've been through three seasons so far. In low humidity weather even on first start up of the day there's a bit expelled but seems to stop.

I do notice dripping from the tail pipe/muffler joint too and assume this assembly has been replaced----could that somehow be involved? Would a partially plugged Cat play any role in this?

TIA!

 

Water is a normal byproduct of combustion and is usually expelled as invisible water vapor. If the exhaust system isn't hot enough from continued operation, it condenses and drips out.

 

That was pretty much my thoughts too, especially since what's expelled doesn't seem to contain any coolant.

I've never experienced this with any other E250 or not to this degree anyway.

Thanks PJSHO89----and always open to any other ideas as well!

 

My 2008 e250, 5.4 gas, 110 k, has that issue too, but I get 2 puddles, 1 from the tail pipe, and 1 under the back of the muffler, its been doing that since new, I shrugged it off as normal

 

KB that's my same situation too! Seems it is normal which is a relief---wasn't sure and knew FTE Forums would be helpful.


Thanks all!

 

My 08 with 92k is exactly the same since new. 2 puddles...tailpipe and under the condensate drip hole at the muffler. It is more than any other vehicle I've ever had. For 5 years old and that mileage in the midwest rust belt of chicago I have to say the full exhaust and muffler still looks like new so ford got it right with the condensate drain it appears.

 

Fully agree Ford's exhaust systems are pretty amazing! This is my second E-Series with all original exhaust, also drive another '99 occasionally and each have very, very solid systems even after all these years. With the cost being a bit of a shock I wanted to make sure nothing was out of the ordinary.