Muffler Leak?
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 594
Likes: 42
From: fly-over country
Muffler Leak?
[2011, xl, extended cab, 6.2L, 81K miles]
If I've got this right, after the catalytic converters there are two mufflers in a row. I wouldn’t know if there is a resonator. On the front face of the forward muffler, centered and near the bottom, there is a small hole that leaks water when the engine is cold and idling. That is the source of my concern.
Someone suggested that some mufflers have a drain hole to extend their life. That idea sounds noisy(!) to me but I surely don’t know. Also, please don’t ask about noise as I have been wearing hearing aids for a week now and haven’t driven much.
I’m looking for advice. Am I dealing with a drain hole and have nothing to worry about? If I need a repair is there anything I should know? Standard performance is satisfactory for me and I value quiet.
thanks,,,
If I've got this right, after the catalytic converters there are two mufflers in a row. I wouldn’t know if there is a resonator. On the front face of the forward muffler, centered and near the bottom, there is a small hole that leaks water when the engine is cold and idling. That is the source of my concern.
Someone suggested that some mufflers have a drain hole to extend their life. That idea sounds noisy(!) to me but I surely don’t know. Also, please don’t ask about noise as I have been wearing hearing aids for a week now and haven’t driven much.
I’m looking for advice. Am I dealing with a drain hole and have nothing to worry about? If I need a repair is there anything I should know? Standard performance is satisfactory for me and I value quiet.
thanks,,,
Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 69
Likes: 5
What if exhaust gas (along with a little water) is coming out the weep hole? Is that a concern that the muffler/resonator/silencer has failed internally?
Seems like if water can get out out then a small amount of exhaust could get out. Is that something that should stop once everything gets up to operating temperature?
My 2006 Escape hybid failed VA inspection for "exhaust". I'm not doubting that it shouldn't have failed for exhaust leaks. There were a couple obvious leaks (I'll take care of those), but I don't want them to fail it for "exhaust" again claiming the exhaust from weep holes are leaks if that's normal. If exhaust from the weep holes is not normal, I'll replace those parts as well. If it is normal then I'll leave those parts in place. They were very vague about where the leaks were, I don't trust them. They wanted $1,800 to replace the entire exhaust system. I asked 1 question and it went down to $1,100. They seem shady to me.
Thanks for your advice and info.
Dave
Seems like if water can get out out then a small amount of exhaust could get out. Is that something that should stop once everything gets up to operating temperature?
My 2006 Escape hybid failed VA inspection for "exhaust". I'm not doubting that it shouldn't have failed for exhaust leaks. There were a couple obvious leaks (I'll take care of those), but I don't want them to fail it for "exhaust" again claiming the exhaust from weep holes are leaks if that's normal. If exhaust from the weep holes is not normal, I'll replace those parts as well. If it is normal then I'll leave those parts in place. They were very vague about where the leaks were, I don't trust them. They wanted $1,800 to replace the entire exhaust system. I asked 1 question and it went down to $1,100. They seem shady to me.
Thanks for your advice and info.
Dave
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,264
Likes: 438
From: IL
Stirrig, if they seemed shady then they probably are. Not too many shops out there that will drop the price just for asking a question...LOL If you're not mechanically capable of fixing the exhaust leaks yourself, then I'd look around for a reputable muffler shop shop or possible take it to the dealer.
Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 69
Likes: 5
Mike1, I think I can repair it myself (might have to get a muffler shop to weld two parts for me, but the rest I can do).
My question is whether exhaust gas coming the weep holes is normal or not? Both silencers on my Escape have exhaust coming the weep holes. Do I replace them or is that normal?
My question is whether exhaust gas coming the weep holes is normal or not? Both silencers on my Escape have exhaust coming the weep holes. Do I replace them or is that normal?
9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
It is normal for exhaust to escape from the drain hole. It's a very small amount.
If you are failing an emissions test, any exhaust leak should be before the last exhaust treatment device (like a catalytic converter.) Any exhaust leaks past the last treatment device doesn't effect emissions, it's just for convinience, noise and safety (no fumes in the cab)
If you are failing an emissions test, any exhaust leak should be before the last exhaust treatment device (like a catalytic converter.) Any exhaust leaks past the last treatment device doesn't effect emissions, it's just for convinience, noise and safety (no fumes in the cab)
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Water is a byproduct of combustion. Burning hydrogen creates water. Gasoline is a hydrocarbon fuel, so yes, hydrogen is a main component.
Water and a little exhaust coming out the weep hole is normal. In cooler weather it will be more noticable. If the weep hole did not drain the water then the muffler would rot out within a few thousand miles.
Water and a little exhaust coming out the weep hole is normal. In cooler weather it will be more noticable. If the weep hole did not drain the water then the muffler would rot out within a few thousand miles.
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