Steam from exhaust

biojo · Post by **biojo** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 9:26 pm

On a 3.0 how long does steam come from your exhaust, I'm only doing 8 mile to work. the engines getting upto temp, but by time im home theres still quite bit of steam. on feeling the exhaust tip/inner its still cold to touch.

On old clio 2.0 exhaust would be untouchable

Just wondered how long other took before full system gets up to temp to stop this

Roundozo · Post by **Roundozo** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 12:02 am

Mine does this and if you search it's quite common apparently. Does make you worry at first but I'm happy now.

ben g · Post by **ben g** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 12:51 am

8 miles isn't long for a big old 3.0 lump to get fully warmed up really.

But yes, the steam isn't a problem. Not sure why it does it. Mine's been like it for 3 years and the engine runs sweet.

Aeroadster · Post by **Aeroadster** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 2:05 am

Nothing to worry about. It's just condensation (water sitting somewhere along the exhaust, muffler) being heated by exhaust gases.

biojo · Post by **biojo** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 9:59 am

ye ive read up about it, just not used to it since clio exhaust u couldnt touch once I got home.

How long of a journey do you think it takes to get all system up to temperature?

Yorkie Z · Post by **Yorkie Z** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 10:04 am

The flu on your boiler at home does the same thing. Nothing to worry about

Dewi · Post by **Dewi** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 10:55 am

8 mile runs twice a day isn't near enough to get an engine thoroughly hot, especially in winter.

Because you're doing such a short run each way a lot of condensation water will be collecting and building up inside your exhaust due to not going far enough to burn it off. Try going home the "pretty way" every few days or so.

My car's not my daily driver so when I take it out for a run we do at least 30 miles, but mostly it's a lot more so that the engine gets warmed right through. Short runs every day can spell trouble for engines, in extreme cases the oil can absorb condensation moisture as well - that's when you end up with "mayonaise" inside the oil filler. Not nice!

biojo · Post by **biojo** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 3:03 pm

Ye, noticed slight gunk on filer cap, took it to specialist round here said that its nothing to worry about and hes said u`ll get that just up the oil changes which i was going to do any way.

then every couple of weeks take it for a decent drive lol, well gives me a reason to waste some fuel i suppose lol

gordongecko500 · Post by **gordongecko500** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 4:07 pm

BMWs tend to be a bit steamy!! It's perfectly normal. I drive an E46 320 as a daily runner and it does the same thing.

biojo · Post by **biojo** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 4:26 pm

yer found loads of threads on it, and the slight gunk build up on cap. When doing short runs.

Just got used to old car getting upto temp quicker and no steam etc lol.

Bazoz4 · Post by **Bazoz4** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 9:19 pm

Nothing to worry about, easy cure would be longer run and give it some welly.

Maniac · Post by **Maniac** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 9:26 pm

The best approach is to monitor your expansion tank. If this goes down significantly, you have a problem. If not, you don't!

EdButler · Post by **EdButler** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 2:16 pm

The engine doesn't need to warm up as such to stop the visible water vapour, but the exhaust does.

The Z4 uses a thick stainless twin pipe, where as most little cars like your Clio will just use thin mild steel exhausts. The latter will warm up much much faster.

TONYMOR · Post by **TONYMOR** » Sun Jan 29, 2023 8:33 pm

I’ve noticed mine doing it even after a 15 mile run and I’ve checked the oil that’s fine.?

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