Water dripping from exhaust gasket and clamps on my Invidia
 

I had my rear wheels up on ramps today to check for any leaks after my exhaust was installed. I found one at one of the clamps, readjusted the clamp and now the leak is gone. I did however notice water dripping from both clamps and the gasket, all just after the y pipe. I took the car out for a quick drive to heat everything up and now everything is fine, no water or exhaust leak.

There wasn't any exhaust leaking from these points, just water. I'm not sure if it was because the rear of my car was up in the air, allowing moisture to collect inside the pipes but it just seemed odd to me. Could it be that the exhaust just had to heat up and let everything expand?

I would say its not an issue if theres no exhaust leak, however i would say that if there's water making it through, exhaust should have no problem making it through too. Im not too familiar with the invidia system so do the clamps have the ability to be furthur tightened? And the water wasnt on the outside of the exhaust and u just happened to notice it collected there right? Dumb question i know but its possible.

O

Not a dumb question at all, but no, it was dry as a bone before I started it. The clamps are as tight as they can be and I can't detect any exhaust leak anymore. I would want to say that if any air was coming out where the water was, it would either be bubbling or spraying. Like I said, after the exhaust was warmed up, there wasn't any evidence of water. I'm not really concerned but more confused as to why this is happening. Also what's odd is this is happening at the clamps as well as the gasket.

Definitely keep an eye on it... if it doesn't come back, I'd say it's probably nothing to worry about... If you see it come back, or can feel any exhaust leaks with your hands, you'll definitely want to address that... When Alberto (Motive Auto Works) was putting mine together, he used some sort of gel at the joints that hardens into a rubbery "solid" when heated... not sure what it was, but I could find out if you need.

Water would not spray out as there really is no pressure in the joints. You have a 3 inch diameter pipe pushing exhaust with not much pressure. I don't know if I am slow this morning, but I can't tell if you are concerned about the water. The water is normal in EVERY car, every day. The hot exhaust mixed with cold temps will pool water over night or when a car has sat and will then slowly push it out as the car travels. Spray soapy water around the concerning area and that will tell you if you have a leak.

^^This.

+1

-Mike Paisan

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Very true and the soapy water is a good idea. I'm not at all concerned with water in the exhaust because I understand that this is normal. I was just curious as to why water was dripping from these spots when I can't feel any type of air leak. For all I know, its normal.

As pfoyle mentioned earlier, might not be a bad idea to pick up some of that hardening compound he mentioned. Sounds like that muffler repair kit you can buy that rarely works. Its a heat cured glue basically that you wrap on, drive around to heat up and then just leave alone. Might be tough at the joints though, im not sure how brittle that stuff gets and theres likely to be some defree of flex at those points as the engine pitches etc... Weird issue either way.


O

We've seen this on almost all of the exhausts that use slip-fit connections. Until they heat up, they don't have a perfect seal. Magnaflow, Invidia, etc.

-Mike Paisan

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Thanks Mike. That's what I wanted to hear.

I sent you a PM about a different matter.

No problemo, the guys will get back to you about the Motul. We stock it and it runs $18/Liter IIRC.

-Mike Paisan

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11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts.
Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us.
Like us on Facebook! | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber |AIM: AZP Installs
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