water puddle in tailpipe?

hawneye · 11-27-2006, 06:12 AM

Does anyone know if intermittent water collection in the tailpipe is a cause for concern? I know that condensation build-up especially at start up is normal but I've had it happen when the truck was already running for awhile? Yesterday I purchased a 03" prerunner 3.4L with 29,000 miles & in excellent condition but when I saw the water I had 2nd thoughts. I hope this is not the start of internal coolant leaking problems (head gasket, cracked head)? I had problems in the past with my 95' Tacoma 3.4L engine (recall headgasket) in 98' & it seems like dejavu. Any thoughts? Anyway of checking? Oh, so far I am not loosing coolant & there is no steam or white smoke coming from the tailpipe. I live in Hawaii so weather condition is not a factor.

archer of loaf · 11-27-2006, 08:25 PM

check the oil cap - if it has yogurt like stuff in it - it may have a broken head gasket... this is not fool proof but a pretty good way of telling... and smell the exaust - smell sweet? if so... not good at all.

water does collect in exaust pipes - if the truck was run for short periods it would do this.

Banshee · 11-27-2006, 10:01 PM

Is the water clear? If so you've got nothing to worry about it's the cat doing it's job.

Ldytaco05 · 11-28-2006, 10:41 AM

did you get a history report on your vehicle. It might be a "katrina victim" the reason why is i read on orlando sentinel article that David Maus toyota sold a vehicle that was water damage. the owner was not aware of it until his son did a history check. in the end he wound up with a new vehicle(2007 camry)

hawneye · 11-29-2006, 02:20 PM

I think the worst is over now. I had forgot to mention that I had purchased my tacoma from a dealer. Before I questioned the dealer about the water problem I asked him if topping the fluids under the hood was a standard practice during prepping of a trade-in? His reply was not always. Had he said yes, I would have had cause for concern. Speaking of prepping, the water might have been residual after washing the truck down during prepping. Its been 2 days now since the purchase & the water puddle is gone & I topped the coolant resevoir to the full line & the level is still there, hurrah! Also, I purchased an extended full warranty on the tacoma for up to 6 years/100,000 miles for $1,200 which gives me peace of mind. Thanks to all who responded.

11-27-2006, 06:12 AM	#1
hawneye Junior Member Joined: Nov 2006, #315 Posts: 3	water puddle in tailpipe? Does anyone know if intermittent water collection in the tailpipe is a cause for concern? I know that condensation build-up especially at start up is normal but I've had it happen when the truck was already running for awhile? Yesterday I purchased a 03" prerunner 3.4L with 29,000 miles & in excellent condition but when I saw the water I had 2nd thoughts. I hope this is not the start of internal coolant leaking problems (head gasket, cracked head)? I had problems in the past with my 95' Tacoma 3.4L engine (recall headgasket) in 98' & it seems like dejavu. Any thoughts? Anyway of checking? Oh, so far I am not loosing coolant & there is no steam or white smoke coming from the tailpipe. I live in Hawaii so weather condition is not a factor.

11-27-2006, 10:01 PM	#3
Banshee The one you are not! Joined: Sep 2006, #7 Location: Seattle'ish, WA Age: 31 Gender: Dude Posts: 1,036 2003 White Xtracab TRD Auto 2003 Xtra Cab Automatic 5VZ-FE Scangauge II Bilstein 5100's OME 880's Deckplate Mod.	Is the water clear? If so you've got nothing to worry about it's the cat doing it's job. __________________ The 2 Rigs. 2008 FJC with Minor mods, ARB Bullbar with Warn M8000, cobra 75 WXST, Firestik 4', Bandi mount, ARB CKMA12, custom made rear cargo box. 2003 Tacoma. Xtracab, Auto, TRD, Bilstein 5100's, OME 880's Scangauge II, Deckplate mod. http://www.treadlightly.org/

11-28-2006, 10:41 AM	#4
Ldytaco05 it's all about me Joined: Sep 2006, #46 Location: Orlando, Fl. Posts: 1,177	did you get a history report on your vehicle. It might be a "katrina victim" the reason why is i read on orlando sentinel article that David Maus toyota sold a vehicle that was water damage. the owner was not aware of it until his son did a history check. in the end he wound up with a new vehicle(2007 camry) __________________ Ldytaco05

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11-27-2006, 08:25 PM	#2
archer of loaf Member Joined: Oct 2006, #108 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 71	check the oil cap - if it has yogurt like stuff in it - it may have a broken head gasket... this is not fool proof but a pretty good way of telling... and smell the exaust - smell sweet? if so... not good at all. water does collect in exaust pipes - if the truck was run for short periods it would do this.

11-29-2006, 02:20 PM	#5
hawneye Junior Member Joined: Nov 2006, #315 Posts: 3	I think the worst is over now. I had forgot to mention that I had purchased my tacoma from a dealer. Before I questioned the dealer about the water problem I asked him if topping the fluids under the hood was a standard practice during prepping of a trade-in? His reply was not always. Had he said yes, I would have had cause for concern. Speaking of prepping, the water might have been residual after washing the truck down during prepping. Its been 2 days now since the purchase & the water puddle is gone & I topped the coolant resevoir to the full line & the level is still there, hurrah! Also, I purchased an extended full warranty on the tacoma for up to 6 years/100,000 miles for $1,200 which gives me peace of mind. Thanks to all who responded.