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.

 

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.

 

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)

 

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.

 

the h2o U r referring to is usually a direct result of Toooooooo much idling

essentially in Ur climate/environs will rust our the exhaust sytem

premature kill the CAT

not the same as a head gasket

if U think it is do a compression check correctly

 

So easy to smell the difference between Coolant and Water Vapor

 

As long as it does not smell like coolant or oil, you should be good. Water vapor is a product of combustion and will collect on the cooler exhaust pipe. All good

 

This must be a record. I didn't even notice