Water, soot and maybe oil from the exhaust

[SpacemanSpiff]

Hi guys so I have noticed that if in leave my van (1.9 petrol water cooled) for a few days when I come to start it all kinds of nasty stuff comes out of the exhaust

I'm not sure if its just carbon and water build up but as I have my MOT on Tuesday I though I would post up a pic and see if its anything to worry about.



Thanks in advance for all your help.

[itchyfeet]

water is normal when cold, it's a by product of combustion, it's not seen hot because it is in gas form, soot is formed from buring petrol so it will spit from the exhaust when cold, it should no do it hot.

If you burn lpg there is very little soot in an exhaust because it's cleaner.

[SpacemanSpiff]

Thanks itchyfeet I don't have an LPG conversion so its plain old petrol from me. Glad its noting to worry about, I think I have the pre MOT jitters

[itchyfeet]

What you are doing, being observant and asking questions when you don't understand is spot on, any good mechanic would do the same

When you follow another vehicle on a cold morning watch their exhaust, often pouring water out.