Leaky Exhaust
 

my exhaust system leaks, but i'm not talking about leaking exhaust, it's leaking a liquid. i stopped by the bank a few days ago, and when i came back out there was a puddle under the Jeep, but not behind the right front tire like i'm used to (the AC condensation runoff). it was under the muffler and looked like water, i dabbed my finger in it and smelled it, and it smelled like water. now, me being the gearhead i am, i then tasted it (just residue from my finger) and it tasted like water with a hint of exhaust mixed in. anybody else noticed with their vehicles??

Happens alot, Joe. Its just condensation inside the exhaust system. Happens more if you make alot of short trips and don't let the engine stay at op tempfor 20-30 min.

Water vapor is a byproduct of combustion, and when your exhaust system isn't warmed-up it will condense the water vapor. So if you see a car dripping water out of the tailpipe, you know it's not warmed-up yet.

i had seen it out of the tail pipe before, but never leaking from around the muffler, wasn't sure if it was the same thing. i guess since it leaks from there it's time for a new exhaust/muffler

Some (all?) mufflers have drain holes in the bottom, or else they'd have water sitting in them almost all the time. Then they'd rot out.

Some, yes. Not all. Usually OE. Aftermarket and OE replacements usually don't have it.

makes sense, i had just never noticed it before.

Hypermiling, you're reducing the volume and velocity of the flow thru the exhaust.
You're probably coasting as well - even less flow and less heat input.
Result : the exhaust system will be cooler and you get more condensation.