Ol' Faithful!

[Skibane]

Cold weather + short drive cycle = huge amounts of water condensing in the exhaust system...

Every few weeks, the engine gets exercised - and from around 3700 RPM upwards, the amount of steam visible behind the vehicle is truly awesome! Honestly, I've seen vehicles behind me pull over to the side of the road, just for safety's sake!

Memo to Infiniti engineers: Consider installing an automatic exhaust system water drain valve on the next-generation Q...

[maxnix]

70 miles north, no such problem!?

[Skibane]

I suspect the driving cycle has more to do with it than the location - engine isn't routinely operated long enough to get parts of the exhaust system sufficiently to boil off all the condensed water. During the occasional longer drive, higher engine speed eventually blows the water against something hotter, and viola - steam o'plenty!

I've previously mentioned how much water drips out of the exhaust system when parked on an incline - Seems like it's at least a quart. Only happens during cold weather.

[maxnix]

Don't park on severe slope, but minimum drive is about 15 miles.

But even when it is not, no smoking nor water like that.

Wonder if it is a reflection of the catalytic converter operation?

[Skibane]

Divide your minimum drive by 10, and you'd have mine....

[qship96]

That explains alot, and condensation is bound to accumulate in those situations- normal, and so prominant in the Q due to its massive dual exhaust system. Once the engine warms up drive it with a heavy foot to blow out the water.