Hi guys,

I was looking under my car the other day whilst the engine was switched on (from cold) and couldn't help but noticing the exhaust bracket just after the cat was leaking water slowly (it's just water, no oil/coolant or anything else). I showed the AA man the other day who said it wasn't anything to worry about since it's water.

I did noticed on the Stilo forum that Fiat fitted a nail to the exhaust system to allow water out of the exhaust system just after the CAT. Does anybody know if this is the case on the Panda, or do I basically have a corroded bracket that needs replacing.

Many thanks,
Matt.

I've had plenty of cars that dribbled or dripped a pool of clear water when left parked with the air con on (or soon after turning it off).
This is due to the moist ambient air condensing on cold pipes etc.

Owners often start to notice this at around this time of year when the weathers starting to warm up and the air con goes on.

And even without aircon running/shutting down, at times of relatively high humidity - such as now - moisture will condense out of the warm air surrounding an engine as the engine cools. Hence drips underneath the motor.
Unless your radiator water level is also dropping, suggesting a leak somewhere in the system, there should be no cause for concern.

Hi,

Thanks guys, once less thing to worry about

Matt.

water is a by-product of combustion,
so it being in the exhaust is normal..,

hole - not sure, what year/ engine in your car..??,

Charlie

Hi,

It's a 2009 model with the 1.2 petrol engine. It has covered 14,000 miles since new.

The water looks like it leaks from the bracket (just after the cat), but the patrolman didn't seem concerned about it.

Matt.

Hi guys,

Just to update you on the leak (water dripping just after the cat, but before the flexi) coming from the bracket. I took my car to FIAT who stated that there was a small drain hole drilled into the bracket to allow water to run out to prevent rust. Good idea I suppose and probably explains why the Panda exhausts last so long.

Matt.

Interesting but how come doesn't the drain hole cause excessive noise (as if you have a hole in your exhaust)?

Hi,

I'm not sure, it looks very well sealed to me. But the engineer at FIAT said it's normal and it's designed on all new FIATs. I know the Stilo has the hole too.

Matt.