Everything you have described here could be normal for a car that has been sitting for a long time.

In a properly operating engine large amounts of water are generated in the exhaust. Once the engine and exhaust is fully warmed up, you usually don't notice the water since it is invisable water vapor. When it is still cold, you will get water dropping out of the end of the tailpipe as well as any of the muffler drains. It is not uncommon for that water to have picked up a lot of soot from the inside of the pipes and mufflers.

Take the car out for a long road test and see what it is like after that. Actually, I wouldn't be concerned until it was back into normal service for SEVERAL DAYS.

You should also do an oil change in the very near future. I don't care how fresh it was before you stored the car.


Jim Johnson 98 SVT 03 Escape Limited