Do I need new engine mounts?

[Greenace]

Evening all.

Spotted some black liquid spots on the garage floor a few days ago. First thought was oil leak, obvs, but they’re right at the back of the car (997.2 C4S), on each side, pretty much under the tailpipes, and not under the engine/gearbox. They’re quite ‘watery’ too so my next thought was failed engine mounts.

However, I’ve had the middle silencer swapped out for a Hayward & Scott crossover pipe recently and there’s a dry, black sooty-looking residue on it - looks like it’s run down along its length then dripped off onto the floor. Doesn’t look like it’s come from above but it’s a bit hard to tell for sure.

Is my engine mounts guess off? Could the black liquid be something to do with the new pipe? Or am I missing something else entirely?

I’ll probs get the mounts done anyway so any recommendations on those would be much appreciated. Cheers!

 

[Rodney Naghar]

It doesn’t sound like engine mounts (brown/amber coloured thick liquid usually forward of the rear wheels) it sounds soot laden water droplets coming out of the exhaust tips. It should smell of exhaust not hydraulic fluid.

That black trail you see running down the H&S pipe is likely condensed exhaust vapour carrying soot that dripped off and dried. The crossover pipe runs hot and then cools fast after shutdown, drawing moisture back through the tips.

 

[Greenace]

Thanks Rodney, incredibly useful reply! As you’ve described it, that does sound the most likely culprit. I’ll keep an eye on it.

Now I just have to decide if the tailpipes have dropped…