[Davids]

Gents

Not sure if this is a question for answers or really some sort of comforting reply I'm after, but here you go.

Have a 1991 Coupe, 2.3 20V 7a engine, owned since last Dec and on the road since June. Car starts fine, runs fine, drives fine, temp fine, oil levels and pressure fine, does everything it should do, however just noticed over the last few weeks ( admittedly the colder weather ) I still have condensation billowing out of the exhaust even when the temp gauge reads normal.

So have a pair of brand new rads in it, flushed and cleaned the cooling system, good antifreeze and not losing a single drop of coolant.

Checked the oil and no emulsification.

Checked the exhaust after running and with the old hand trick over the pipes there isn't a hint of oil or un-burnt fuel, just condensation.

Thought it might be coolant getting in via leak or head gasket but running is fine as said and no actual water dripping out of the exhaust.

The daily trip to work isn't far, 8-10 miles each way so although the car gets hot after a few miles it never really gets a good 20-30 minute run ( Italian tune up some may know it as ).

So boys and girls of the experienced Audi 7A engine type or any experience, is this normal for this engine?
It is somewhat disconcerting as you look in the mirror seeing plumes, but as soon as you drive off nothing, only when idling. The engineer in me says it could be normal for a big engine as such, exhaust/block never really gets hot and could be full of water/condensation etc.

I have also noticed that the MPG has dropped from 30 ish ( I was doing some long runs in it then ) to around 23-25 at the moment, again runs fine, no petrol leaks, plugs fine, doesn't smell rich etc. This would tie in with not really getting the car hot and a good run but it would be interesting and comforting to hear from some long term experienced Audi owners.

I am out working tonight so wont be back to reply or thank people till about 9 ish so please fire away.

David