Best product for cleaning header pipes?

[DexterMorgan]

I have searched around a little bit.  Just wondered what/if you guys have used any products for polishing the exhaust pipes?  I have heard that FLITZ is good, as well as blue job.  Any others out there that work well for our bikes?  I may have them ceramic coated black, I'm just bored and winter is coming here soon in MI.   

Can't keep my hands off her!

[d3vi@nt]

There was a good post in the Tutorial section that might help:
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=43917.0

[DexterMorgan]

There was a good post in the Tutorial section that might help:
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=43917.0

I will def try this today!  I wonder if that will take the blueing out though....we will see! 

Thanks for the info.  Much appreciated, anyone else?

[Skybarney]

A slightly more expensive option: http://www.amerikotecoatings.com/high_temp_coatings.html

Going to do mine in Satin Black this winter.  No more scrubbing.   About $150.00 for a full exhaust.

[DexterMorgan]

You guys have all the coolest shops over there on the West coast!

[oldndumb]

Many powder coating facilities, but not that many manufacturers of the actual product. So, what often seems to be a distinct powder coat process can actually be the same process and product, just marketed differently.

Another consideration re powder coating is that the high temp products are not as durable/hard as the ordinary powder coat finishes. Not saying you have to handle them with kid gloves, just that they are more susceptible to scratching/scuffing.

At one time I considered powder coating and had settled on one particular facility, then decided I wanted to keep the pipes bare. I'm not going to mention which facility I had selected since I did not acquire any experience with them. I do suggest calling as many of them as you can and pose some pertinent questions. You might be surprised at the range of answers.

The earlier referenced link suggests using Scotch Brite. Understand that anything with that grade grit will not polish the pipes. It will leave them with a satin finish. Some prefer satin, and others might prefer a higher grade finish. I use 2000 grit wet/dry paper. After doing them several times, the finish can approach chrome. When that happens, I do a light rub down with some worn out Scotch Brite pads to match the CW can texture. One or two rides, and they start with a very light tan hue which will get no farther than about 10 inches from the pipe inlet. Over time, bluing will start, but that can re relative to the bike's tune (AFRs).

Scotch Brite pads and/or 1000 grit will remove bluing.........eventually.

Almost forgot, if not mentioned earlier, it is important that the pipes be thoroughly cleaned and all surface contaminants be removed before starting the engine. I use which ever solvent is handiest to me at the time.  I have used Naptha, MEK, and Acetone. All have done the job. You almost need to do a water break test because some contaminants will stain the pipe when exposed to high temps.

[DexterMorgan]

You guys are awesome.  Thanks for all the advice.   

[DexterMorgan]

Well, tried the WD-40 and scotch brite pads.  It did clean the road grime, but did not take any bluing out and i def did not yield the same results as you did Hcomp. 

Any other products out there?

[Skybarney]

Sounds like you need a tool that does Manual Labor.  Check the parking lot at Home Depot  

I have been researching coatings and have yet to come to a solid decision.  Jet Hot seems to be the best so far but it all seems to come down to application.  Some places do a good job other do a poor one.  I also found this company http://www.jetcoat.com/ and it seems it was one of Jet Hots managers that was unhappy about quality control and started up his own coatings company.

His prices are very reasonable and he advertises a full set of V-8 headers for 235.00.  Have to imagine a bike exhaust would be quite a bit cheaper.  Maybe $150.00.....  With your bike going into storage pulling off the pipes would be pretty easy.  Although I am still trying to figure out how to get to the bottom header nut on the top cylinder....

BTW at 6k all the header bolts were loose, got three out of four tight.......

[Ddan]

Well, tried the WD-40 and scotch brite pads.  It did clean the road grime, but did not take any bluing out and i def did not yield the same results as you did Hcomp. 

Any other products out there?

WD40 and 600 grit W/D sand paper

[DexterMorgan]

Ok I will try that next.  Just another reason to be in the garage more.   

[Skybarney]

Ok I will try that next.  Just another reason to be in the garage more.   

You are married now, get used to the garage     

[DexterMorgan]

Haha yeah, while she is cleaning her bike.