Polishing exhaust.......

[ducpainter]

Bench grinder



Polishing arbor

Listen to the old guy. He isn't all that dumb.

[Howie]

Yep, we should call him oldnnotdumbatall.

[oldndumb]

Yep, we should call him oldnnotdumbatall.

Please don't forget to include "all" at the end. 

Like most old folks I've learned a few things that work, and a lot that don't. However, when it comes specifically to Ducatis, I am a rank newbie and learning everyday from this forum's gurus, a priceless education for free! Thanks to all. 

[cintronr]

Although I've never used that technique, I would be surprised if the results would qualify as "polished". Probably more along the lines of a clean satin finish.

What has worked for me and results in a polished finish is to first brush on Lysol toilet bowl cleaner (black bottle, contains hydrochloric acid) to remove the surface contaminants and major discolorations. After a thorough rinsing I then use strips of wet 400 paper followed by wet 600. Half inch strips make it easier to do. Once all marks are removed I then use a PowerBall and whatever metal polish I have handy to bring out the high luster. Once and a while there may be a nook or cranny which is visible but difficult to reach with the paper. When that happens I use a fine grit Cratex point. Once satisfied when the polish,, I give the pipe a thorough wipe down with MEK. Other solvents will suffice so long as nothing remains on the pipe which might discolor when brought to temperature. Forgot to mention, I remove the exhaust and use various rods/plastic pipes in a vise to secure the pipe being polished.

One example after about a month of riding.



Latest mod and polishing. Note that the remaining weld beads left over after removing the exhaust valve brackets are gone and the surface polished. This required careful grinding and filing prior to progressing to the wet papers.

How do we remove the exhaust? I have a monster 796 2013 with exhaust servo. Thanks!!!!

[oldndumb]

How do we remove the exhaust? I have a monster 796 2013 with exhaust servo. Thanks!!!!

You would probably have a better chance of a response if you posted your question as a new thread. It is a straight forward procedure but, if you care, the final torquing does have a factory recommended sequence.

Regarding the exhaust servo, your options are to retain it or to eliminate it.

Retaining it would involve the normal removal and reinstallation steps.

Elimination would be the subject of another thread and would depend on your tools, machining and welding resources, and your general mechanical capability. You would also have to address the check engine warning light and the error msg.