Cleaning exhaust pipe?

2201 Views 23 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Eww-an E, Aug 18, 2009

Kaoss

Discussion Starter · Aug 8, 2009

I was just wondering, is there anyway to clean the exhaust pipe to make it look new again?

Right now, it's old and brown and eroded, can I just get a piece of sandpaper and make it shiny?

I do not have the chrome exhaust tip, so it's just the metal.

I believe I'm not the only person with the same problem, and this happens with all car's exhaust pipes once they get old.

So, if anyone knows anything about this, please let me know!

Thanks

1 - 20 of 24 Posts

H2oWerker

· #2 · Aug 8, 2009

I'm sure you could use sand paper to remove the corrosion and make the pipe look new again. The only problem will be how deep the pitting is...

I'd strongly recommend getting a chrome tip if the discoloration really bothers you.

Kaoss

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 8, 2009

I've considered getting one, but after I read how much of a hassle it is to get it stable, I decided not to.

Apparently after you put it on, after you drive it for a bit, you have to readjust it again, and again, since metal gets hot and cold and expands.

Is there any cleaning solution made specially for cleaning exhaust pipes? I've heard that using toilet cleaning solution works sometimes

I just want to get the browned area off, it looks absolutely disgusting

hotrodder

· #4 · Aug 8, 2009

Steel wool works great-----that's what I use. ;-)

GaryS

· #5 · Aug 8, 2009

Kaoss said:
I've considered getting one, but after I read how much of a hassle it is to get it stable, I decided not to.

That is not my experience. Get a good tip from your FLAPS* and you will save time and heartache as your tailpipe will eventually look like crap again shortly after you clean it.

Kaoss said:
Apparently after you put it on, after you drive it for a bit, you have to readjust it again, and again, since metal gets hot and cold and expands.

If you get one that is the correct size and not 4" in diameter it will fit and look fine.

*Friendly Local Auto Parts Store

Kaoss

Discussion Starter · #6 · Aug 9, 2009

If I do get a tip, it'll probably be the OEM Honda Element tip, which is at Canadian Tire (local do-it-all store) for $5 or something?

What do you need to do to install a tip, do you have to bolt it on?

GaryS

· #7 · Aug 9, 2009

Kaoss said:
What do you need to do to install a tip, do you have to bolt it on?

Yes, it will have two small bolts or maybe screws that hold the tip tight on the tailpipe. Make sure the inside of the tip is only slightly larger that the outer diameter of the tailpipe and you will be golden. On mine, purchased at Autozone, I had to spray PB Blaster on the tailpipe in order to get the tip to slide on. Once on the two screws tightened just enough to keep it from falling off.

Lorrie420

· #8 · Aug 9, 2009

You could try Never Dull. I have been using it to clean up my 23 year old Honda Rebel with lots of rust. It requires alot of elbow grease but it gets the job done.

http://www.nevrdull.com/

tylerxbrown

· #9 · Aug 11, 2009

I had the same problem. I didnt really like the crome look so I bought some high heat black spray paint and blacked out the exhaust.

siclmn

· #10 · Aug 11, 2009

Use a product called bar keepers friend. It is a stainless steel cleaner that looks like a cleanser. Just sprinkle it on a wet terry cloth rag and scrub away. It will also clean the inside of the pipe. I have done mine quite often and it always looks like a new pipe. Your pipe is stainless steel so it works well. So many people have the screw on chrome tip, they all look like screw on chrome tips and they are tacky, you aren't fooling anybody into thinking that you have a cool exhaust by screwing on a add on tip.

Kaoss

Discussion Starter · #11 · Aug 11, 2009

siclmn said:
Use a product called bar keepers friend. It is a stainless steel cleaner that looks like a cleanser. Just sprinkle it on a wet terry cloth rag and scrub away. It will also clean the inside of the pipe. I have done mine quite often and it always looks like a new pipe. Your pipe is stainless steel so it works well. So many people have the screw on chrome tip, they all look like screw on chrome tips and they are tacky, you aren't fooling anybody into thinking that you have a cool exhaust by screwing on a add on tip.

Bar Keepers Friend? Would I be able to find this at Schuck's or Wal Mart?

Someone mentioned about using steel wool to re polish the exhaust, would anyone recommend that option?

Eww-an E

· #12 · Aug 11, 2009

Kaoss said:
Bar Keepers Friend? Would I be able to find this at Schuck's or Wal Mart?

Someone mentioned about using steel wool to re polish the exhaust, would anyone recommend that option?

Yes you can find it at Walmart it's usually found in the household cleaning aisle. As mentioned it does work great. If your exhaust/tail pipe is extremely filthy,you could wet a small piece of (0000) steel wool and then shake some Bar Keepers Friend on the steel wool and scrub it clean.

Kaoss

Discussion Starter · #13 · Aug 11, 2009

Alright, I'll be sure to try that out when I have the chance

Thanks~!

Eww-an E

· #14 · Aug 11, 2009

Your welcome.

BrownSquirrel

· #15 · Aug 11, 2009

To give you another option:

My exhaust pipe was looking pretty brown and didn’t match anything on the car.

So I spray painted it black. Looks good IMO.

Also makes it easier to clean and it doesn’t stick out like sore thumb anymore.

King of Canada

· #16 · Aug 11, 2009

I just use my rim cleaner every time I wash the E. Works like a charm.

Juno

· #17 · Aug 11, 2009

I have a friend who swears by Simple Green and steel wool. I haven't tried it yet though.

I like the Barkeeper's Friend idea - never thought of using it on the cars!

Kaoss

Discussion Starter · #18 · Aug 12, 2009

I'm having an extremely hard time trying to find Bar Keeper's friend:-x

Are there any other products that are similar in function to BKF? I dunno, something that's easily accessible and very popular

Eww-an E

· #19 · Aug 12, 2009

Did you look at their store locator?
If not here it is.
http://barkeepersfriend.com/states/Canada.htm

GaryS

· #20 · Aug 12, 2009

Kaoss said:
I'm having an extremely hard time trying to find Bar Keeper's friend

Last time I saw Barkeepers Friend it was among the cleaning products at my local grocery store right next to the Comet.

1 - 20 of 24 Posts

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