Hey all,
Been a while since I've posted here but am glad to see some of the familiar usernames from over the years! I hope you're all doing well.
I bought a 2003 VFR 800 a year ago, haven't been able to put up many miles on it really and was just wondering what the story is with the stock exhaust pipes. Are they stainless or are they mild steel?
They seem like they are stainless as they are very resistant to corrosion. The stock exhaust on my 02 are in great shape.
They are stainless... my 02 had a bit of a rougher life before i got it, but even with surface corrosion on the pipes i was able to get it mostly off the front downpipes with some good scrubbing... used a green scotch brite pad and alternating brake cleaner and wd 40. I didnt worry about the rest of the system as its less obvious to see. Some day... or replace with the TBR replica system....
The stuff to effortlessly remove corrosion and discolouration on stainless steel is Autosol Blue Remover
Its phosphoric acid in a gel, wipe it on, wipe it off ....just don’t get it on your skin
Takes all the effort out and only works on the corrosion
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I think it is not a secret that toilet cleaner does the same for no money. Two issues: after acid wash steel needs to be passivated, most neglect that step and second cleaning doesn’t last. Honda uses steel that tarnish easily.
that's also in cola -phosphoric acid. just don't drink it after you have used it for de greasing or rust removal - it ruins the taste!!
Whether stock stainless or full race titanium I always wrap my pipes and I also wrap my RC45 customers pipes to curb the
heat that radiates from combustion...
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The amount of corrosion is limited to slight graying of the titanium
surface... buffed with grey micro 3M pad the luster of the metal returns...
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Those are some nicely-wrapped pipes !
What is the wrapping material, please?
Is it adhesive-backed or how is it retained in-position?
Brian
Many OEM exhausts uses 409 stainless. Which isn't as pretty and shiny as 304 stainless. The 409 has less chromium and develops into dark brown with age, but it's not rusted. Surface stays smooth and there's no powdery corrosion.
1 hour ago, SmackThose are some nicely-wrapped pipes !
What is the wrapping material, please?
Is it adhesive-backed or how is it retained in-position?
Brian
Hiya Brian... its 1" wide 1/16 thick titanium wrap...
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16 hours ago, DannoXYZMany OEM exhausts uses 409 stainless. Which isn't as pretty and shiny as 304 stainless. The 409 has less chromium and develops into dark brown with age, but it's not rusted. Surface stays smooth and there's no powdery corrosion.
This explains the colour of some parts of my NT700v exhausts.
@Magneto - What is passivation? Can it be done at home?
Passivation of stainless steel involves final nitric acid treatment after pickling with solutions of hydrochloric or sulphuric acids. It is doable with proper care and safety precautions...
Yup, what acid-treatment does is remove iron molecules from surface. Leaving chromium-oxide on surface which doesn't corrode. Citric-acid is rapidly replacing nitric-acid as it works on larger variety of stainless-steels and much less toxic.
Yep, that is how citric acid passivation works. Nitric acid removes iron on the surface but also penetrates and works below surface and is considered better passivator. From what I understand critic has issues with 400 series stainless as well.
I'm guessing I can't just wipe lemon juice over the pipes then haha!
2 hours ago, fabio222I'm guessing I can't just wipe lemon juice over the pipes then haha!
Why not, after cleaning first with coca cola... 😝
Ummmm ... now I am thirsty.
Magneto, 3/4/2021 at 1:25 PMWhy not, after cleaning first with coca cola... 😝
two birds one stone- coke with a slice of lemon