How to clean exhaust pipes

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AutoNova

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What is the best method for cleaning steel or chrome exhaust pipes like the ones in this picture?



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You can try an all-metal polish (like Meguiar's cleverly named All Metal Polish). It's usually enough to do the trick, but if it doesn't work on the first pass, try #0000 steel wool. MAKE SURE it is the #0000, otherwise you'll scratch the surface!
 
i saw on this show called myth busters where they took a 'name brand cola' and it cleaned better than the 'name brand chrome polish'.
 
Flitz Metal polish and a terry ot MF towel.



If that doesn't cut it, go with #0000 Steel Wool with the Flitz, then follow up with the MF/Terry routine.
 
I use WD-40 to remove an soot build up as it removes this without hard rubbing.



Then I go the pipe gently with some Autoglym Metal Polish (and recently I use Vanilla Moose) applied with on of my MF cloths for confined to the dirty work.
 
2000firebird said:
i saw on this show called myth busters where they took a 'name brand cola' and it cleaned better than the 'name brand chrome polish'.
Click to expand...



That's because the brand name cola contains Phosphoric Acid. I suppose it would do the trick but I still can't condone its use. A good chemical cleaner followed by a metal polish should work well. Make sure the chemical matches the finish. Some are stainless steel, some are chrome. #0000 would work for really heavy deposits.
 
If it's chrome plated or smooth stainless, I'd use AIO. If it's textured or *grainy* stainless, I'd use steel wool to clean then AIO. For stubborn stains on stainless you can even use some laquer thinner with your steel wool. This worked great getting overspray off my mustang's tailpipes after the repaint, just remember to go with the grain and not against it. From the picture, it looks like yours is smooth so I wouldn't even go the steel wool route, but more of a polish with a towel route.
 
I use "Happich Simichrome". It works wonders, even removes bluing from motorcycle exhaust systems.



It's a German import, readily available at Harley-Davidson shops.



Sarge
 
I just use some QD and Meg's All-Metal Polish on my chrome tip. Works pretty well from what I can tell.
 
What ever I'm usuing the clean the wheels usually does wonders on my mild steel tail pipe.



Followed by Autosol metal polish



Followed by Brasso



it's a rat-look car so it doesn't matter if my "experiments" go wrong......
 
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