Author Topic: cleaning exhaust can (Read 5418 times)

mainerider · « **on:** October 20, 2005, 08:45:57 PM »

HEy-
I have a 2001 b1200s with a stock exhaust. It looks like I melted some boot rubber on it- pretty stubborn stuff.
Brushed aluminum (aluminium for thos across the pond).
Anybody got any thoughts on how to clean it?

HH

Red01 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 20, 2005, 08:50:53 PM »

I'd try a mild solvent, like rubbing alcohol... that's worked for me for getting boot marks off the midpipe.

mainerider · « **Reply #2 on:** October 20, 2005, 08:53:55 PM »

Thanks for the suggestion. Any idea if it is OK to use a mild abrasive pad- maybe very light steel wool? This stuff is pretty stubborn, but I don't want to screw up the finish

HH

Red01 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 20, 2005, 09:11:41 PM »

A mild scotchbrite or mild steel/aluminum wool, and scrub in the same direction as the brushed finish. Use as little pressure as you can to get results to prevent altering the look... Personally, I'd try a stronger solvent if alcohol won't cut it.

IcyChaos · « **Reply #4 on:** October 21, 2005, 01:48:14 PM »

If you want to avoid the abraisive pad all together, maybe a Clay bar would take it off, these things are unbelievable.

Cargo7 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 25, 2005, 12:24:39 AM »

I'm pretty fussy about my header pipes and silencer. My best luck so far on headers is an old-time product called Brasso - still sold in hardware stores or maybe some drugstore and grocery chains.

The stock silencer can be tough to clean because of the surface texture of the aluminum (concentric rings on my 2003 1200S). Boot marks have come off with Brasso in my case.

A similar product called "Silvo" (I think) is milder but the chrome pipes still shine brightly so Brasso is what I use.

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #6 on:** October 25, 2005, 10:02:51 AM »

For boot rubber I would recommend you try acetone or lacquer thinner. Watch out for abrasive pads - even the "soft" ones can leave unwanted swirl marks...

rg54669 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 26, 2005, 03:51:26 PM »

I used a white scotchbrite pad(not sure what # it is) and some carpet cleaner solution to remove some shoe marks off of my stock pipe.
I was careful when scrubbing, but it didn't matter much. I just scrubbed with the grain and you can't tell.
The green scotchbrite pad may scratch the finish, not sure though.

fritobandito · « **Reply #8 on:** October 26, 2005, 04:30:49 PM »

What's the best thing to use to clean up the header pipes? I don't mind the gold color so much, but there's a bit of pitting I'd like to remove.

B12Teuton · « **Reply #9 on:** October 27, 2005, 08:26:08 AM »

Get the pipe warm and use oven cleaner!

fritobandito · « **Reply #10 on:** October 27, 2005, 09:24:53 AM »

Ok, stupid question here: How do you clean them when they're hot? I'm not looking to get burned.....again.

B12Teuton · « **Reply #11 on:** October 27, 2005, 05:06:35 PM »

You wait till they cool a bit

pmackie · « **Reply #12 on:** November 13, 2005, 09:10:13 PM »

You guys must all be a lot cleaner than I. I am constantly picking up stuff on my '02 GSF660S that won't come off with Varsol or Iosol (Naptha) solvents.

I just bit the bullet and started cleaning my whole exhaust system with a fine Scotch Brite pad. It is NOT as shiny as it was when it was new, but once you clean the whole thing it all looks the same and still looks shiny. It is good at taking the heat glaze off the headers, with a little work you can clean up the collector and mid pipe and it works well on the muffler can.

Works for me, you just have to make sure you only polish lengthwise so as not to leave any swirl or cross marks.

solman · « **Reply #13 on:** November 13, 2005, 09:23:34 PM »

Has anyone ever thought of using tar and bug remover. I have used it before with very good results.

rider123 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 14, 2005, 05:32:34 AM »

You could try that neverdull polish that comes in a cotton wadding. I'm not sure how strong it is but it cleans the exhaust system nicely and makes it shine like you wouldn't believe.