fabio222 Posted March 1, 2021 Posted March 1, 2021 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? Quote
Member Contributer Jelorian Posted March 2, 2021 Member Contributer Posted March 2, 2021 They seem like they are stainless as they are very resistant to corrosion. The stock exhaust on my 02 are in great shape. Quote
Member Contributer rhoderage Posted March 2, 2021 Member Contributer Posted March 2, 2021 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.... Quote
Member Contributer Thumbs Posted March 2, 2021 Member Contributer Posted March 2, 2021 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 3 Quote
Magneto Posted March 2, 2021 Posted March 2, 2021 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. Quote
MuppetGonzo Posted March 2, 2021 Posted March 2, 2021 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!! 2 Quote
Member Contributer BusyLittleShop Posted March 2, 2021 Member Contributer Posted March 2, 2021 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... [ 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... 3 Quote
Smack Posted March 2, 2021 Posted March 2, 2021 Those are some nicely-wrapped pipes ! What is the wrapping material, please? Is it adhesive-backed or how is it retained in-position? Brian Quote
Member Contributer DannoXYZ Posted March 2, 2021 Member Contributer Posted March 2, 2021 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. 2 Quote
Member Contributer BusyLittleShop Posted March 3, 2021 Member Contributer Posted March 3, 2021 1 hour ago, Smack said: Those 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... https://auto-express.co/products/heat-wrap-titanium-exhaust-1-x-50-roll-header?variant=22856338571349¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&cmp_id=2015834781&adg_id=71889771499&kwd=&device=c&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4feBBhC9ARIsABp_nbXydtnZ5NjsBILH_8adgd8PcLbvIMMh5l3DIpNAgZeznDZWjzg2MfcaAuyFEALw_wcB 1 Quote
fabio222 Posted March 3, 2021 Author Posted March 3, 2021 16 hours ago, DannoXYZ said: 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. This explains the colour of some parts of my NT700v exhausts. @Magneto - What is passivation? Can it be done at home? Quote
Magneto Posted March 3, 2021 Posted March 3, 2021 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... 1 Quote
Member Contributer DannoXYZ Posted March 3, 2021 Member Contributer Posted March 3, 2021 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. 2 Quote
Magneto Posted March 4, 2021 Posted March 4, 2021 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. 1 Quote
fabio222 Posted March 4, 2021 Author Posted March 4, 2021 I'm guessing I can't just wipe lemon juice over the pipes then haha! Quote
Magneto Posted March 4, 2021 Posted March 4, 2021 2 hours ago, fabio222 said: I'm guessing I can't just wipe lemon juice over the pipes then haha! Why not, after cleaning first with coca cola... 😝 2 Quote
Member Contributer MaxSwell Posted March 5, 2021 Member Contributer Posted March 5, 2021 Ummmm ... now I am thirsty. 1 Quote
MuppetGonzo Posted March 12, 2021 Posted March 12, 2021 On 3/4/2021 at 1:25 PM, Magneto said: Why not, after cleaning first with coca cola... 😝 two birds one stone- coke with a slice of lemon 1 3 Quote
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