Why are my pipes turning chrome to GOLD???
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 0
From: BOSTON originally / APPLETON WI now
Why are my pipes turning chrome to GOLD???
OK,
I have Rush 15301 slip ons with the 2.5" baffles - less than a year old on my 05 Ultra. About 3000 miles on these pipes. Bike runs fine with a typical high oil temp of 275F when it is 90F+ ambient.
Custom dyno'd PCIII at the dealer so my scoot is tuned pretty well.
RUSH HAS GREAT SOUNDING PIPES, BUT........
Right side pipe is turning gold/bronze - starting at the front end and proceeding down the pipe about 6". Left side is much less noticable.
Really starting to look crappy/annoying/nasty.
Any tips/suggestions on getting it back to chrome short of buying a new one??? Miracle cleaners/polishers possibly??? Chrome covers like the exhaust pipe has???
Why does this happen and is it irreversible???
Wouldn't that be a defect in the manufacturing process at Rush???
I really like the looks, sounds and price point of Rush slip ons but am now concerned about the quality.
THANKS in advance.
Dave H. 7/21/06
I have Rush 15301 slip ons with the 2.5" baffles - less than a year old on my 05 Ultra. About 3000 miles on these pipes. Bike runs fine with a typical high oil temp of 275F when it is 90F+ ambient.
Custom dyno'd PCIII at the dealer so my scoot is tuned pretty well.
RUSH HAS GREAT SOUNDING PIPES, BUT........
Right side pipe is turning gold/bronze - starting at the front end and proceeding down the pipe about 6". Left side is much less noticable.
Really starting to look crappy/annoying/nasty.
Any tips/suggestions on getting it back to chrome short of buying a new one??? Miracle cleaners/polishers possibly??? Chrome covers like the exhaust pipe has???
Why does this happen and is it irreversible???
Wouldn't that be a defect in the manufacturing process at Rush???
I really like the looks, sounds and price point of Rush slip ons but am now concerned about the quality.
THANKS in advance.
Dave H. 7/21/06
Banned
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 2
From: CANADA
RE: Why are my pipes turning chrome to GOLD???
Nothing worse than exhaust systems that turn color and there is likely nothing you can do. Clean it off, if you can, and it will still come back. My high oil temp this summer was 222F, duals with full heat shields, no discoloring!
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 892
Likes: 0
From: Central, IN
RE: Why are my pipes turning chrome to GOLD???
Try some "blue buster" or a like product. I don't know that much about Rush pipes, actually never heard of 'em. There are some makes that just hold up better that others. I've got 4 years on the Sampsons and they still look like new.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 3
From:
RE: Why are my pipes turning chrome to GOLD???
Most exhausts will turn a color, especially the lesser expensive ones that don't have a quality chrome process. But heat certainly has a lot to do with the discoloration and the hotter those pipes get, the darker the color, usually. Just be glad they aren't black or blue, indicating a hot or very lean condition. You can use Nevr-Dull, chrome polish and 0000 steel wool to brighten the discoloration, but it will only return. Some heat shields are there solely to hide the discoloration......not necessarily to protect your leg from getting burned.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,273
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From:
RE: Why are my pipes turning chrome to GOLD???
Turning "Gold" indicates a slightly rich fuel mix. "Blue" indicates lean. Running a little rich helps the engine run cooler in hot weather. Get some good metal polish and they should clean up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
RE: Why are my pipes turning chrome to GOLD???
Chrome pipes usually turn colors at the sections closes to the engine.This is caused by a chemical reaction of the metals from the pipe mat'l, the plating mat'l and exhaust heat.
You can try Blue Away or products like that,but the pipes will just turn color again.
Using chrome polish often will remove the chrome plating and then will reveal nickel.My 2 cents.
Edited.
You can try Blue Away or products like that,but the pipes will just turn color again.
Using chrome polish often will remove the chrome plating and then will reveal nickel.My 2 cents.
Edited.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 32
From: Houston, Texas
RE: Why are my pipes turning chrome to GOLD???
The gold color also may indicate an exhaust leak at the joint/seam, which may be behind the heat shield. This sends heat down the outside of the pipe -- where heat was not intended to be... I have Samson Rolled Thunder pipes, and the right side has this same problem. Unfortunately, despite my attempts to return the pipe to its original silver/chrome appearance, nothing has produced satisfactory results: Not Simichrome, Blue Buster, wadding cloths, or several other items I have tried... On the other hand, the pipe is now blindingly shiny -- though gold tinted...
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From:
RE: Why are my pipes turning chrome to GOLD???
The reason your right side is discolored and not both is harleys stock system is almost a 2 into one system with 80% of exhaust exiting out the right pipe, they all will do it if not covered by external chrome cover or double wall construction, ride it and forget it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,408
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From: Houston (Area)
RE: Why are my pipes turning chrome to GOLD???
The gold color also may indicate an exhaust leak at the joint/seam, which may be behind the heat shield. This sends heat down the outside of the pipe -- where heat was not intended to be... I have Samson Rolled Thunder pipes, and the right side has this same problem. Unfortunately, despite my attempts to return the pipe to its original silver/chrome appearance, nothing has produced satisfactory results: Not Simichrome, Blue Buster, wadding cloths, or several other items I have tried... On the other hand, the pipe is now blindingly shiny -- though gold tinted...
I have Samson Rolled Thunder and they are doing the same thing. Right now, it's just 1 small spot on the right side. I don't think we both have an exhaust leak, but I will look into mine. Do you like the sound of you samson's? I expected deeper/louder, but I really like the rolled edge. My bud has some Thunderheaders and they have the sound I want (but are ugly IMHO). Now I care more about sound than looks. When we ride together I don't even get noticed. I am actually thinking of letting mine just turn gold, so I can say see honey it's time for new ones.
