Stainless exhaust discolored

mean gene

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I just got my stainless exhaust polished and don't want to cause discoloring from oil on my hands. I know I could wear gloves but am looking for a solution to wipe off possible hand prints before I run the engine. I heard to use acid but don't want to take a chance of frosting my polish job. Any proven technique would be appreciated.
 
Yup, just brake cleaner spray for standard degreasing without any residual cleaner left behind. Thought this thread was going to be about header bluing or "straw" discolouration from heat. That is a sign of overly lean burning condition, at least on older bikes. Modern's get this due to emissions equipement (Secondary Air Injection) or being tuned lean on purpose.
 
Thanks And as they get older to remove the yellow? Mothers? Acid? Semichrome?
Just metal polish - I used to use Mothers but after a recommendation by @The yaki I now use White Diamond. It is by far the best metal polish I've used. SS never blues either - just goes a straw colour.
Cheers
 
Yeah, I'd vote rubbing alcohol too.

Stainless does yellow (slightly - not like the gold/later blue of overheated headpipes) as it ages, whether run too lean/hot or not. I haven't found "that" yellowing to be something you can remove (or prevent) - although I'd be happy to be educated otherwise.
 
Yea but the amateur hour greasy-turned-burnt fingerprints are easily avoided.

However the tiara is always a good look.
Here's one with a tiara - and no mufflers (must be a Harley rider's ornament!)
Now - let me think!! ...is there anyone I have forgotten to offend?


Stainless exhaust discolored
 
...and, as if they don't have enough trouble staying cool (over here anyway) lets add a little something to reduce airflow - sort of like a lower tiara!

Sorry for the slight derail MG!
 
...and, as if they don't have enough trouble staying cool (over here anyway) lets add a little something to reduce airflow - sort of like a lower tiara!

Sorry for the slight derail MG!
That piece of butt jewelry isn't intended to be ridden.
A steam punk showpiece only.
 
Thanks And as they get older to remove the yellow? Mothers? Acid? Semichrome?
Go to your local welding supplies BOC , and buy some pickling acid , made for stainless , you can water it down of required , you can do a test area if concerned . About every year when your pipes have gone a dark brown or develop those black spots , brush on , leave for an hour , wash off, and then polish up with your autosol .
 
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