Exhaust tips

[Deezul]

I have stainless exhaust tips on my 2012 Mustang. They are turning black inside and on the bottom. What can I use to remove the black gunk? I tried wheel cleaner and never dull. It's baked on there I think. I wanted to try steel wool but am hesitant to scratch the crap out if it. Preferably something I can pick up locally.

[Hjfowler]

I had the exact same thing happen to my accord. Nothing over the counter worked unfortunately. At the advice from another forum member i used iron x and p21s polishing soap. Here are my results.

271352713627137

[allenk4]

0000 Steel Wool is great for the insides of the exhaust tips and will speed up the process dramatically.

I use 0000 with Optimum Metal Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/auto-metal-polish.html). Optimum claims, "It leaves behind a transparent protective coating to help prevent future oxidation and soiling."

I have a brushed finish on my MBRP tips, so using 0000 on the outside is not an issue. I just follow the grain.

If you are concerned that 0000 will harm the outside of your exhaust,...do a test spot in a less visible location.

[Dr_Pain]

I had the exact same thing happen to my accord. Nothing over the counter worked unfortunately. At the advice from another forum member i used iron x and p21s polishing soap. Here are my results.

271352713627137

:whs:
My recommendation as well. I just did a F250SD Diesel this weekend, and you know how gunky those can get. I'll try to post a pic later

[swanicyouth]

P21S Multi Finish Restorer to de-gunk it and P21S Polishing Soap to maintain it. That's the best combo I've come across.

If you have the small Wheel Woolie, you can use it to polish the inside of the exhaust on a drill with the P21S MSR.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/29/azesuhet.jpg

[Pureshine]

I use Meg's metal polish and 0000 steel wool for years never a problem and they even have 00000 steel wool.

[Scott@IncrediblyDetailed]

Megs Super Degreaser. It literally melted a years worth of build up on this exhaust.

http://www.incrediblydetailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2007-Ford-F250-KR-Before-Exhaust-2.jpg

http://www.incrediblydetailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2007-Ford-F250-KR-After-Exhaust-2.jpg

Then, I follow it up with steel wool and metal polish. Buff with a microfiber to finish everything off.

[Deezul]

Ok so steel wool is probably safe. Degreaser and Meg's metal polish might be worth a try. I just don't want to special order stuff online of something from pep boys or similar will work. They are rolled tips kind of like that truck above. Real black at the bottoms and inside. Outside is still shiny
I am guessing an SOS or Brillo pad is too much? I have some under the sink and that's why I ask.

[MadMerc]

I just used 0000 steel wool and some Ultimate Compound to shine up the used Magnaflows that I just put on my car. That combo worked very well.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/29/y8une3ag.jpg

Broadcasting from an undisclosed location.

[wdmaccord]

I have used 0000 steel wool many times on chrome tips. Use some chrome polish and some water to provide some lubrication. You don't have to press real hard, just let the steel wool do its thing. Follow up with the chrome polish on a MF and seal em up. This has worked well for me.

I definitely wouldn't use SOS or brillo pad.

[aztec1987]

0000 Steel Wool but make sure you have some water to keep the surface wet in order to have something lubricating it. After cleaning just apply some metal polisher and boom! Good as new!

[Desertnate]

When using the 0000 steel wool would QD spray work as a lubricant or is it better to use a polish of some sort?

[FUNX650]

I'll go on record to say I do not use steel-wools (of any "grade") on SS and Chrome exhaust system components.
Let me add that I also do not use steel-wool to clean auto-glass or any other automotive bright work.

IMHO:
-Why use a material that starts out being "OEM"-oily;
-That's going to leave behind very, very small shards of metal that's no longer protected by its factory oil---Metal shards: with some that's now going to find their way into the smallest of crevices and pores to begin the rusting cycle, with some becoming air-borne to settle on other areas of the vehicle (possibly being captured later on in buffing pads/microfiber towels, for example);
-And lastly: Leaving it's tell-tell scratching patterns...

Again (just to clarify):
I don't use steel-wools around vehicles!

Bob

[Dr_Pain]

I'll go on record to say I do not use steel-wools (of any "grade") on SS and Chrome exhaust system components.
Let me add that I also do not use steel-wool to clean auto-glass or any other automotive bright work.

IMHO:
-Why use a material that starts out being "OEM"-oily;
-That's going to leave behind very, very small shards of metal that's no longer protected by its factory oil---Metal shards: with some that's now going to find their way into the smallest of crevices and pores to begin the rusting cycle, with some becoming air-borne to settle on other areas of the vehicle (possibly being captured later on in buffing pads/microfiber towels, for example);
-And lastly: Leaving it's tell-tell scratching patterns...

Again (just to clarify):
I don't use steel-wools around vehicles!

Bob

I agree 100% with Bob. It's been used many times but for the reasons explained, no steel wool are part of my detailing bag of trick. As promised, I stated that I was going to post a picture of the SS exhaust tip on the truck I worked on. I used P21s for those

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-9/10294257_694462290616148_35989684138522126_n.jpg

[Hjfowler]

I agree 100% with Bob. It's been used many times but for the reasons explained, no steel wool are part of my detailing bag of trick. As promised, I stated that I was going to post a picture of the SS exhaust tip on the truck I worked on. I used P21s for those

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-9/10294257_694462290616148_35989684138522126_n.jpg

x2. The iron x and p21s left a flawless finish with little to no effort or scrubbing. No scratches either. I know DEEZUL doesn't want to buy online, but these products are cheap and super effective. Iron x comes in many sizes. Down to 50mL. Definitely the better option than steel wool. Although it will work.