[dski69]

Hi all, I searched the posts but did not find anything about carbon deposits on the exhaust pipes. Anyone have any suggestions on how to remove them? I tried some fine steel-wool and chrome polish, but I ended up putting fine sratches on the pipes, and I was not able to remove all the carbon. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

[TOGWT]

Exhaust Tips / Pipes:
For the removal of carbon deposits use a metal polish and brass synthetic wools to avoid fine scratches (equivalent to #00000 synthetic steel wool) Available in three grades- Fine, Medium and Coarse - http://www.briwax-online.com/brswool.html

To clean exhaust piping use a polishing powder (Blue Coral Blue Buster) to remove 'blue' from exhaust pipes wet towel and polish, it will not scratch chrome, can also be used on brass and stainless steel.

For exhaust pipe polishing -use a strip impregnated with a metal polish (Luster Strips) (See also Chrome / Stainless Steel Exhaust) protect the exhaust components with a polymer sealant (ZoopSeal)
Information resource- Caswell Plating website- http:// www.caswellplating.com/bbs/

 

[Totoland]

Hi all, I searched the posts but did not find anything about carbon deposits on the exhaust pipes. Anyone have any suggestions on how to remove them? I tried some fine steel-wool and chrome polish, but I ended up putting fine sratches on the pipes, and I was not able to remove all the carbon. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Are the tips Chrome plated or Stainless?

If they are stainless, you can use #0000 steel wool soaked in a liquid polish like Brasso or Turtle Wax Chrome polish. That will clean them and the polish will act as a mild lube to minimize scratches.

If they are chrome and you already have scratches, the damage is done. Once you scratch chrome plating, it cannot be "repaired". The actual Chrome is a very thin plating over Nickel (which is where the color is). You can keep the damage to a minimum with a decent polish.

Totolant

 

[stream]

Here's what I've been doing to address gunk build up and yellowing of exhaust tips on my cars for many years, with great results:

Clean them with P21S Multi-Surface Finish Restorer Polish. Apply with a piece of an old t-shirt (the first time may require a bit of elbow grease and a second application). This will clean without and scratching:
http://www.carcareonline.com/detail.asp?product_id=10417

Then apply RejeX, which is a polymer coating, and will stand up to the high heat, unlike traditional waxes, which will melt away after a few minutes. RejeX minimizes the gunk and yellowing build up, and makes cleaning much easier.
http://www.corrosionx.com/rejex.html

 

[frank325]

I've been using SOS pads (steel wool with the blue stuff in it) on my chrome exhaust tips for over a year and they still look really good. I figured they'd be scratched to hell using that, but they aren't.

 

[jeff330i]

i had 5 years of buildup on my exhaust tips that never really bothered me. One day for fun I tried Klasse AIO, and it made them look like new. If I were you I'd try that first - it's minimally invasive compared to rubbing an abrasive on it.

 

[fidozoom]

So I was looking at the exhaust tip on my new car and already tons of carbon. so i though tabt it for a minute and figured I could use my wheel cleaner that I use on the chrome coated(?) wheels. I also used the nylon brush I use on the wheels to scrub it and it took away pretty much all the carbon.

of course i have no protection for it now but atleast it I know how to remove it next time too. btw, i used the menzerna wheel cleaner thing (a gel)

 

[dboy11]

Chemical based polish will do wonders, also 0000 steel wool its very fine and will not scratch the metal...using the steel wool do this at the wash stages the soapy waters helps to break down carbon. Finish up with the polish

 

[skippy_ps]

I performed the "magnet test" on the exhaust tips on my '05 530i and they are:

stainless.

I would have bet 25 cents that they were chrome plated steel.

 

[GassmaninaZ]

Stainless stove top cleaner spray on. easy and inexpensive wipe with a couple of paper towels. Polsh with a wheel wax and easier next time.

 

[Zahnarzt]

The only thing I would add is to clean that little lip on the inside of the the exhaust pipes frequently. Sometimes just a 10 second wipe before you take off is enough to keep you from digging at it later.

:str8pimpi Rick

 

[P1Dallas]

Rejex has worked well on the chrome exhaust tips.

 

[Totoland]

I just finished this metallic black 530i and it had carbon the the exhaust tips. Instead of steel wool and metal polish, I used 2500 grit soaked with metal polish. Worked much faster and left a better finish than the steel wool combo.

 

[x3r]

Nev-r-dull

 

[mp0i]

+1 on the Nev-r Dull.

 

[phantombmw]

I use some cleaner wax or polish and my dremel with a buffing attachment on it. Works perfectly. If you have a dremel seriously try it. I was amazed, it took every little bit off.

 

[Totoland]

Here's a quick How-To on some really nasty exhaust tips:

1. I use Scotch-Brite pad soaked in metal polish and remove carbon/caked on dirt.
2. I use 2000 grit wet sand paper soaked in metal polish to give it shine
3. Wipe with an old terry towel

Before:

AFTER:

Quick process (20-30 minutes depending upon the level of shine you want) and lasts a decent amount of time.

Toto

 

[335XI NJ]

brasso

I've always used Brasso with no problems and always come out shining!

 

[frank325]

I've always used Brasso with no problems and always come out shining!

You know youre replying to an 8 year old thread? hey, I see I was around back then.... i wouldn't touch my current exhaust tips with SOS pads though!

 

[Autoputzer]

I wouldn't use anything abrasive, even mildly abrasive. I've heard that Easy-Off oven cleaner works. But, Frau Putzer is too lazy to cook, so I don't have any of the stuff around. I've had good luck with Chevron Techron gasoline treatment, wearing Latex gloves, doing the job outside, and being very careful not to get the stuff on the paint of the bumper.

I still have black "stuff" on the lower half of chrome part of the tips around the lips. But, I'm convinced that's corrosion of the plating, not carbon build-up. I'm confident that the tips will be replaced under warranty on my next visit to the dealership. The car's bee so go so far, that I'm not sure when that will be, likely for new tires. I have access a lift and live 90 miles from "my" dealership. So, I do my own oil changes. I calculated that with my time, gasoline, and wear and tear on the car, those "free" oil changes you get under warranty cost me about $500 each.