[Monkeyboxers]

I've noticed my exhaust pipe has started to develop some unpleasant looking residue; rust and calcium stain?



Any tips on removing this? I don't live anywhere close to salt water so not sure how it's rusted.

[Billfitz]

A main component of exhaust is water. That, along with the other components, is what causes corrosion. Regular cleaning is all you can do.

[Ennoch]

The CO2 and other chemicals given off by your engine's combustion process also include moisture which condenses in the cold exhaust and produces an acidic liquid. Oxidisation of metals is exacerbated by acidic conditions, and moisture...and bingo! Even stainless steels can rust in a lot of situations, particularly the cheap versions used in most 'stainless' exhaust systems.

Even coating it in a ceramic coating isn't going to help much. I've got a foam cone that I use with metal polish (currently Meguiars) and I just give each tailpipe a quick blast on the cordless drill when cleaning the car every other time. If there are stubborn marks you can get it back to good with wire wool. Even a quick blast of GT85 or WD40 occasionally on mist will probably help keep it at bay.

[Desertnate]

If those exhaust tips are anything like what I have on my MPE, I've found Eagle One Nevr-Dull works surprisingly well. I only have to break on the metal polish for the really stubborn areas.

[Monkeyboxers]

Thanks for the feedbacks all. I'll give it a good scrub with a tooth brush for the calcium stain and see if that works and WD40 for the rust.

[AspektUSA]

I think the only remedy is to cut off the OEM exhaust, and slap on a stainless steel set of pipes from AWE, Remus, Akrapovic, or the M catalogue.

[Billfitz]

The stock exhaust is stainless steel. Most modern exhausts are. Back when exhaust pipes and mufflers were zinc coated steel they only lasted 1/3 as long as they do now. The stock tips are chrome. Even if they didn't suffer from corrosion they'd still need regular cleaning to rid them of carbon deposits.

[EDSX9]

You want to keep it clean? Use Eagle One Metal Polish. Make sure you use latex gloves unless of course you want to have residue on your hands. I have used it on my vehicles and not only does it remove rust but prevents for it to get dull as well as build more rust.

[AspektUSA]

Bon Ami 1886 will also polish stainless steel perfectly.

I use it on the inside lip of the chrome finishing tips when the exhaust buildup is considerable.

Otherwise I use Menzerna metal polish on the chrome itself.

[Flying Badger]

Barkeeper's Friend takes that shit right off, no scratches. The tips on my MPE were filthy and sooty and the BF on a no-scratch scrubby sponge and hot water works greats.

[arucano]

You can also try vinegar (or lime juice / any mild citric acid) to remove calcium buildup.

[ChasKSC]

Hi everyone! New to the forum here. Also had trouble cleaning my own exhaust, as just an APC and Wheel woolie didn't do the trick. I've heard 0000 wool pads might work...