Cleaning Exhaust Headers | Which Product Works Best?

[@RedlineRossi]

I work in the metal finishing industry, and while harpic is good to clean your headers I actually find that a good quality limescale remover yields best results due to it's higher acid content which breaks down the oxidised areas much quicker and more effectively than harpic. Best to use some good quality rubber gloves and apply a generous dab of limescale remover to a rag and coat the pipes and leave on for a few minutes. I then thoroughly rinse the limescale remover off with water and then buff after with autosol. Also worth mentioning that using a spray bottle with this stuff inside is not advisable as it tends to get in places that you don't want and will immediately and permanently destroy any nearby zinc plating, mainly bolts and fixings.

[@SamVBikes]

Interesting! Thanks for that. Nice to hear from someone who knows what they are talking about haha!

[@sandert9897]

What is a good quality limescale remover?

[@RedlineRossi]

​@@sandert9897 Harpic limescale remover is probably the strongest. But a homebrand version would be good too. Just remember to apply it to a rag (or an old paint brush) and wipe over the pipes. As said before, do not use a spray bottle.

[@jase1158]

as you worked in the metal finishing industry i'm just curious to now have you ever used hydrochloric acid on stainless steel as it isn't resistant. have you tried barkeepers friend or phosphoric acid

[@juicy9592]

How do you clean titanium headers?

[@tonyquinn5715]

I've been using Harpic for years and it's been brilliant, followed by using Autosol with a drill polishing attachment.

[@yorkshireR9T]

I use harpic. Jet wash off for a good rinse, then autosol metal polish. When the weather is turning, I coat them in gt85. It helps stopping the muck sticking for an easier clean.

[@phillipparuag8755]

Bro! you're the man. Thank you so much for this video, I have been struggling with the same issue and this makes it so easier for me.

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! It still takes a bit of effort but this makes it so much easier! Get rid of that awful orange rust look! Thanks for watching

[@CeeRTee]

Hi thx for another top video. Be careful using the harpic with the pipes fitted because it will damage the soft aluminium engine cases pretty quick, its also a diminishing returns thing because as the acid eats the chromium in the stainless steel it will start to discolour quicker and quicker. The water pipes thing when I had my MT07 I took the pipes off cleaned them and resprayed them and they were spot on for the next couple of years when I eventually sold the bike on. Cheers

[@SamVBikes]

Thought that might be the case too! Gave it a really good wash after so should be all okay! Good to know about the water pipes, will see what I can do. Thank you for watching!

[@sbr1160]

Harpic 10x on my old Gixxer headers every time!! Brand them up spotless!! But a bit of metal polish just to bring them up nicely afterwards

[@alexmorgan3435]

How did I miss this! Great vid. Very helpful comparison. "Over charge because they are A-holes" LoL. I already cleaned the Staintune stainless steel exhaust silencers of my VFR800 with Autosol, a rag and good old elbow grease. They came up better than new. The link pipe is stainless but the headers I'm not sure, but both have the flat light brown milky coffee appearance. Think I shall try Harpic, then a good rinse with water, dry and then use Autosol and a rag again. Might use a polishing wheel on my drill to reduce fatigue from a lot of wrist action. You were very disciplined and careful to make sure you said Blue Job. Right at the start when I saw the product selection I thought this video could be quite entertaining in the usual Sam Vincent style.

[@SamVBikes]

Haha thank you mate! Glad you enjoyed a good old blue job 😂 The harpic, as much as some people seem to curse it, did a ridiculously good job with very minimal effort. So as long as you get all the residue off, I don't see any issues with it!

[@phillipparuag8755]

I think I'm gonna go with the Harpic, followed by a thorough wash with a degreaser and soap liquid and finish off with a hand tool rotating polisher head to apply the AutoSol as a polishing agent.

[@wernerxldata]

I always use WD40 + scotch brite for my mx bikes. Titanium headers will get awesome blue after cleaning them this way :)

[@smoke05s]

Use the metal polish with a steel wool applicator pad. That will cut right through the grime and leave you with a polished pipe you can see yourself in in one step with less chemicals. A little more elbow grease but less steps so I think it is a wash. In the states I use something called bluemagic, sold in autoparts stores. It stays clean / shiny too . . . until you ride in the rain! All subsequent cleanings are way easier than the first one.

[@SamVBikes]

Yes! This was more a test to see which product worked best on its own without having to use a lot of elbow grease. Useful for those areas you can't get into with a wire wool pad

[@johnmfjw]

I use an angle grinder with a polishing/buffing mop and a wax to get the worst off then finnish by hand.

[@ivansparkov2579]

Can I use autosol with steelwool to clean pipe?

[@TornadoCAN99]

I find a good method to clean exhaust pipes is by using a long strip of cloth (old T-shirt etc), wrapping once around the pipe, then "bow stringing" the cloth back and forth so it reaches a full 360 degrees around the pipe as you move along pipe. Not sure what those two black lines are being pointed at at the 11:00min mark. Metal? Rubber? Generally, WD-40 is a pretty good cleaner to take off muck and grime and leaves a light oil on surfaces, which can then be washed off with standard car wash or dish soap. For black plastics/hoses, to reduce effects of sun fading, oxidation, products like Mother's Back To Black are great. Kinda like boot polish really.

[@SamVBikes]

Yes! This video was more to test what cleaner works best on its own without too much input from the person doing it. Got a few recommendations from various websites and other videos to see what worked best! The bow stringing works really well after using some scotch brite type abrasive pad! Those pipes at 11mins are the coolant hoses. They are metal but covered with a black coating but known for corrosion annoyingly!

[@douglasalexander4348]

Mothers mag and power cone in a drill is another good one. Less effort and great shine with no acid worries but pricier.

[@SamVBikes]

Good shout! It's always a slight concern when you go with cheap options which aren't meant for it

[@7795Dakota]

Watched this to get a good idea of what would work to clean my 07 fz6 header the easiest. Last year I stared with 500grit sand paper and worked my way up to 2000 and it looked amazing but took 3 days for it to look right. If I did this I would probably take them off so I could have better access to tighter spots. Nice video man.

[@SamVBikes]

That's commitment! Haha! Fair play to you for making that effort! Thank you, it made such a difference

[@JoshuaRoberts-kq9cs]

Something i was taught many years ago.A fast operator is not always a good operator.Meaning sometimes you have to slow and steady approach to get the best results.

[@sparkie920]

I use autosol with a grey scotchbrite pad on the first pass and then autosol with a rag and then buff to a shine

[@1100andFortyEight]

I use 00 grade steel wool with WD40 to get rid of the initial grime, and then polish with Autosol or Peek metal polish.

[@christopherschade345]

Thanks for taking the time to make a video! I appreciate the helpful information.

[@SamVBikes]

No problem, thanks for watching

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Hi Sam, another good upload and useful info. I have always used Autoglym resin polish and hi-gloss after on paint work with great results, autosol always used on Chrome or stainless. I can't remember what I used on my black fj1200 exhaust but will let you know when I remember. It was excellent but not a bike related product.

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! Ahh good to know! I'm sure the Autoglym would have worked better with some more elbow grease, or even a machine. Love their products! Will be interested to hear!

[@ryancormier3504]

In the US we have The Works 10x works pretty well

[@mickvincent7357]

Totally agree another great video made me smile.

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you!

[@RyaNewGame]

Great video, very smart the idea of sectioning the exhaust and applying products on bits, enjoyed every shot of it (plus so much pun potential everywhere 😁). Was thinking you'd take off the pipes completely, and soak every hard to reach corner, but nevertheless, fantastic job at the end of the day there, a lot better than I imagined, mostly thought you'd take it off because I was afraid if the products get on the engine block or other bits of the engine, they might harm them, but I don't think it's the case anymore, like you said, a good clean after it's what it needs, great job and video 👍

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you mate! I contemplated taking the entire exhaust off but the bolts were looking pretty worse for wear so didn't want to risk taking them off without replacements!

[@alekseiizossin7853]

I use AUTOSOL BLUING REMOVER. its not that cheap as harpic, but I was amazed.

[@bobfisheruk]

Hi Sam, Good Video You did all the testing for us, I'm not sure i would use the Bleach on my NC as there's too much Aluminium around on it, Think after seeing your video I will use the AutoSol . Many Thanks.

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! Definitely a good choice! I was so curious, especially spending the money over the years and never remember how the last product performed! Cheers

[@johnmfjw]

I use an angle grinder with a polishing/buffing mop with a wax to get the worst off then polish by hand First with a fine scotchbrite pads and Autosol/Peek metal polish finishing with a fine cotten rag.

[@MartinWatts-pz5hx]

Brilliant video pal , thanks for the tips 👍

[@SamVBikes]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

Nice video, thank you. I used 'Dr Downpipe', yesterday. The results were quite amazing. It comes with a spray attachment and nylon pan scouring pads. My 'before' was way worse than yours.

[@SamVBikes]

Amazing! I've heard mixed reviews but the negative thoughts were on pipes which weren't incredibly bad! Will have to give it a shot. It wasn't around when I did this video as far as I'm aware

[@stevencheeseman7836]

Use Harpic 10x regularly, works a treat

[@ezekielgskeen8607]

the rubber pipes are done, if you left the for the salt to get too them, but! you could put AF50 OR Mucoff waterproof spray over or WD40 As for your video, am ordering some of what you said right now!b thanks a mill for the heads up sir!

[@ginoasci]

Use a scouring pad with the autosol and it’ll shine those pipes like mirrors. Try it.

[@richardt.953]

Any recommendation on which product to use on those Black Colored Headers?

[@andrewhayes4246]

Best cleaner? Elbow grease. I've used it for 50+ years, never failed. 😉😁

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! Yes nothing wrong with a bit of EG!

[@Owl_Biker_]

On a sport bike, without taking the lower fairings… would the harpic or autosol damage the plastics ?

[@SamVBikes]

I doubt Autosol would because its meant to be a safe formula, but I would avoid getting harpic on anything you don't want to. Be careful and cover things with plastic and you'll be okay

[@Owl_Biker_]

@@SamVBikes perfect! Thank you!

[@barrycarleton4326]

so Solvol Autosol is the best one? problem is that it used to be cheap until the retailers saw how it was selling and they tripled the price.

[@SamVBikes]

Thats always the issue isnt it! Same thing happened with the Yamaha T7... released at 7.5k until they saw how popular it was!

[@feathersandtarmac6456]

Good video mate

[@SamVBikes]

Thanks 👍

[@Team-fabulous]

Harpic then Solvo then spray the headers with a high temperature silicone spray which will protect them. Job done

[@cryptfiend]

i used to use Autosol like everyone else, but Purple Metal Polish by California Custom is the only metal polish Ive seen that will remove blue heat coloration from header pipes.

[@JayJayBrinxx]

great video, i needed this ! same bike too !!!!

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! Those pipes just get so filthy!

[@andyrawlings5369]

yeah sam when i saw your products i knew the toilet cleaner was a winner not used it myself but my pal did on his vfr 750 they came up like new did same as you afterwards used autosol myself keep on top of my bikes like to have them nice and clean wifes plays helll with me !!

[@SamVBikes]

I almost didn't believe it when someone told me it works wonders! Not perfect but does a bloody good job to get the base level off, then like you say, autosol to polish up!

[@andyrawlings5369]

@@SamVBikes Hi sam stripped down my early vfr 750 today to do major service did sevice then set about a deep clean on exhaust system which has been changed for a stainless system soaked it in harpic clean same as yours in the clip did it 3 times cleaned it off . Then went over with scotch bright pads a good few times then uesd autosol took a good hour and half now the exhaust system is like a new system plenty of elbow grease more effort you put in the better the shine a winner.

[@SamVBikes]

Good effort mate! That kind of work is something that will put a smile on your face every time you walk up to the bike!

[@simonrenshall]

what part of harpic 10x is not to be used on stainless steel do ppl not understand?

[@CompletelyBaked]

They came up nice!

[@bikefever3569]

Top job 👏

[@SamVBikes]

🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@lincolnbroke]

Good job mate

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you!

[@jakubmarek6304]

try a sandpaper like 2200+ and finish it with 3500 + with water of course, and after try to polish it. Imo it's the best option

[@harleyminks8194]

Great video. Thank you so much. I'm sold on the Autosol. Got my first bike earlier in the week and I've been obsessed with scrubbing it when I'm not riding. So using elbow grease for the best shine sounds perfect for me. Also just $8 online right now.

[@SamVBikes]

Congrats on the new bike and welcome to a world of obsession haha!

[@BoomerTech]

For your hard water pipes.... ACF50, rub it off, a squeeze of lemon (not kidding) leave for few mins, then go over with a regular cleaner.

[@budgetlife4998]

Yh harpic its my top thing ✌️

[@garryrooney9636]

Any negative thoughts on wrapping the exhaust afterwards in an effort to keep heat away from engine? I have a VFR800 and they can run hot with the radiators on the sides of the bike.

[@SamVBikes]

There are mixed opinions on wraps, I did it on my custom CG125 and had no issues but some people say it causes the engine to run hotter as the heat can't escape through the pipes. Maybe a better quality coolant would help

[@jackisonline2]

Ive used exhaust wrap in the past with good results, however if you ride on salted roads it has a habit of soaking into the wrap and turning them into alka seltzer 😁

[@hornet25o]

I use steel wool and harpic plus

[@Chris-ye6wc]

nice video ,will try mine too, thanks man.👌🤘

[@SamVBikes]

No prob! 🙌🏼

[@ahmedatm]

great job thanks man

[@SamVBikes]

No problem!

[@callmeanythingbutlatefordinner]

The best polish I've found is a 50/50 mix with ordinary laundry bleach and a good whitening tooth-polish!! 😳🤔🤫 Rub it in well with a green Scotch pad, let it dry, buff it out, rinse with alcohol or any oil free solvent. You're welcome.

[@puffx9346]

is it even worth it to clean the header? how long would they last clean like a week? idk im asking

[@SamVBikes]

Sometimes they are the one thing that let's the bike down when it's clean. Only need to do it once a year probably. They get rusty so it won't happen quickly but worth doing every now and then

[@RHP9898]

Mate I was using autosol on my exhausts in 1980... and I'm sure others will have used it before me! It's still the best but you have to be careful because it's abrasive.

[@SamVBikes]

Yes! Use that for the final 10% shine with some pads!

[@Motourev]

Love my Harpic 😂

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! You are my inspiration for that!!

[@Motourev]

@@SamVBikes 😂😂 I love it, started having it in my cornflakes

[@GadgetRebel]

Good video thanks for help 🙂

[@SamVBikes]

No prob!

[@bryonyclark9677]

Do you wash autosol off 😅

[@SamVBikes]

Yes I do! Wash the bike after

[@bryonyclark9677]

@@SamVBikes okay I’m gonna give it a go. Thanks for the vid wish me luck💪🏾😂

[@sweet-triple-UK]

Nice video mate. Think I'm going to get myself some AutoSol and one you didn't try that I've heard a lot of good things about "DrDownpipe". I might also make a video about it and I'll reference yours too if that's ok?

[@SamVBikes]

Sure thing!

[@Tcoldsteel]

Top tip thanks 🙏

[@mrchin7562]

I've found Autosol works best if you rub it on the surface with bare hands. I guess I should polish my pipes as well. It's about time. haha

[@golders99]

Good video sir

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you!

[@N269]

Ideally, remove the pipes and get them ceramic coated.... then you'll never have to polish them... but at a price. Harpic is great on SS, but useless on mild steel header clamps. Excellent production. Thank you.

[@SamVBikes]

Great idea! Thank you!

[@Mathiascsc]

Hey Sam! The pipes you are asking how to clean up. Honestly, mask off the bike then scuff up the pipes and paint them. I dont think there is any coming back from that. I just scuffed mine up and painted them with heat resistant paint. Until now it has worked out great

[@SamVBikes]

I ended up doing that exact thing in the end! After a few months of messing around trying to clean them, I just found that to be the best solution. They came up great too

[@jeannoelsandrazie1874]

Can you recommend a make? Tried one on my bike exhaust manifold. Was coming off after only one ride. 😕

[@Mathiascsc]

@@jeannoelsandrazie1874 those pipes doesnt get nearly as hot as the exhaust pipe. I myself used Plastikote High Heat

[@jeannoelsandrazie1874]

@@Mathiascsc thank you.

[@Rastei]

Use steel wool Nº000 and it will be easier and better with that kind of rusty metals.

[@SamVBikes]

Good idea. The only reason I didn't was because I'd seen the odd report of people leaving scratch marks on their headers. I assume from them using too course wool, but thought I'd not risk it

[@TornadoCAN99]

BlueJob (careful how you google for that ;-) ) is meant for removing header bluing from excess lean running....when chrome or stainless gets too hot, it blues. BJ is not sold as a general cleaner. You pipes seem mainly coated in baked on muck., so a different kind of issue really.

[@SamVBikes]

Definitely! I saw it listed on a few websites as an effective way of cleaning headers.. so wanted to give it a try to see if it did anything!

[@THX..1138]

Masking tape actually goes bad. The roll you showed has gone bad. It may have been sitting on the shelf for long time before you bought it. Also once you take the plastic wrapper off them they start going down hill pretty fast.

[@SamVBikes]

Good to know! It was bought relatively recently so could have been sitting on the shelf too long like you say

[@davidsmith9535]

A cloth won’t work. Fine steel wool with autosol or very fine wet and dry

[@sjv6598]

Don’t use the harpic on any chrome plated pipes or they won’t be chrome plated anymore 🤗 I use it on my stainless steel headers and it takes minutes to get them clean.

[@davidbaird6996]

Harpic 100 bleach is class brings them up easy

[@Yii00T]

Use a drill and wee applicators if needed.

[@timlangley8926]

dont get harpic anywhere near the o2 sensor

[@mabsbry1318]

….just put wd on it from time to time. Best not to let a bike get too dry, and a bit of wd helps crud come away at cleaning. Simples. Ps avoid brakes and footpeg rubber if using wd….

[@simonbirt6121]

Do you mean downpipes, or are you American?

[@dannysmith1452]

Bought a brand called drdownpipe exhaust cleaner from halfords. Good stuff. Would never put harpic bog cleaner near my 25k ducati. Horrible stuff

[@SamVBikes]

Not used it, will give it a go. Haha yeah this was more a test to see if it would work. I probably wouldn't use it on my Super Adventure

[@MARCON-mf8pw]

Harpic works a treat, as long as your intelligent it works the best

[@str8jktblahblahblah84]

Baking soda mixed with water will naturalize the acid

[@witnesspropro]

I wouldn't recommend using hydrochloric acid on header pipes.

[@gregord.5443]

Just use autosol with 00 steel wool. Trust me you wont scratch stainless steel and rust comes off in seconds

[@R0bstez]

Better begin with a scotch brite pad and wd40. Polish it up with autoglym after and it's brand new. In my opinion your starting too soft. It takes ages then

[@SamVBikes]

Yeah I tend to do the scotch brite pads when I've done it in the past. This vid was more to test what product does the most work itself, and takes out the most labour of scrubbing yourself

[@MillfieldWheels]

100% agree. Plus using chrome cleaners on polished steel won't work. That's why it's called chrome polish.

[@SamVBikes]

Definitely. The Blue job chrome polish was listed as one of the best exhaust cleaners on a number of websites, and not just on chrome exhausts, so wanted to give it a go regardless

[@MSCSphoto]

Autosol and 0000 steel wool will make them shine . Less work than the micro fiber cloth .

[@BIGGGESTAL]

Doctor Downpipe works for me

[@SamVBikes]

Not tried that! But will give it a go!

[@Yii00T]

Old masking tape goes like that if it's sat about a while.

[@Motourev]

The way I see it is if Harpic can eat your exhaust away surely serial killers would be buying it by the pallet to dissolve bodies 😂

[@SamVBikes]

Maybe they are but we don't know it 😂😂

[@Motourev]

@@SamVBikes 😂😂 wondered why I keep finding shoes with a bog brush next to them and no body

[@jwbonnett]

You're using a polish to clean, you're supposed to clean then polish... Also Harpic actually rusts your pipes.

[@SamVBikes]

These are products which have many use cases where people have used them specifically to clean pipes which is why I tried them. 2 years after I did this.. the pipes were still not rusty

[@OGillo2001]

BATMAN

[@Highspeed2322]

poor guy

[@ccombs2200]

Fuck sakes scotch brite and time brother

[@SamVBikes]

Work smarter not harder haha. If there's an easier way than spending hours slaving away I'm all for it

[@1975supermike]

Harpic will damage Crome forever.

[@SamVBikes]

This isn't chrome, it's a header/downpipe which are steel.

[@arcboutant]

What’s up with exhaust ‘headers’ , that Americanism ‘headers’ are the exhausts pipes on bikes surely. Exhaust , silencer. American , headers, mufflers.

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! Everyone I speak to locally normally refers to them as headers, not sure why... not calling it a muffler though haha! I guess thinking about it now, putting headers in the title might help push it with Americans understanding what I'm cleaning

[@loftyintentions1985]

Headers, link pipe(s), slip-on.

[@arcboutant]

I like ‘mufflers though. A silencer 🤔 doesn’t really do that.

[@ogasi1798]

holy shi7 bleach omg