Header Pipe Discoloration - Possible Solution

[SUPERCRUZ_imp]

I know many of us on the forum have discussed the discoloration of our stock SS header pipes after just a few heat cycles. Many of us spend hours cleaning them with metal polish only to go for a ride and within an hour all that hard work is for naught. I personally do not dislike the light golden brown color but I cannot stand the leopard spots my pipes get up around the header flanges.

Some have discussed pulling the header and having them chromed to try and combat the discoloration. I may have stumbled upon a cheaper solution. A few years back I bought a product I had seen on TV or the Net for protecting metal boats, aluminum wheels, stainless steel, etc. The product is wiped on using a cloth diaper and protects metal for up to two years. The product is called Sharkhide Metal Protectant. I called the company and ask the rep about the possibility of using the product in high heat situations on motorcycle or car headers. He stated they had not done a lot of research in this area but he had seen a few of his customers try this on their hot rods with some success. He asked me to report back to him with my results. I decided to give it a try.

The product is clear liquid and is wiped onto clean bare metal surfaces. The metal must be absolutely clean and free of any contaminants. I first cleaned my headers with 0000 steel wool and Semichrome paste metal polish. This took me about an hour. Next I wiped the pipe surfaces down with a shop cloth and some lighter fluid (Naptha) to clean any remaining polishing compound from the pipes. Sharkhide actually recommends cleaning surfaces with lacquer thinner but I was a bit uncomfortable with using a solvent that could potentially remove automotive paint. Next tape off the painted frame surfaces with blue painters tape to prevent the Sharkhide from getting on the frame. Next choose the appropriate applicator. Sharkhide recommends a cloth diaper but I chose a piece of soft flannel I had laying around. You want a cloth that is soft to the touch. I used a piece that was about 8"x8" folded several times to form a square that could fit in the palm of my hand. Soak the diaper or flannel in Sharkhide protectant almost to the point it is dripping wet. Wipe the Sharkhide onto he pipes in a sweeping motion top to bottom. This stuff starts to tac up quickly so work fast. P.S. - You will want to wear a pair of rubber shop gloves for this step. Allow the product to dry for about 10 - 15 min. Remove tape and your done.

Here comes the interesting part. I stated the bike and the pipes began to turn almost a carmel brown and some light smoke was coming from the pipes. I thought, man I hope I did not made a mistake using this product. After several minutes of idling, the pipes began to turn clear like I had just cleaned them. I ran the bike up and down the street of about 15 min. I have not had the bike on an extended ride but so far so good. I will report back once i have the bike on the road for a few trips. This may be the easy solution we have all been looking for.

[the Ferret]

Wow, sounds promising. That would make a lot of people very happy. Keep us informed.

[Ack-CB11_imp]

+1
Sharkhide is great stuff, I used it on all the bare aluminum parts our bikes have. Really brave trying it on your header though, glad it worked out.

[HikerToo_imp]

wonder if it or something similar would work to get a "burnt" area caused by my microfiber cloth touching the hot header and "melting" on to it.....or I may need to use something more abrasive.

[SUPERCRUZ_imp]

HikerToo - I do not believe this product will remove or clean stains on the header pipes. It is simply a protectant. When you get back from a long ride, while the pipes are still hot take some 0000 steel wool and try to remove the burnt microfiber melted on the pipe. You can then follow with some metal polish once the pipes have cooled.

[The Spaceman_imp]

I've just about given up on this one. I had an idea that I'd use an exhaust wrap to hide the pipes. DEI has a new wrap that's really slick; it looks a bit like carbon fiber, and compared to the old stuff is really easy to use. Unfortunately the pipes are so close together near the bottom that the wrap won't fit between them. I've got the materials if anybody else wants to try it.

There was a guy at the boatyard where I used to keep my catamaran who had this gizmo that would gold-plate metal (you had to provide or pay for the gold). I'm thinking that might be a cheaper option than buying the aftermarket exhaust kits...

[SUPERCRUZ_imp]

Another option popular for treating headers in the Corvette circles is to pull the headers and have them jethot coated. They have a number of colors that can be used including one that looks close to chrome. Silver and black are also options.

[Cormanus]

wonder if it or something similar would work to get a "burnt" area caused by my microfiber cloth touching the hot header and "melting" on to it.....or I may need to use something more abrasive.

HikerToo - I do not believe this product will remove or clean stains on the header pipes. It is simply a protectant. When you get back from a long ride, while the pipes are still hot take some 0000 steel wool and try to remove the burnt microfiber melted on the pipe. You can then follow with some metal polish once the pipes have cooled.

I had a similar experience, Hiker. I warmed the pipes and wiped it off with a piece of rag. Thick, non-synthetic rag. There's a discussion about it here, http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1964

[Gingersdaddy_imp]

I polished mine with Mothers Mag Polish and the leopard spots have not come back, yet. I've put about 150 miles on it. The color has turned a little, but no leopard spots. I've seen sharkhide used on Ship Shape TV and it seems to work good. Hope it holds up with the heat, might be the way to go. Please keep us updated.

[SUPERCRUZ_imp]

UPDATE - The weather here in NOVA was terrific today with temps in the 60s so I took my bike for about a 45mi ride. The good news is my headers treated with Sharkhide metal protectant look great and did not discolor or develop those awful leopard spots I was getting up around the header flanges and down pipes. The pipes actually take on a light golden tone but are mirror like in appearance. They do not look like polished chrome but the golden tone is very even and appealing to the eye. I took some pics following my ride today. You be the judge.

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