Exhaust rust protection?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 8,656
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From: Brooklyn NY
Exhaust rust protection?
How can exhaust systems be kept corrosion-free? Are aluminized pipes rust proof? Does ceramic coatings last forever, or is there nothing better than SS?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
Likes: 1
From: Park Ridge IL
Re: Exhaust rust protection? (garagedweller2)
Aluminized pipe is mild steel underneath, it will eventually rust through especially if exposed to salt, but it's still alot better than uncoated mild steel.
Like the alumized coating, the ceramic coating is only as good as it's condition. If the coating gets scraped off, it will still expose the material to the environment. As long as the coating barrier is not broken, it won't oxidize.
Quality stainless steel is arguably the better choice, but it has issues too. Not all stainless is "rust proof", expecially some of the pre-bent cheaper stainless stuff, 400 series. 300 series stainless, is virtually rust proof, but like most other stainless steels it costs more than mild steel, it weighs more, and it expands more when heated. However, stainless does have another benefit besides corrosion resistence, it also radiates less heat and noise than mild steel does. Quality stainless is almost as effective as some ceramic coated mild steel headers in lowering radiant heat and keeping the heat in the exhaust. Even thought stainless is more expensive initially, it will last forever and if you consider the cost of coating mild steel, the price premium is probably not significant.
Like the alumized coating, the ceramic coating is only as good as it's condition. If the coating gets scraped off, it will still expose the material to the environment. As long as the coating barrier is not broken, it won't oxidize.
Quality stainless steel is arguably the better choice, but it has issues too. Not all stainless is "rust proof", expecially some of the pre-bent cheaper stainless stuff, 400 series. 300 series stainless, is virtually rust proof, but like most other stainless steels it costs more than mild steel, it weighs more, and it expands more when heated. However, stainless does have another benefit besides corrosion resistence, it also radiates less heat and noise than mild steel does. Quality stainless is almost as effective as some ceramic coated mild steel headers in lowering radiant heat and keeping the heat in the exhaust. Even thought stainless is more expensive initially, it will last forever and if you consider the cost of coating mild steel, the price premium is probably not significant.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 530
Likes: 11
From: Lewes, Delaware
Re: Exhaust rust protection? (garagedweller2)
One thing I try to do is not to go on any real short trips then shut your engine off and leave the car sit. Inside your exhaust condensation forms till the engine has run long enough to heat up the pipes enough to evaporate any condensation inside. So I try to run her for at least a half hour and what the heck I love to ride around! :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 99
From: Orrtanna Pa.
Re: Exhaust rust protection? (Rich80)
Got SS pipes about 8 years ago,the mufflers were aluminized,and believe it or not are still in great shape. The ceramic coated headers,have started to flake on the collecter,but other than that,still look great. The best part about the SS is taking it apart is a piece of cake. Done it three times already and hadn't had trouble yet.(Use SS bolts on the collecter flanges or you WILL be sorry!)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Re: Exhaust rust protection? (garagedweller2)
garagedweller2,
Put anti-seize on the muffler clamp nuts/bolts and on the slip joints of the exhaust system. The anti-seize can withstand the exhaust temperatures and it will make taking the exhaust apart easier, if you need to, in the future.
Put anti-seize on the muffler clamp nuts/bolts and on the slip joints of the exhaust system. The anti-seize can withstand the exhaust temperatures and it will make taking the exhaust apart easier, if you need to, in the future.
