Exhaust pipe rust removal

[Richard T.]

I have a couple pair of NOS C-1 off road mufflers and 61/62 tail pipes. These items have light surface rust on the pipes (see pictures) is there an easy and relatively cheap product that will remove this coating. I don't want to use abrasives. Thanks Rich

[Terry D.]

Re: Exhaust pipe rust removal

I've used Navel jelly, Loctite makes it now, but it as just an expensive form of phosphoric acid, which you can buy at Home Depot. It's for removing rust stains on driveways, but you can dilute it with water.

[Larry C.]

Re: Exhaust pipe rust removal

Problem with phosphoric acid and other acid products is leaving it on too long and causing the metal to turn black.

A very good product is EVAPO-RUST from Home Depot and auto parts stores. About $20 to $25 a gallon and haven't seen it in smaller quantities.

It will never harm the metal or change the finish. Best way to use is to submerse the parts in it completely; however, I can see that could be difficult for muffler pipes, although for long, slender parts, i have filled a piece of PVC pipe with the liquid and then submersed the part.

Haven't tried it on anything big, but if you have the patience, you could brush the liquid on, over and over until the rust is removed. Then just wash down with water and dry completely. And, the coat with clear lacquer or other clear paint.

I have the same off-road mufflers in storage for years with the clear coat and they still look great. Of course, when installed, the exhaust heat will burn the clear coat off, unless high temp, and rust will return. Prior to installation, the pipes could be painted with high temp black to simulate the factory coverage.

Larry

[Larry C.]

Re: Exhaust pipe rust removal

Another good thing about EVAPO-RUST is that when it starts to get dirty-looking, I strain the heavy rust out into another jug using cloth or paper towel and use it again and again. Don't think it wears out, just needs to be cleaned.

[Richard T.]

Re: Exhaust pipe rust removal

Thanks Larry, I just ordered some from Amazon, $19.00 delivered. The 62 tail pipes will be a challenge due to the shape. Hopefully this stuff does the trick. Rich

[Larry C.]

Re: Exhaust pipe rust removal

Rich,

One other method you might try is to soak rags, cloth towels or even heavy paper towels in the solution and wrap around the pipes. The longer the solution stays in contact with the rust, the better it will work. That way, you will limit the amount of liquid waste.

Larry

[Bill S.]

Re: Exhaust pipe rust removal

You can also use feed molasses (you can buy it at any feed store or Tractor Supply) Mix one part molasses with 9 parts water and let the pipes sit in it. It will take a week or so. You can mix it up in a big plastic trash can and just suspend the muffler so the pipe hangs in the mixture.

[Dan D.]

Re: Exhaust pipe rust removal

You can buy it at Tractor Supply also, if you have an outlet in your area. Don't know how the price compares to Amazon. It does work good, but you have to immerse it in the solution for a while. I leave it in overnight. Let us know how you make out with your large pipes.

-Dan-

[John M.]

Re: Exhaust pipe rust removal

One-Step OxiSolv Removes Rust, Leaves Zinc Phosphate coating. Non-caustic, Non-Corrosive, Non-Toxic, Non-Flammable. Reusable. Apply OxiSolv Rust Remover with brush, rag, roller, spray or dip.

Richard,

When My brother and I were attending many swap meets in our Wisconsin/Minnesota area we would usually run into a vender we nick-named Oxi because this was the only product he was selling and he was always removing rust from a body panel or some other item on his table top. He would be busy with an Oxi saturated rag (or 0000 steel wool) making the rust disappear. As I remember he usually didn't wear gloves when using this, but it's recommended on the label I became a customer, used it many times (sometimes the same solution over and over). I have two gallons on my basement shelf, one with fresh solution, one with used solution. I don't know if this product is still available or not but the manufacturer is: Solv-O Corporation, 6995 Monroe, Taylor, MI. 48180

You also might check the internet for OxiSolv.

If you don't want the phosphate coating it can be removed with soap and water, toweled dry, and the steel surface oiled with a good rust preventative oil (gun oil) to prevent further rusting.

Save the Wave ............... JGM