Heavy Exhaust Rust

[MisterCinders]

I searched the forums on this, but everything I find covers exhaust rust on headers. Figuring that my problem might need special attention (because I am vain, you see), here comes another rust removal thread.

When I reassembled my head and exhaust, I noticed that my 4-1 has loads of rust at the collection point, where the headers merge into the pipe underneath the engine block.

I understand that tin foil and Coca-Cola are good for cleaning up rusty chrome, but this rust (a) looks pretty heavy; (b) is in a tight spot; and (c) is not visible when the pipes are installed.

Does this scenario open up other and/or more aggressive removal options? I am thinking that separating the two pieces will give me more scrubbing access, and would allow me to soak the rusty end in something to speed rust removal (e.g., vinegar, evapo-rust, etc.) Do these treatments tear up the chrome? Is that damage mainly cosmetic? If so, then I don't mind, since the rusted area is out of sight.

Other pointers?

[Agemax]

if the said area is out of sight i would clean up thoroughly with a wire brush then paint the affected area with some exhaust paint

[Adler]

Oxalic acid. King of rust removers.

[sachsaca]

SOS Brillo pads, you'd be amazed

[Leigh]

Just be careful you don't eat through it.
The collector gets very thin with age.
I suffered that very problem with mine and ended up with pinholes (read: gaping chasms) when I scrubbed the rust off.

[MisterCinders]

Just be careful you don't eat through it.
The collector gets very thin with age.
I suffered that very problem with mine and ended up with pinholes (read: gaping chasms) when I scrubbed the rust off.

This. This is my fear. Replacing those pipes for $350 is not attractive.

If the rust has penetrated the metal, are there any patch treatments that might avoid having to buy new pipes?

[OldVet66]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Mine were rusty and nasty when I got the bike, chrome flaking off , pitted rust. Painted them black with VHT and periodically paint them, when they need it. went with a lot of coats in the collector area. They look fine. I would like to find a new black set, but these will be around for years. In the link, my bike is the black one in front, not a close up, but looks fine in close ups. https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

[cableguy]

My header is the same way, where it looks pretty good until you look up close on the top side right under the oil filter housing. I did try a soak in evap o rust, and it took some off, but not as much as I wanted, and it turned the chrome a goldish color. Kind of a neat effect, but it aint supposed to be gold, it's supposed to be chrome.

Maybe mask off to the clean part and wire wheel/VHT black the rusty part. Might be OK.