Hey guys I just wanted to let you in on something that worked for me.

Some may recall that I installed a Spoon header a couple weeks ago. A week went by and 3 of the 4 primaries had turned a very dark purple while the last primary was a nice golden colour with a hint of purple. This had me concerned so I turned to you guys for some help. Although the resulting string did shed some interesting points as it turns out my initial concerns had nothing to do with the engines performance.

So this is what I did.

After living with the header for a week and watching it get uglier and uglier I decided I would try and do something about it. With some help from you guys I decided I would try a metal polish and see what would happen. Although it was discussed that Mothers metal polish might work I opted for a different product. Mothers’ may work but I can’t confirm that it does. My concern with any product used on a header is what it leaves behind might tarnish the header further.

I used a product called AUTOSOL, it can be found at Canadian Tire in Canada but not sure where in the US. Each tube costs about 8 bucks and I used about 1/3 of a tube. It claims to remove heat discoloration from Stainless Steele as well as leave a protective barrier that resists tarnishing.

After spending about 2 hours getting it perfect the header looked brand new. Only a slight yellowing remained… But how would it hold up?

One week has passed by and some fairly hard driving has taken place, I’m still getting acquainted with the header The header has turned a brilliant bronze colour with only the slightest hint of purple. The colour has pretty much stabilized over the last few days. Most importantly for me is the fact that all 4 primaries are now the same colour.

Biased on this result I wouldn’t hesitate recommending everyone spend some time polishing his or her headers prior to installation. I believe what I experienced initially was a result of residues that were left on the metal.

I’m going to be going to the track later this week, which should really test things. I’ll let you know how it turns out. I will try to get some pictures of the results soon!

Hope this helps!

Regards,

 

Cool

So the original problem was that the SS had turned purple, and then after cleaning it went bronze??????

Sam

 

that indicate that 3 of your 4 primaries are leaner than the rest. Leaner runs hotter.

 

Hey WENOL works good too.

 

Thanks for the info! I knew the stains could be removed, but I could never get an exact product name from anyone.

 

Wenol is an awesome product. I used it one time to polish my Intake Manifold on my old 93 T/A.


Boba- who misses his T/A.

 

Actually no, I checked the plugs and they were all identical, checked compression and they where all within +/-3psi. Engine pulls strong so I believe things are well matched.

My only conclusion can be that 3 of the 4 primaries had some form of residue on them that resulted in them tarnishing much quicker then the 4th. We are not talking a light purple here but a very, very dark purple. I personally think that a slight colour change is fine but what I had would have been unacceptable to anyone.

The most important point to make about this whole thing is that there is stuff out there that works. If you feel your header may have similar problems to mine or you simply want to spruce it up then you now know you have a solution.

Regards,

 

Boba/Big Phat-

Where does a fellow owner purchase WENOL? Thanks!

 

Jason,

The last time I purchased Wenol it was from Pep-Boys. I also purchased some from the Super Chevy show last year.

Boba- who still likes domestics with big V8's

 

Thanks bounty hunter, I appreciate it. On the V8 note, did you see the FATF yet? How 'bout that last scene? Mmmm good!

 

NO problem, Havent seen it yet. I was going to leave work early one day to watch it and be faraway from the Rice clowns.

Boba- who will probably leave early on Weds to go see the F&F.

 

wow, good thing you were able to clean that header or else it might not
perform as well.

 

You will LOVE the finale! The Supra and a classic V8 monster called the...

You didn't think I was going to ruin it for ya, did ya? Hehe

 

The discoloration on s.s headers is caused the oils in your hands when you touch it. Always wear rubber gloves when installing one or at least wipe it down with some rubbing alchol before you start it for the 1st time. I work with stainless jet engine housings at work and we have to burn them out at 650 deg when we get them( we apply thermal barier ccoatings) and wherever the part is touched with bare hands will turn purple/blue.

 

So I wan't my $1000 header to look nice! Is that a problem? you know I wash my car too! No I won't polish my header every week, or every month, but once a year maybe.

Just trying to help that's all!

Regards,

 

normally to find out which cylinder is richer or leaner by taking out the head and look at the valves. normally on the first cylinder you will find it is the leaner, second one will be richer and so on.

 

Mine turned purple from oil vapour when I pulled out the dipstick. If it's on the #4 primary I suspect it's the oil from someones hands.

WENOL (red tube) is everywhere. Walmart etc. You can find it in the area of the store where they sell household polishes and such.

 

Installed a Mugen 2.5" collector header on my friend's 00 Civic. Turned bronze color within minutes of running. After three weeks, still looks the same bronze. No purple, blue, green, etc.

A/F ratio is 13.1:1 constant from 3500 to 8500, with a slight jump to 13.9-14.0:1 at VTEC transition. Runs super good.