Removing blueing off chrome header pipes.

[Norty Boy]

I understand that there is a way to get rid of the blue colour that can deveop on chromed header pipes. (This is usually caused by incorrect ignition timing, but after adjusting the timing the blue stays there.) The question is, how do I get rid of it? Any special chemicals or techniques out there? Love to hear from you!

[Paul in NZ]

It was a feature of the bikes when they were new and I'd guess you are unlikely to ever get rid of it. Back in the day you could fit giant heat sink finned clamps, springs etc to dump the heat.

You would have to retard the ignition to a dangerous degree to avoid it I'd think? I've never seen a bike that was used as the maker intended that didn't do it, american, jap, italian or british unless it used super thick pipes or more comonly double walled headers....

[NighthawkNZ]

I understand that there is a way to get rid of the blue colour that can deveop on chromed header pipes. (This is usually caused by incorrect ignition timing, but after adjusting the timing the blue stays there.) The question is, how do I get rid of it? Any special chemicals or techniques out there? Love to hear from you!

Re-chroming...

[riffer]

But ...why would you want to?

I think it looks great.

[Ocean1]

Often comes off with metal polish but should at least be removable with a 3M scouring pad. It will probably come back though.

[Paul in NZ]

Re-chroming...

Often it comes back worse - pipes get thinner. There are products that claim to remove it but i would not use em often

[NighthawkNZ]

Often it comes back worse - pipes get thinner. There are products that claim to remove it but i would not use em often

no point it trying to remove at at all as you state it will be back...

[Conquiztador]

Yes, most bikes will have blue header pipes. But if it is in excess then you might have a problem:
- Timing (too late)
- Burnt exhaust valves (fuel burning in headers)
- Too rich mixture (again fuel in headers) repair/adjust carbies.
- Valve timing (opens too early)
- Valve adjustment (opens too early)
- 91 octane petrol will make a high compression engine "ping" as it ignites from the heat in the cylinder and the compression. But 98 octane can in a low compression engine burn too slow ending up in headers.
- Poor spark. (Fuel in headers)

If all that is OK and you hate the blue colouring then there is stuff you can buy and "paint" on the headers to cut down on them becoming blue.

Good Luck.