Should I coat my Stainless headers?

[Bryan O]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

The key is to wipe them down with alchohol before you run the engine the first time.

What effect does wiping the headers down with alcohol produce?

[Rhino]

Originally Posted by The Patch

What effect does wiping the headers down with alcohol produce?

It removes oils which would otherwise burn off and add to the tarnish.

In another thread someone mentioned treating them with rain-x, which others verified worked. Not sure what the science is behind it, and never tried it myself, but I'll be looking into it.

[Sieg]

Here's the Akrapovic stainless header on my KTM SDR, only thing I've used on it is WD-40 which Akrapovic actually recommends. My regular cleanup routine involves wiping the exhaust system down with WD-40.



I'd say its decent stainless based on the coloration though it has seen very little wet weather usage.

Here's the header as new:

[John510]

Wow nice bike!

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by John510

Wow nice bike!

Thanks. Hopefully the exhaust condition helps answer your questions.

[waynieZ]

what about for keeping temps cool under the hood, with stainless headers is coating worth any heat reduction?

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by waynieZ

what about for keeping temps cool under the hood, with stainless headers is coating worth any heat reduction?

The heat reduction is HUGE underhood -- particularly if they're coated inside and out (which they should be).... Then the heat gets expelled.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

If you don't like the look just have them coated.

Brown or silver.

Just the reduction of under hood temp is worth it.