Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 front pipe dicolouration

As expected my exhaust front pipes after 1200 miles are already many different colours, I don't particularly dislike, it almost adds a bit more character, but I have noted on previous posts that some owners are wrapping them in a bandage of special material, is this purely a cosmetic preference or is there any sort of improvement to heat dissipation or anything like that?

mostly cosmetic.. certainly on a MTW, although it was once common as a means to reduce radiant heat (under bonnets or motorcyclists legs) and to offer a performance gain from the higher exhaust temperatures it offered. Not all good news though as I've heard of over lean engines and local heat spots that can fracture pipes and do nasty things etc..
its been replaced with ceramic coating mostly..
If you really like the look, worth a go..

Purely cosmetic with one side benefit. That being that the heat coming off the pipes at a stand still has now been moderated enough so as not to damage/melt the plastic bullets housing the turn signal.

I tried the DEI Titanium wrap but it did not last. It came off in clumps and started shredding almost immediately. I now have white fiberglass wrap that went on wet and turned a very light tan. Looks to stay intact.

These wraps are a great idea for keeping the heat down in an engine bay. Being exposed, as they are, to everything man and nature can throw at them is a real test. The fiberglass is cheap and it will not be a big deal to reapply when it looks nasty.

I use one of these about every 200 miles with some extra mops.
http://www.dremel-direct.com/acatalog/Dremel_3000___15_Accessories.html

Plus autosol/rag to finish off with.

Still looking good and shiny after 2600 miles however matt imperfections in the metal starting to come through so I guess I will have to give up eventually.

My dealer says if I do give up trying to keep them bright don't ever put bandages on. I did'nt ask why but he must have good reason.

I bought one & its wasnt any good, it takes forever to do a few inches!

When I ripped off the wrap the pipes had almost totally blackened. That is why. No going back at that point.

Agree it takes ages first time however if one polishes say every 200 miles it only takes about half an hour per pipe.

With patience they will come up better than when new and will look silver.

Unfortunately after 5 miles driving they go back to a straw colour but at least they still shine.

After a week away and 600 miles plus without any attention I will probably have to eat my words now!

Try looking at video on
Delboys garage on youtube.
Bike related but he shows cleaning bike pipes using coca cola.......
It does work...
I tried it on my Plus8 pipes....

http://youtu.be/ajqNR6hTSwE

The only way to really avoid colouration of stainless exhaust pipes is to have doubled walled pipes. This is the solution used on some bikes but it is expensive and heavy.

That's a great video sospan. I was told to use a stretchy t shirt by someone else but it never seemed to make sense. After seeing this I can see the secret is a small strip DOUBLE wrapped. Will definitely try that next time. Thanks.

This post got me inspired me to get out in the garage tonight and here are the results just using the Dremel, polishing mops and the two polishing blocks it came with.



Pipes at 600 miles since last polish. Car has done 2600 miles.



After polishing. Some areas are starting to have more than just discoloration and if it spreads I may have to give up?



Both pipes polished and finished off with a little autosol and rag. Total time 1 hour. Whilst I was at it I gave everything a spray with ACF 50.

Doing jobs like this reminds me of when I was a kid polishing my Bonneville. Another aspect of owning a M3W that apart from a Triking no other car can give.