Exhaust Header Cleaning and Upkeep

Exhaust Header Cleaning and Upkeep

Maintaining the Header Finish and Ensuring Longevity

Exhaust headers are an investment in our vehicles. The installation of headers offers performance and efficiency gains, for a cost that is often substantial. In addition to making sure we select the appropriate header for the application, any reasonable person wants these investments to last. Beyond the efforts to ensure our engines are properly tuned and that we have followed the installation instructions as the first steps toward years of use, maintenance is the next responsibility.

Aluminized Ceramic Coated Headers - Cleaning and Maintenance

  1. After installation and before starting the engine, wipe the ceramic-coated headers down with a warm distilled water solution that includes Isopropyl Alcohol (70% or higher) and a few drops of Dawn dishwashing liquid. Rinse thoroughly.
Formula:
  1. Add 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol (70% or greater) to 4 cups of distilled water
  2. Warm Slightly
  3. Add 3-4 drops of Dawn Dishwashing Liquid
  1. It is OK to use a mild solvent (such as mineral spirits). The point is to remove oils and grease, which might stain or burn into the surface finish. Do not use any spray cleaner, as it may contain caustic solutions that will degrade the coating's appearance.
  2. It is also OK to use popular eco-friendly degreasers. Ensure they are properly diluted, and thoroughly scrub the headers (with a nylon brush) and rinse them with distilled water. Leave no residue on the header!
Periodic Maintenance:
  1. Double-check the tightness (torque) of the flange bolts
  2. Periodically wipe down the headers with the warm, soapy water solution described above or a mild solvent to remove chemical residues or road grease. Again, do not use spray cleaners.
  3. Use a grey Scotch-Brite® pad or nylon brush with the warm water solution to remove stubborn stains. The silver ceramic finish can be buffed 'carefully' with fine steel wool.
    1. Only clean the black satin finish with the warm, soapy water solution using a nylon brush.
  4. After the initial installation or periodic cleaning, it is advisable to wax the coating with a high-grade paste wax or polish. Avoid products that contain rubbing compounds or chemicals that claim to 'restore' the finish.

Plain Finish (raw metal) - Prep and Painting:
Alert
Aluminized thermal ceramic coatings are the preferred finish. Paint, cerakote, and chrome are not recommended.
  1. Wash headers with acetone (WARNING ~ Flammable!).
  2. The headers should be heated to approximately 200°F, preferably with an oven or, carefully, with a torch or heat gun.
    1. A less-effective, but popular method is to hang the headers in the sun on a warm day (over 85°F) for a few hours prior to painting
  3. If using a torch or heat gun, hang the headers in a safe location using a coat hanger through the bolt hole at the end (front_ of the header flange. Have a fire extinguisher within reach.
  4. Spray the headers with the first of many light coats of VHT Flameproof, Eastwood 2K, or Rust-Oleum® HIGH HEAT ceramic while the headers are still hot. Apply inside and out.
    1. NOTE: Rust-Oleum® recommends its High Heat Primer as a base coat.
  5. Let the first coat dry for 30-40 minutes
  6. This process bakes the paint onto the header, protecting it from both external and internal rust.
InfoIMPORTANT: Each spray-finish brand provides specific instructions for application and curing to achieve the best results. Follow their instructions. For example, this is from VHT:

On the Vehicle:
  • Paint must be completely dry before curing
  • Run at idle for 10 minutes
  • Cool for 20 minutes
  • Run at idle for 20 minutes
  • Cool for 20 minutes
  • Run under normal operating conditions for 30 minutes
Off the Vehicle:
  • Paint must be completely dry before curing
  • Heat to 250°F (121°C) for 30 minutes
  • Cool for 30 minutes
  • Heat to 400°F (204°C) for 30 minutes
  • Cool for 30 minutes
  • Heat to 650°F (343°C ) for 30 minutes
This is a time-consuming process, and it still does not match the quality or benefits of an aluminized thermal ceramic coating!

Chrome and Stainless Finishes

  1. Headers should be cleaned with a mild detergent, soap, stainless polish, or glass cleaner.
  2. Spray VHT or compatible High-Heat paint inside all the tubes and collector (chrome only). This will help to prevent rust build-up.
  3. Apply a heavy coat of paste wax, then let it dry. When the wax is dry, buff vigorously; do not simply wipe the wax off. Treat the header's finish with the same care we would treat our vehicle's paint job. Wax chrome headers frequently; this can help reduce bluing.
    4. Warning
    1. NOTE: Sanderson does not recommend or offer chrome-plated finishes for any exhaust components, and especially headers. Thermal ceramic coatings offer numerous benefits and have replaced chrome plating for many years.
  4. After installing the headers, re-polish them to ensure all fingerprints and grease are removed.
Other Notes:
  1. It is important to run a low-backpressure exhaust system with chrome headers (neither too small nor too large). Too much backpressure creates excessive heat, which in turn will discolor the chrome headers. This means straight-through muffler designs or baffles (outside chassis headers) that offer limited restriction.
  2. Discoloration can result from an improper air-to-fuel mixture, incorrect ignition timing, or oil blowing past valve guides or piston rings into the combustion process.
  3. All Sanderson headers are guaranteed as to workmanship, materials, and finish. This does not apply to discoloration damage for any material or finish, including chrome, stainless steel, or ceramic-coated headers.