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Yellowing of stainless steel tailpipes

2006

I recently ordered a stainless steel 'cat back' exhaust system for my vehicle. Within a few hours the exterior stainless steel surface began getting a golden hue. I spoke to the vendor and he said this is a 'natural characteristic of aerospace stainless steel'. My fear is that I was given something less than 'aerospace' quality steel in my pipes and am looking for some technical leverage in order to get a refund from the vendor.

Should stainless steel tailpipes begin to discolor almost immediately at the opposite end of the vehicle than by the engine. Again, this discoloration can only be attributed to heat from the engine and not exhaust.

Your advice is appreciated.

John Matthews
- Utica, New York

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"Aerospace quality?" That's nonsense, meaningless hype. What you probably have is type 304 stainless, and, yes, it will yellow from heat. Any good metal polish will remove the yellow temporarily, but it will come back.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
2006