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Chrome Exhaust Pipe Bluing

I just bought a used motorcycle (2007 Triumph) The twin chromed exhaust pipes are blued starting from the head (max heat) to about 1 ft. down. Is this due to incorrect mixture, timing, or is the chrome deficient? Can the bluing be removed, or polished out with a certain compound, or is it permanent?

Gordy Selby
hobbyist - Victoria, Texas, U.S.A.
June 11, 2008

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Hi, Gordy. It's the chrome. Actually the nickel underneath the chrome, so you may find you cannot remove it, although there are products that claim to do so like Blue Job ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and Blue Buster ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . It's nearly a universal problem although a claim is made in letter 26051 that it is possible to plate exhaust pipes with sulfur-free nickel so they won't turn.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
June 11, 2008