Knowledge Builders

what causes motorcycle exhaust pipes to blue

by Dr. Rosetta Prohaska Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Blue Smoke from Exhaust Causes

  1. Oil in the combustion chamber. As the engine ages, piston rings, valve seals and other vital components start to wear out. ...
  2. Blown Turbocharger. If the turbo has blown out, there is a possibility for blue smoke out of the exhaust. ...
  3. Piston Ring Damage. ...
  4. Dripping Oil. ...
  5. Stuck PCV Valve. ...

Full Answer

Why is my motorcycle exhaust bluing?

Usually, the exhaust pipes are designed to resist the heat, so if you spot exhaust bluing on your bike, it is definitely worth investigating. Keep in mind that not all exhaust pipes are immune to bluing, so it may just be a symptom of the particular pipe your motorcycle has.

What causes blue stains on chrome exhaust pipe?

It is mainly caused by heat penetrating from the inner wall and through the body of the exhaust pipe. When it reaches the chrome surface, the heat causes it to turn blue. Luckily, there’s a simple way to get rid of it and the results are impressive.

Why do motorcycle exhaust pipes turn black?

Some motorcycles exhaust pipes may be more susceptible to discoloration depending on the type of metal they’re made out of. The heat turns the metal colors because of a process called oxidation. When the metal is heated to a high enough temperature, the metal can interact with the gas molecules and light waves around it.

Why does my motorcycle's exhaust get hot?

It’s the heat! Your engine gets cooking, and when that exhaust flows through your pipes, they get hot too. This is not a rarity on motorcycles, and it happens often as riders break in their new bikes. But, it can also be a sign that your bike might be running lean, is off in its timing, or have a leak in the exhaust system.

Why do motorcycle exhaust pipes turn blue?

Why are my motorcycle pipes blue?

What is exhaust system on motorcycle?

What color are motorcycle exhaust pipes?

What is good to know about motorcycles?

Why is my exhaust blue?

How to get blue out of motorcycle exhaust?

See 2 more

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Why is my motorcycle exhaust turning blue?

Motorcycle exhaust pipes turn blue as a result of extreme heat passing through them. This is usually caused by the motorcycle running lean, meaning there is too much air and too little gas being mixed together which causes a higher temperature to pass through the exhaust pipes.

How do I get the blue off my motorcycle pipes?

0:152:32Exhaust Bluing Remover Kit by Wizards - available at J&P CyclesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo doesn't take a whole lot just take your thumb dab. It over the top the key to this is to start inMoreSo doesn't take a whole lot just take your thumb dab. It over the top the key to this is to start in a small concentrated. Area you're going to want to start with a size about like a dime or a nickel.

Why do pipes turn blue?

Essentially, the metal becomes discolored as a result of the heat of the exhaust going through the pipes. Usually, the exhaust pipes are designed to resist the heat, so if you spot exhaust bluing on your bike, it is definitely worth investigating.

How do you get blue exhaust pipes?

0:146:59HOW TO Blue YOUR Bikes Header! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's pretty simple job you just polish it make it look shiny apply some heat using a propane torch.MoreIt's pretty simple job you just polish it make it look shiny apply some heat using a propane torch. And it's going to make it turn a golden yellow then a purple. And then a nice blue.

How do you clean discolored motorcycle pipes?

1:383:11Motorcycle Exhaust Care: Bluing, Cleaning and Repacking - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd regular use of that is going to clean and shine your pipes for you if you ride in an area whereMoreAnd regular use of that is going to clean and shine your pipes for you if you ride in an area where there's a lot of road salt. Then you're going to want to use rub. Alcohol is well on steel.

Does exhaust wrap cause rust?

Will wrapping my exhaust pipes make them rust? Any mild steel exhaust pipe will rust over time with or without exhaust wrap. If you wrap any kind of tubing, we recommend our HT Silicone Coating to seal and protect the wrap and even the pipe you are wrapping by coating the pipe first, before you add the exhaust wrap.

What causes blue corrosion on copper pipes?

Blue or green staining occurs exclusively with copper pipe and fittings (including brass, which is copper + zinc), and is caused by the corrosion and dissolution of the metal itself.

Does stainless steel exhaust change color?

Through the years, a number of people have asked us about their aftermarket exhaust tips turning a goldish color. Good-quality stainless steel normally turns this color when exposed to repeated heat cycles, and will even turn blue if it gets hot enough. The "golding" should be considered normal and not a defect.

What does blue on a copper pipe mean?

Green or blue water staining are names given to a general corrosive attack that on rare occasions occurs in buildings that have been plumbed in copper. In most instances this phenomenon manifests itself shortly after a new plumbing system is put into continuous service and then eventually goes away.

How do you change the color of your exhaust pipe?

1:387:15Heat changing paint on exhaust - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAny time we want to paint metal you need to use edge frylock. I'm going to spray one coat of thatMoreAny time we want to paint metal you need to use edge frylock. I'm going to spray one coat of that and I'll be ready for my. Color.

How do you clean motorcycle pipes?

0:515:20How to clean bluing & discoloration from brushed stainless steel ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipA good shop rag. Some contact cleaner. And we used to we like to use either a rubbing compound or aMoreA good shop rag. Some contact cleaner. And we used to we like to use either a rubbing compound or a mild metal polish you really can use either.

How do you make titanium pipes blue?

1:277:12Heat Coloring a Titanium Exhaust - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBlue then finally to a light blue and if you keep heating the metal up past the light blue color itMoreBlue then finally to a light blue and if you keep heating the metal up past the light blue color it goes to poopy black brown.

How do you remove heat stains from stainless steel exhaust?

Dip a soft cloth in vinegar and rub over the surface of the stainless steel. The heat streaks should start to rub off of the metal and transfer onto the cloth. Continue to rub the surface of the steel vigorously until no more streaks come off of the surface.

Does stainless steel exhaust change color?

Through the years, a number of people have asked us about their aftermarket exhaust tips turning a goldish color. Good-quality stainless steel normally turns this color when exposed to repeated heat cycles, and will even turn blue if it gets hot enough. The "golding" should be considered normal and not a defect.

How do you clean chrome exhaust on a motorcycle?

0:262:05Chrome Exhaust Cleaning Tutorial - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipReally what you need to take care of these things is some sort of microfiber cloth and a detailMoreReally what you need to take care of these things is some sort of microfiber cloth and a detail spray of some sort you want to go ahead spray the detail spray on the cloth.

How do you get scratches out of chrome exhaust?

0:384:20Quick motorcycle exhaust scratch removal guide - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI use this tea cup metal polish.MoreI use this tea cup metal polish.

Why is the exhaust pipe turning blue and how to remove it?

When I bought my bike from the dealership the header pipes were bluing and the actual exhaust chrome pipes were yellow/bluish. It took about 2 months for a Yamaha Canada factory rep to come to the dealership as they wanted to look at the exhaust as the header was due to running lean but they claimed they had never seen the actual exhaust pipes do this.

How to Fix Bluing on Motorcycle Exhausts | DoItYourself.com

Over time, heat from a motorcycle's exhaust can cause a bluing discoloration on the exhaust pipes. The bluing on the pipes is generally an indication that the motorcycle exhaust system is running too hot. This is a common and unsightly problem among most motorcycle owners.

Exhaust pipe turning brownish? Brand new bike! | Motorcycle Forum

Having the exhaust turn blue / golden is pretty typical on a thumper like the S40. It's nothing to worry about. There are products out there you can use to restore the original chrome, but the coloring will keep coming back.

Are your Exhaust Pipes discolored? | Motorcycle Forum

My 2005 Suzuki S83 Boulevard with 3000 miles on it has discolored exhaust pipes. They range from black to blue to yellow from the heads down. I took it to the local Suzuki dealer who said the bike ran fine and nothing was wrong with it. They also told me that they called Suzuki and they were...

Why Exhaust Pipes Turn Blue?

The reason why your exhaust pipes turn blue is because of the excessive heat going through the exhaust pipes. The exhaust pipes are designed to withstand heat, however if there is too much heat with soaring temperatures, the exhaust pipe metal starts coloring.

How To Prevent The Bluing Of Exhaust Pipe?

Okay, you have cleaned the bluing on your exhaust pipe. But you don’t want this situation to repeat. So, you are wondering how can you prevent this coloring of your exhaust pipe from happening again?

What Causes This Excessive Heat In Exhaust Pipes?

The exhaust pipe turning blue due to extreme heat is not a big problem. However, the reason that is causing so much heat in pipes can also cause issues in the motorcycle.

Why is my motorcycle exhaust blue?

It is caused by the heat in the motorcycle’s exhaust and may be an indication your motorcycle exhaust system is running too hot.

What causes blue exhaust pipes?

In addition to the blue discoloration, you are very likely to have plenty of dirt and debris on your motorcycle exhaust pipes. This needs to be completely removed before you can go any further.

How to polish chrome exhaust pipe?

For this stage, you need another microfiber cloth. Put some of the polish onto a microfiber cloth and dab it gently onto the exhaust pipe. Then rub it into the chrome in small circular motions. Don’t try to rush this. You need to work on one small area at a time. Focus on one square inch and complete it before you move onto the next one. Use a clean section of the microfiber for each new section.

How to buff exhaust pipe?

Keep going until you have covered all of the exhaust pipe. Buff the exhaust pipes. Finally, you need to use a clean microfiber cloth to buff the pipes.

Why does my exhaust turn blue?

It is mainly caused by heat penetrating from the inner wall and through the body of the exhaust pipe. When it reaches the chrome surface, the heat causes it to turn blue. Luckily, there’s a simple way to get rid of it and the results are impressive. Here’s how you do it.

How to get dirt off a motorcycle?

Always wait until your bike has completely cooled down before you start. Rinse it with cool water to remove most of the dirt. You can use motorcycle shampoo and a soft cloth to get rid of the remaining dirt and grease but don’t drag the cloth along the surface because that will cause scratches.

Why does my bike bluing?

The excessive heat that causes bluing is often caused by an engine running lean . This makes it run at a higher temperature than normal and the exhaust gets excessively hot.

Why are my motorcycle exhaust pipes blue?

Essentially, the metal becomes discolored as a result of the heat of the exhaust going through the pipes. Usually, the exhaust pipes are designed to resist the heat, so if you spot exhaust bluing on your bike, it is definitely worth investigating. Keep in mind that not all exhaust pipes are immune to bluing, so it may just be a symptom of the particular pipe your motorcycle has. Additionally, it is very common for the exhaust pipe to turn blue when the bike is still being broken in. If it happens shortly after purchasing the bike, chances are good that everything is fine. If your exhaust pipe turns blue much later, you should investigate. Finally, not all exhaust pipes turn blue. Heat turns chrome blue, but if your exhaust pipe is made of stainless steel, the excessive heat will turn it golden color.

Why does my bike exhaust turn blue?

Additionally, it is very common for the exhaust pipe to turn blue when the bike is still being broken in. If it happens shortly after purchasing the bike, chances are good that everything is fine. If your exhaust pipe turns blue much later, you should investigate. Finally, not all exhaust pipes turn blue.

What Dangers Does Exhaust Bluing Pose?

You will be happy to hear that exhaust bluing does not pose any danger to you or your bike. The exhaust pipe still works just fine with the blue coloring. However, exhaust bluing may be a sign that something else is wrong with your bike, and this other issue may actually cause a problem. If it happens, it usually means the exhaust is hotter than it is supposed to be. The three most common reasons exhaust might run hot are:

Why does my exhaust run hot?

The three most common reasons exhaust might run hot are: The bike is running lean. The bike's timing is off. There is a leak in the exhaust system.

Why is my exhaust blue?

If you discover that there is nothing wrong with your exhaust system, but the pipes are still turning blue, it may be that your exhaust pipes are not suited for how hot your exhaust runs. In this case, there are some products you can use to still prevent exhaust bluing. A common solution is to line the interior of the exhaust pipes with ceramic. There are kits available to help you with this, but it is still a difficult job to do yourself and easier to have a professional shop that specializes in ceramic coating perform the task.

What is the problem with motorcycle exhaust?

February 21, 2020. A common problem that motorcycle riders face is exhaust bluing. This is when the motorcycle exhaust pipe turns a shade of blue. Many motorcycle riders are a bit perplexed by this phenomenon, as it seems to happen for no reason at all. Of course, there is a reason, and it is important for you to understand what ...

How to get rid of exhaust bluing?

To truly get rid of exhaust bluing, you need to attend to the root of the problem. This will save you the hassle and finish damage that would come as a result of just using the bluing remover over and over. Not to mention this will also keep whatever is causing the bluing from causing other issues.

Why are my motorcycle pipes blue?

The first thing that you are probably wondering is why this happened in the first place. You walked out to your garage after a long ride and noticed some discoloration on your pipes. If your pipes are chrome, they are probably blue, and if they are stainless steel, they might be gold. Regardless, they aren’t the same color as the day you bought them. The culprit? It’s the heat! Your engine gets cooking, and when that exhaust flows through your pipes, they get hot too. This is not a rarity on motorcycles, and it happens often as riders break in their new bikes. But, it can also be a sign that your bike might be running lean, is off in its timing, or have a leak in the exhaust system. If you’re not breaking in a new bike, these issues are worth considering. The blue pipes can be a symptom of a larger problem.

How to stop bluing on bike exhaust?

One thing you could try is painting the inside of your exhaust with a ceramic coating. There are products made for exactly this purpose and they will help prevent future bluing in any well-tuned bike. There are a couple pitfalls to this tactic, however. For one, it can be difficult to paint the inside of your pipes, and if your pipes are not perfectly clean, it won’t work. Furthermore, this stuff is only intended for your header pipes, not your slip-on. If none of these points will be an issue for you, this would be a great way to go.

How to get rid of blue exhaust?

How to Get Rid of Exhaust Bluing. For those of you that don’t want blue pipes, there is a solution. There are a variety of products on the market that will wipe away the blue hue with nothing more than a bottle of cleaner, a cloth, and a heavy dose of elbow grease. Bluing Remover can help you bring your blue pipes back to their original shine.

What does it mean when a bike is running lean?

But, it can also be a sign that your bike might be running lean, is off in its timing, or have a leak in the exhaust system. If you’re not breaking in a new bike, these issues are worth considering.

How to avoid the blues on a bike?

The first thing to do would be to make sure your bike is running in peak condition. If your bike is producing extra heat because it is running lean or the timing is off, you have bigger problems.

Can you paint inside of pipes?

There are a couple pitfalls to this tactic, however. For one, it can be difficult to paint the inside of your pipes, and if your pipes are not perfectly clean, it won’t work. Furthermore, this stuff is only intended for your header pipes, not your slip-on. If none of these points will be an issue for you, this would be a great way to go.

Why is my motorcycle exhaust bluing?

Over time, heat from a motorcycle's exhaust can cause a bluing discoloration on the exhaust pipes. The bluing on the pipes is generally an indication that the motorcycle exhaust system is running too hot. This is a common and unsightly problem among most motorcycle owners.

How to clean a blue exhaust pipe?

Place some of the polish onto a microfiber cloth and dab onto exhaust pipe. Rub the polish onto the pipe using a small circular motion. Polish only one square inch section at a time. Once that area of the pipe is clean, move to another blue area using a clean section of the cloth. Repeat until pipes are free of all the bluing.

How to clean chrome on motorcycle?

Wash motorcycle and pipes thoroughly with motorcycle shampoo. All of the grease, dirt and debris must be removed in order for the polish to clean the pipes effectively. If their is any dirt or debris left, this could possibly scratch the chrome in the polishing process. Make sure that you dry the pipes with a microfiber cloth.

Why do people use pipe covers?

Some people like to use these pipe covers for aesthetic reasons to decorate their motorcycle. Other people like to use these covers for the purpose of protecting their bike. However, there is no evidence that these covers will protect the pipes from bluing completely.

Can you polish motorcycle pipes?

If desired, wash with motorcycle shampoo again before buffing. It is best to polish the pipes in the shade to prevent the pipes from getting too hot. Also, make sure to use a liquid polish. Powder polish contains abrasives that will scratch the chrome finish of the motorcycle pipes.

Does chrome polish remove bluing?

Also, please note that chrome polish takes off a very thin layer of chrome every time it is used. For that reason, this will not be a process that you want to repeat every week. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to prevent the bluing of pipes on your motorcycle.

Why is my exhaust blue?

Blueing of the exhaust headers is due to very hot exhaust gases. Usually indicates that the bike is running very lean, which is not good. Either the carbs need different jets or the valves need to be adjusted (most likely both).

Which side of the pipe is bluer?

Thanks for the replies everyone. I guess I will just have to live with it, no biggie. Actually, the riders left-side pipe really is bluer whereas the right-hand side is dark gold.

Why is my bike valve burning?

Yeah, it's normal if it's up to 6 inches from the cylinder. Caused by heat over a period of time. If it is much longer than 6 inches you are probably looking at a lean condition that can lead to burnt valves over a long period of time. In most cases a lean condition on an old bike can be cleared up by a simple carb rebuild. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

What does sweeter mixture do on a bike?

A slightly sweeter (richer) mixture on even a stock bike, will improve both driveability and appearance...

Why is my cylinder running hotter than the other?

It's caused by heat so no problem. What is notable though, is that the pipes are not evenly blued. One cylinder ran/runs hotter than the other. If dual carbed, one is set too lean. Maybe valves need adjusting.

Does Autosol clean blueing?

IIRC Autosol cleans up the blueing (temporarily), haven't tried in a long time though so I could be mistaken.

Why do motorcycle exhaust pipes turn blue?

Motorcycle exhaust pipes turn blue as a result of extreme heat passing through them. This is usually caused by the motorcycle running lean, meaning there is too much air and too little gas being mixed together which causes a higher temperature to pass through the exhaust pipes. I’ve run into my fair share of blue motorcycle pipes ...

Why are my motorcycle pipes blue?

Obviously there’s already a good amount of heat passing through them, but if there’s an excessive amount or a hotter amount passing through, the result often ends with blue pipes. Motorcyclists who rev their engines frequently may find that their pipes will eventually turn blue.

What is exhaust system on motorcycle?

The exhaust system on a motorcycle not only serves a vital function to the bike, but it can also be a statement according to your cosmetic taste. If someone is going to customize their motorcycle, the exhaust system is usually one of the most common things to be customized. Because they’re so important to the cosmetic makeup of a motorcycle, ...

What color are motorcycle exhaust pipes?

The extreme temperatures that can pass through motorcycle exhaust pipes that a motorcycle engine isn’t normally capable of producing usually results in a blue color. Generally you’ll see that the base of the header pipes will have the most color on them since that’s where it’s takes most of the heat.

What is good to know about motorcycles?

Written by Kyle Cannon in Good to Know. Most motorcyclists are proud to show off their motorcycle every time they go for a ride. And it’s no wonder because motorcycles are fun vehicles that can look pretty amazing if you take good care of them. There are a few cosmetic issues that can happen on motorcycles and they can often be annoying.

Why is my exhaust blue?

Another likely and more common culprit to the exhaust pipes turning blue is due to an engine that is running lean. When an engine runs lean, the carburetor (or sometimes even a fuel injector if you have one) will malfunction and either give too much air or not enough fuel to the engine.

How to get blue out of motorcycle exhaust?

You simply put the product on the pipes and work it in to polish it. It should eventually take out the blue that was initially formed.

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1.Why Motorcycle Exhaust Pipes Turn Blue (And How To …

Url:https://motorcyclehabit.com/why-motorcycle-exhaust-pipes-turn-blue-and-how-to-fix-it/

26 hours ago  · In simple terms, the ‘bluing’ of motorcycle exhausts is because of the intensely hot exhaust gasses passing through them, which cause the metal to discolor slightly.

2.How to Fix Bluing on Motorcycle Exhausts | Car Bibles

Url:https://www.carbibles.com/motorcycle-exhaust-bluing/

6 hours ago  · There is a simple reason your motorcycle exhaust pipes might have turned blue. Essentially, the metal becomes discolored as a result of the heat of the exhaust going …

3.How To Prevent Motorcycle Exhaust Bluing

Url:https://www.chapmoto.com/blog/2020/02/21/how-to-prevent-motorcycle-exhaust-bluing/

30 hours ago Motorcycle exhaust pipes turn blue from the extreme heat passing through them. This is usually caused by the bike running badly, which means there is too much air and too little gas …

4.Motorcycle Exhaust Blues: Don’t Let Exhaust Bluing Get …

Url:https://www.denniskirk.com/blog/2019/03/06/the-motorcycle-exhaust-blues-when-exhaust-bluing-gets-you-down/

24 hours ago There’s a simple reason why your motorcycle’s exhaust pipes have turned blue. Essentially, the metal discolors due to the heat of the exhaust passing through the pipes. Heat turns …

5.How to Fix Bluing on Motorcycle Exhausts

Url:https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-fix-bluing-on-motorcycle-exhausts

2 hours ago  · Over time, heat from a motorcycle's exhaust can cause a bluing discoloration on the exhaust pipes. The bluing on the pipes is generally an indication that the motorcycle …

6.Why is the exhaust pipe turning blue and how to remove it?

Url:https://www.gtamotorcycle.com/xf/threads/why-is-the-exhaust-pipe-turning-blue-and-how-to-remove-it.188872/

31 hours ago  · Blueing of the exhaust headers is due to very hot exhaust gases. Usually indicates that the bike is running very lean, which is not good. Either the carbs need different …

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