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Any cleaning suggestions for Tailpipe carbon buildup?

Dusty1948

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I'm looking for a non-abrasive solution to remove the carbon buildup at the end of the tailpipes. Lacquer thinner will remove some, but it takes a lot of rubbing. Any suggestions appreciated.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 041146 miles.
 
Brillo pad. Soft steel wool is not abrasive on metal. Stock exhaust tips will be Fine. Mine look like new and I use Brillo every 2 weeks


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Once you get it clean, install a catch can. I know there are guys who say they don't do a damned thing but one thing the UPR catch cans do on our three Rams in the family is eliminate the tailpipe carbon buildup. I first installed one on my 2018 Longhorn simply to catch the crap before it head back into the engine and was surprised to see after a few weeks that the chrome was still bright and shiny on the duals exiting the rear of the truck. I assumed it was just coindence but after a year it was still the same way. We installed them on two other Rams in the family and had the same thing - clean chrome dual exhausts. We recently traded two of them in on 2020 Rams and installed the UPR catch cans in the new trucks...same thing. I'm not necessarily advertising UPR catch cans as I've been told by other catch can users that it does keep the exhaust chrome clean but you might consider purchase a catch can.
 
Once you get it clean, install a catch can. I know there are guys who say they don't do a damned thing but one thing the UPR catch cans do on our three Rams in the family is eliminate the tailpipe carbon buildup. I first installed one on my 2018 Longhorn simply to catch the crap before it head back into the engine and was surprised to see after a few weeks that the chrome was still bright and shiny on the duals exiting the rear of the truck. I assumed it was just coindence but after a year it was still the same way. We installed them on two other Rams in the family and had the same thing - clean chrome dual exhausts. We recently traded two of them in on 2020 Rams and installed the UPR catch cans in the new trucks...same thing. I'm not necessarily advertising UPR catch cans as I've been told by other catch can users that it does keep the exhaust chrome clean but you might consider purchase a catch can.
I appreciate the advice and suggestion. Something to look into.

Best regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 041290 miles.
 
Gun cleaners designed for carbon?
 
Gun cleaners designed for carbon?
Well, I have plenty of that, but I tried carburetor cleaner with a semi-abrasive pad and only got about 50% of it off.

Best regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 041292 miles.
 
I use all purpose cleaner to get some basic big stuff off and then use metal polish with a drill attachment typically. Works really good for me.
 
I just use a soft wash cloth - the same one I wash the top of my near bald head with and my nearly spotless chrome exhaust tips. :)

Get a catch can - I know you all will be shocked at the zero soot. Frankly, I’m surprised more guys haven’t noticed this and proclaim that as a benefit of a catch can.
 
Chemical guys Heavy Metal Cleaner. Looks like a white lotion lol. I've used it and seems to work well. You could also try Meguires Scratch 2.0 compound.
 
Oven cleaner, maybe?
You know, I thought of that. I think I'll try it.

Best regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 041318 miles.
 
Mother's mag polish on 0000 steel wool followed by microfiber. Or black exhaust tips, lol

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I use steel wool or also barkeepers friend. Works amazing at removing water spots on glass too because of the mild acid.
 
You know, I thought of that. I think I'll try it.

Best regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 041318 miles.
I used to use it on powervalves on my sleds,worked pretty good.
 
Once you get it clean, install a catch can. I know there are guys who say they don't do a damned thing but one thing the UPR catch cans do on our three Rams in the family is eliminate the tailpipe carbon buildup. I first installed one on my 2018 Longhorn simply to catch the crap before it head back into the engine and was surprised to see after a few weeks that the chrome was still bright and shiny on the duals exiting the rear of the truck. I assumed it was just coindence but after a year it was still the same way. We installed them on two other Rams in the family and had the same thing - clean chrome dual exhausts. We recently traded two of them in on 2020 Rams and installed the UPR catch cans in the new trucks...same thing. I'm not necessarily advertising UPR catch cans as I've been told by other catch can users that it does keep the exhaust chrome clean but you might consider purchase a catch can.
I didn't have a can on my last Ram and the tips would get sooty after a couple weeks. I've had a can on my current Ram for 10 months now and haven't cleaned the tips once, still bright and shiny
 
For polishing metal I've had good success with:

Nevr-Dull (https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-One-Nevr-Dull-Wadding-Restoration/dp/B000CNBI1A). The best part about this is that you just pull off a small wad and start wiping. Just make sure you polish it with a dry towel shortly after as it can leave some streaks if it dries on there. When I was in the Navy I kept a stash of this stuff on-board and used it on all the brass before an inspection.

Meguiar's has a couple of products that are effective depending on the type of surface and application process you prefer:


 
Chrome polish works well, and you can use it conjunction with a scrubby green pad like those on a kitchen sponge. In fact I use an old sponge and toss when done.
 

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