Ive tried regular (Zaino) wash, then more harsh cleaners ultimately to CarbMedic decarb cleaner.

Now CarbMedic I used to use on my boat carborator and that sh&% will remove anything non metal.

It got some - certainly not all of the carbon off my exhaust tips.

With the fuel mixture comming out the back (oil injectors in the CAT??) the carbon will continue to build.

Any suggestions on other cleaners decarbonizers that wont ruin the the finish on the tips??

thanks.

You should consider getting a dealer to look at your that problem. It sounds like you have too much grunge. My experience is:

With 1800 miles, I can clean my tailpipe with a dry towel or a smidge of chrome polish on a cloth in a few seconds. There is usually barely a dusting, but definitley visually black, just nothing that builds up crud, more just a dry black power.

Haven't noticed driving habits had much effect. I do a mixture.

I'll keep scrubbing with the soft stuff until I get close to metal then switch to a crome polish.


I think it has just built up and baked on over time (2700miles) and my casual washings arent getting it.

Use a product called NEVR-DULL (by Eagle One) it come in a black can (I've also seen it in silver cans too). It is a shredded cotton-like material imprgnated with a chemical that polishes metal, and it cuts through every type of grime including exhaust soot.

Ill look for it locally - thanks.

Just a shame to see my shiney Zainoed Car with sooty pipes.

Kind of defeats the purpose of Mazda putting nice looking pipes in the back and running the engine so rich.

organic compounds, like exhaust soot, are dissolvable in other organic compounds like "non-flammable solvent" (what shops use... forget what the chemical name is), or just plain old gasoline. seriously.

...I was seriously thinking of getting out the ol toothbrush and gasoline.

Just got back from a adreneline road trip so will have to her a bath tomorrow. So good time to clean the soot.

You need to polish the INSIDE of the exhaust tip (which by the way is a very nice piece) to keep the soot from sticking, then after that just a damp paper towel will wipe off any accumulation.
I use the following products:

Then the result will look like this:

thanks
I'll try that 6speed

This is the Exhaust tip after 100 miles (and after being polished):

Then to clean it, just take a damp (with water) paper cloth and wipe it off:

that stuff most really work to be that clean after 100 miles
mine looks like that after 100ft:D

Originally posted by mikeb
that stuff most really work to be that clean after 100 miles
mine looks like that after 100ft:D

Yeah, before I polished the inside, there was a huge amount of crud. I guess most of it just slides off.

Wow, very impressive results. I had pretty much given up on my tailpipes as a lost cause as they are perpetually black. Now I'll have to go give those products a shot.

Only drawback now is that if I can figure out how to keep my tailpipes clean, I'll be trying to rationalize to myself to spend the money on those overpriced exhaust finishers.

price gauging sucks

Originally posted by 6speed8
You need to polish the INSIDE of the exhaust tip (which by the way is a very nice piece) to keep the soot from sticking, then after that just a damp paper towel will wipe off any accumulation.
I use the following products:

This stuff absolutely works. I followed 6speed8's recommendation and applied this stuff. After two days now...NO BLACK STUFF has accumulated on the tips. Amazing!!!:D

I tried turtle wax on exhaust because thats all I have right now in the garage and that doesn't work

but I will try 6speeds idea when the weekend comes

i dont use any wax and the soot still wipes right off.

no,
mine wipes off too
but I thought using the wax might prevent soot from coming as often

Yes, polishing the inside of the exhaust tip, keeps the soot from accumulating (it kinda slides right off), and whatever little bit does take hold, wipes right off. Polishing the inside makes it look better too.

ok i'll try it. but i think as my engine breaks in there is less soot accumulating.

my soot has not decreased but I wipe it about twice a week so it stays looking new

the only thing worst then the soot is keeping the damn rims clean

Originally posted by mikeb
my soot has not decreased but I wipe it about twice a week so it stays looking new

the only thing worst then the soot is keeping the damn rims clean


Mike, yes , the front wheels seem to accumulate alot of brake dust. Here's what I did to reduce the dust.

1. Claybar the wheels. (to get the surface smooth)
2. Apply several coats of Zaino
3. Use a small California duster to dust any accumulation.
4. Anything that does not come off with 'dusting', use a
wet sponge to remove, and then use the Zaino Z6 detail
spray to finish.

This works for me, daily time = 10 minutes. The '8' sure has
dusty brakes.

thanks 6speed

I can't stand my car being dirty

Originally posted by mikeb
thanks 6speed

I can't stand my car being dirty
Tell me about it - I just accomplished another major wash/Zaino session on Monday. I touched up with Z6 Tuesday, and vacuumed the carpets Wed before a formal dinner. Just before leaving I noticed a layer of fine dust ALL over the car! All I can figure is that it came from the damned vacuum cleaner. What a drag!