I just got a 86 suzuki 450 a little over a month ago. After ridding it the pipes are turning blue. I know its got to be from the heat somehow. What causes it, and is there anything that i can do to fix it? thanks for your help.
2006-09-12 05:04:10 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Your underwear is too tight. Ooops,sorry ! Just read the rest of your question. Call a garage for some info, tell them you're looking for quotes ...even if you're not
2006-09-12 05:09:21 · answer #1 · answered by Taylor29 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heat causes the "blues." Numerous products claim to cure the problem all with less than "perfect" results. Most use harsh chemicals along with varying levels of abrasive compounds. To a certain level these products will diminish blueing but will however remove the chrome treatment itself. Best bet is to look into exhaust systems that offer heat shields that cover the actual pipe(s) doing all of the work. Keep in mind that a blue pipe shows that you place more importance on riding than on vanity. Different strokes for different folks I suppose. Hey, Enjoy that breeze between your knees!!!
2006-09-12 12:15:11 · answer #2 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you haven't made any changes to the tuning, and the pipes just began to turn blue, then there may be a problem with jetting or timing.
If you have a bit of engine knowledge, you can install new spark plugs (be sure you've got the proper heat range and gap), then take the bike for a 20 mile ride. Afterwards, remove each spark plug and inspect the ceramic section.
See the NGK site here http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/techinfo/spark_plugs/overviewp3.asp?nav=31000&country=US for how to read the plug.
Do this with each plug.
If plug readings are good, then your heat bluing is probably normal. If plug readings are weird or erratic, then you'll need to do more sleuthing to find the problem.
As others mentioned, it could be improper jetting, or one of these:
Air leak
Ignition Timing
Cam Timing
Low Compression
Bad Gas
If you'd like to tackle it yourself, I'd highly recommend purchasing a shop manual before you do anything else: http://www.cyclemanuals.com/C/Su/372.htm
I'm guessing you've got a GS, but if not, find your model.
2006-09-12 07:06:40 · answer #3 · answered by ducatisti 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's normal for some bikes to do that, because of the exhaust heat. Most bikes that don't do it have double wall exhaust pipes. The inner pipes turn blue, you just don't see it.
If you're worried that something is wrong, look at the tip of a sparkplug. Brown is proper, black means the engine is old or running rich. White is too hot, and you need to take it to a mechanic.
2006-09-12 05:56:36 · answer #4 · answered by Bob 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Heat is the culprit. You have to live with it unless you add some sort of heat shield (and hope that the shield does not overheat) OR you can apply a heat-proof coating (some paints, ceramic coating, aluminumized coating, etc.) The coating will have a color but it will not be chrome-like. On my bike, I let the pipes go blue up to the muffler cans, and then the cans themselves have carbon fiber outters. You can also heat-wrap your pipes, but if you go that route, try not to let them get wet or else you may be helping corrosion.
2006-09-12 06:56:13 · answer #5 · answered by hemisphere_shuffler 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The heat causes the nickel to revert back to it's pre-chrome state.It's is basically the molecular structure acting in reverse.Chrome goes through many stages of plating,sliver,cadmium,nickel,chrome.Nickel,is blue it is raw form.
Sometimes,running a bike on middle or high octane will cause heat to rise or re-jetting the carb Will cause the bike to run lean (hot).I believe it is Ir-reversible and should be considered "normal".
2006-09-12 06:06:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is a normal condition ..you can use blu-job like someone else suggested,but it will only come back..i use heat shiels to cover up the blue sections on my drag pipes...you can also buy double wall aftermarket pipes that look great,,,blueing is normal on all motorcycle single wall exhaust systems and is not considered a problem...learn to live with it..
2006-09-12 18:31:23 · answer #7 · answered by bill b 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Plain old ordinary heat. I personally like the gunmetal blue to chrome transition. Looks neat.
2006-09-12 05:13:16 · answer #8 · answered by RANDLE W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Me thinks you should stop riding around with your choke on. That's what turns your pipes blue. It causes the lean/ mixture problem the other guys are describing.
2006-09-12 11:48:51 · answer #9 · answered by x 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
as others have mentioned, it is the heat. Some aftermarket pipes are better about blueing than others.
2006-09-12 05:56:13 · answer #10 · answered by Sportsterjohn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋