How to clean burned material of the exhaust headers?

[maurice]

If you do use a penny (in the US) make sure it's BEFORE 1982!
If your Lincoln Memorial penny has a date before 1982, it is made of 95% copper. If the date is 1983 or later, it is made of 97.5% zinc and plated with a thin copper coating.1982saw both types as they were switching over.

Have a tar spot, other methods lightened, not gone.
Found a penny walking. 1983. Darn.

 

[maurice]

Many know this probably, took me awhile,, but discovered today, clean mufflers when warm! sooo much easier to get tar specs off.

 

[zenbiker]

I've always used the cold Easy Off oven cleaner with never a problem. Spray on and leave alone for 24 hours. Then wipe off.
Will not harm the finish!

 

[Tripps]

I've always used the cold Easy Off oven cleaner with never a problem. Spray on and leave alone for 24 hours. Then wipe off.
Will not harm the finish!

I have used it also

 

[Rockatansky]

Take a clean old cotton towel right when the muffler is still hot - and everything can be wiped of as if it was Chocolate... had this with parts of a black plastic bag on my Scrambler. Went off in a second...

 

[maurice]

I've always used the cold Easy Off oven cleaner with never a problem. Spray on and leave alone for 24 hours. Then wipe off.
Will not harm the finish!

I will try next time. Worked my arse off last time rubbing with never dull. Time before came off easy with warm pipes. Not this time! Not all tar created equal! Did not have penny before 1953, or was it 43.Thanks for posting.

 

[CrzystghndKC]

As long as we're on this subject make sure any rag you touch a hot pipe with is 100% cotton. Accidentally went to wipe off something off and grabbed a microfiber rag. Not a good result.

 

[maurice]

As long as we're on this subject make sure any rag you touch a hot pipe with is 100% cotton. Accidentally went to wipe off something off and grabbed a microfiber rag. Not a good result.

So it stuck to the pipes? My micro fiber clothes never have.

 

[Rock_RFlordia]

I turned the engine on after couple minute later seen smoke coming of the headers, once the engine was turned off there was burned material all over the exhaust header!!! its hard and dark.... How do I clean it?

Thank you.

Fine grit sand paper

 

[CrzystghndKC]

So it stuck to the pipes? My micro fiber clothes never have.

The pipes were hot and the microfiber melted like a grocery bag.