Exhaust Carbon Cleaning

[hudson]

Hey Guys, I acquired some second-hand mufflers/silencers at a super low price and there is a quite a bit of carbon buildup internally. Perhaps between usage through time itself and running too rich for an extended period? What is the best way to clean them out? Engine degreaser, brake cleaner, etc., with an extended brush and flush with water? I don't want to harm/cause rust, etc. on the inside nor damage to the chrome on the out. Any methods or suggestions with good a quick results? I never needed to do this. Thanks!

[Seth]

Try Easy-Off oven cleaner. The type that works in a cold oven.

[Kurt in S.A.]

Easy-Off works inside the muffler?

Kurt in S.A.

[Seth]

Probably difficult to get everywhere inside, but I’ve had success getting burned on stuff off the outside. Like boot rubber from an exhaust pipe and rain gear that touched a hot pipe. Just figured if you could see the carbon, you can probably spray it. Probably difficult to get at the packing.

[Kurt in S.A.]

Well, he did say "... quite a bit of carbon buildup internally."

On the one hand, it's problematic to get water/cleaner inside the muffler, thus difficult to get out. But moisture often condenses in there and running the engine and warming things up does help disperse it. Maybe that could work here. Otherwise, run what you got!!

Kurt in S.A.

[hudson]

Thanks guys! I have a hard bristle brush that with a long handle that will fit inside for scrubbing and go down as far as I can on both ends. I will try the easy off and rinse with plenty of water, use compressed air and set up vertically in the sun as they are not on the bike. Thanks!