Exhaust Statement!
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Exhaust Statement!
Not a question more of a comment. I purchased a new exhaust for my 2000 F350, ordered a Gibson catback stainless steel. Nice exhaust, went on very well but it's starting to rust quite bad. To the point its kind of flakey. Its only been on about 4 months, live in Canada so winters are harsh but I've never seen stainless rust like this. Had Rousch system on my last truck, 3 years & looked almost the same as when it was installed. Just thought I'd put this out there for some comments.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
What kind of stainless steel was it? There are two types of stainless steel used in exhaust systems. T-304 and T-409.
T-304 is the most desirable. T-409 will show surface oxidation or rust, contrary to what you are being told above.
From Stainless Online | Information on t304 and t409 stainless steel
Knowing the difference between the t304 and t409 stainless steel will greatly help you when you buy stainless steel products. The t304 system will not oxidize or rust. However, it can develop a golden color when exposed to high heat over time. The t409 stainless steel has a lot of ferrous material in it and can show surface oxidation after a while, especially when exposed to calcium chloride or salt. However, this can be prevented by applying stainless steel cleanser using a scouring pad.
If you are concerned about long-term appearance, then you should get the t304. If you are more concerned about the price but want something that is fairly durable, then the t409 will work just as well. So the next time you buy a stainless steel product, make sure you ask about t304 and t409 stainless steel options.
Not that T-409 is bad. It will outlast a mild steel exhaust system. In 1995 I purchased an F-150 with a 302 V-8. The exhaust sounded like a blow dryer. I promised to upgrade it to something that sounded and flowed better, but being the cheap SOB that I am I told myself I would replace the system when the original wore out. (Ford used T-409 stainless). When I sold the truck at 240k it still had the original muffler and tailpipe. Neither showed any signs of needing replacing.
T-304 is the most desirable. T-409 will show surface oxidation or rust, contrary to what you are being told above.
From Stainless Online | Information on t304 and t409 stainless steel
Knowing the difference between the t304 and t409 stainless steel will greatly help you when you buy stainless steel products. The t304 system will not oxidize or rust. However, it can develop a golden color when exposed to high heat over time. The t409 stainless steel has a lot of ferrous material in it and can show surface oxidation after a while, especially when exposed to calcium chloride or salt. However, this can be prevented by applying stainless steel cleanser using a scouring pad.
If you are concerned about long-term appearance, then you should get the t304. If you are more concerned about the price but want something that is fairly durable, then the t409 will work just as well. So the next time you buy a stainless steel product, make sure you ask about t304 and t409 stainless steel options.
Not that T-409 is bad. It will outlast a mild steel exhaust system. In 1995 I purchased an F-150 with a 302 V-8. The exhaust sounded like a blow dryer. I promised to upgrade it to something that sounded and flowed better, but being the cheap SOB that I am I told myself I would replace the system when the original wore out. (Ford used T-409 stainless). When I sold the truck at 240k it still had the original muffler and tailpipe. Neither showed any signs of needing replacing.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Ya its the T-409 stainless steel, didn't know the differance when I purchased it, guess I should of done my homework better. I called Gibson & they said it may develop a small amount of surface rust but you can clean it with scotch brite. Problem being its only been on the truck @3months, whats it going to be like after 3 years??? Basically they told me there is nothing they can do, nice hey. I bought this so it would last & not rust but I guess I should of done more research on types of stainless. That sucks.
