Brand New Ceramic Coated Headers Rusting!
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 344
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Brand New Ceramic Coated Headers Rusting!
I bought a set of ceramic coated Hooker headers from Summit several weeks ago. When they arrived, I placed the unopened box in the bed of my truck, which was setting inside the garage. A few weeks later we took them out of the box and installed them. I have still not started the new engine due to some other issues I are working through, but this week I noticed two of the pipes already have rust forming on them. If they were not coated, this would not surprise me. But to be coated, and brand new, on an engine that has not yet been started and to have rust is disappointing.
I have sent Summit and e-mail and they are asking for pictures. I will get pictures to them in a day or two. I'll let you know what happens....
I have sent Summit and e-mail and they are asking for pictures. I will get pictures to them in a day or two. I'll let you know what happens....
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,600
Likes: 1,174
From: San Jose, CA
Watching to see what they say. I would think they'd take care of you no matter what. Most, if not all header manufacturers will warranty their coatings under far worse circumstances than yours. Easy to see they've not been run, and the coating should not allow air through to rust.
Luckily Hooker's a big name brand from way back. If you're really lucky, they use JetHot to coat their stuff!
Doubt it, and they may even do it themselves, but it should be a warranable offense.
Good luck.
Paul
Luckily Hooker's a big name brand from way back. If you're really lucky, they use JetHot to coat their stuff!
Doubt it, and they may even do it themselves, but it should be a warranable offense.
Good luck.
Paul
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 303
From: Kenner,La.
Headers
When you get the replacement headers be sure to wipe them down with 91% alcohol right before the first start up. Otherwise you will see a picture of your fingerprints on the ceramic coating after the headers heat up.
I am sure you will have no problem with Summit.
I am sure you will have no problem with Summit.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Ya, Summit should take them back easily. They will then end up on their junk table for about 1/2 price(still cover their costs).
Sadly, that is the problem with most coated headers. You don't know how well they were coated til they rust or flake.
I bought a set of Hooker Super comps for my '69 off the junk table at Summit(akron store) for $50, they were only painted. I prefit them(to make sure if I had to bang them up to fit), then had them coated locally. I had about about $200 in the coating.
Sadly, that is the problem with most coated headers. You don't know how well they were coated til they rust or flake.
I bought a set of Hooker Super comps for my '69 off the junk table at Summit(akron store) for $50, they were only painted. I prefit them(to make sure if I had to bang them up to fit), then had them coated locally. I had about about $200 in the coating.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 344
Likes: 7
Well...Summit replied today:
Thank you for sending the pictures. I do see how these are rusting. I checked with our tech department and they said this will happen with Hooker headers coated headers. I would recommend to try and clean the headers with a MBK type solvent. The tech department said that may even remove the rust. They said then once they are cleaned to polish them with Mothers Mag polish.
We could warranty these and send another set to you but they will eventually look the same without a maintenance program of cleaning and polishing them. The manufactures do not use the best coatings. It is usually best to just buy a black painted or natural finish header and then find a coater local to you and have them do it.
If you wanted to clean and polish your current ones so you can use them we could refund you $50 for the troubles. Or if you want to warranty these and get a new set we could do that. Let me know how you would like to proceed.
We appreciate your business.
In order to replace the headers, I'd have to pull the motor about 1/2 way out of the engine bay. Not worth the trouble.
Thank you for sending the pictures. I do see how these are rusting. I checked with our tech department and they said this will happen with Hooker headers coated headers. I would recommend to try and clean the headers with a MBK type solvent. The tech department said that may even remove the rust. They said then once they are cleaned to polish them with Mothers Mag polish.
We could warranty these and send another set to you but they will eventually look the same without a maintenance program of cleaning and polishing them. The manufactures do not use the best coatings. It is usually best to just buy a black painted or natural finish header and then find a coater local to you and have them do it.
If you wanted to clean and polish your current ones so you can use them we could refund you $50 for the troubles. Or if you want to warranty these and get a new set we could do that. Let me know how you would like to proceed.
We appreciate your business.
In order to replace the headers, I'd have to pull the motor about 1/2 way out of the engine bay. Not worth the trouble.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Well, they will take care of you, but unfortunately at a cost of time to you.
I've heard too many horror stories like this, thus I got a local coater for mine.
I've heard too many horror stories like this, thus I got a local coater for mine.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2014
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Summit refunded $50 to me. I'll clean and polished them before I start the engine, and again after it cools off, just to see if it helps slow down the rust.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 344
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Lesson learned. If I ever buy another set of headers, that is exactly what I'll do.
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