304 SS rusting in two weeks?

[Anorax]

EDIT: The question isn't if 304SS ever rusts. We all know it does. This, however, seems extreme for being installed for TWO weeks.

The vendor who sold me my exhaust would have be believe that my tips, which he assures me are 100% 304 SS (because they're not magnetic.. His reason) are rusting due to over exposure to elements.

The exhaust has been installed for TWO weeks. There has been one snowstorm, during which my car sat nice and comfy in the garage. It's always in the garage at home.

It has not been driven through heavy snow and the tips certainly haven't been sleeping in snow.

Anyone believe there's any possibility of this happening in such a short timeframe to 304 SS?

[microbionic]

yes, 304 ss rusts

[trish07]

Any pictures?

[Anorax]

I see a pic? http://i.imgur.com/dflEe27l.jpg

[mezdup]

@Anorax http://www.meganracing.com/new/tech/...inless%20Steel

Grade 304 stainless steel contains 18-20% chromium, which is the main element that gives this grade of steel the corrosion resistance it has. It has excellent forming and welding characteristics. With all that said, just because an item is T-304 Stainless Steel, does not mean that the material is 100% stain or corrosion proof. It is merely more resistant to staining and corrosion. The weather and environment with higher than normal humidity and precipitation figures allow the steel to be more prone to rust and corrosion, but 304 stainless steel is NOT rust-proof.

[Foobar]

Two weeks? No man, that's crazy talk. It probably has some iron contaminants on the surface that need to be cleaned off. If it continues to happen immediately after that, you got some bad 304SS or some crazy environmental exposure going on.

[Dimman]

Check if a magnet sticks. Vendor is correct about that.

If it doesn't stick it's 3xx series stainless.

There are some possible causes if it is 3xx.

First 304 or any stainless isn't perfect. They resist rust/corrosion and there are levels. 409 is terrible, 304 is better, 316L is better still, 321 is superb at high temperatures. Rolex watches use a 9xx stainless that is even better. But each step in the corrosion resistance ladder costs money. 304 is the entry-level of the better 3xx series.

Second is chemistry. Steels hate salt and water and air all mixed together. Something about electrolysis makes oxidizing easier. 316L is better against this and is commonly referred to as 'marine grade' because of it. Dirt can keep salt and moisture on the metal longer which gives a longer chance for rust to form.

Third could be contamination during manufacture. If it was polished with some scotchbrite or a wire wheel that was previously used on mild steel, it can embed small particles of the previous material on the surface that will rapidly oxidize. You can make aluminum 'rust' by doing this.

[Beyer Subaru]

Ouch! That sux. Sorry for your loss.

[russv]

Is that salt on the rear of the car? If so, problem solved.

[Anorax]

No, they don't salt the roads here

[reeves]

Originally Posted by Anorax

The vendor who sold me my exhaust would have be believe that my tips, which he assures me are 100% 304 SS (because they're not magnetic.. His reason) are rusting due to over exposure to elements.

The exhaust has been installed for TWO weeks.

Which exhuast is that btw?

[Anorax]

Originally Posted by reeves

Which exhuast is that btw?

Intentionally leaving that information out to focus more on the possibility of 304 SS rusting out in two weeks. Sorry, not trying to stir any pots, just get information.

[bakerr6]

Originally Posted by reeves

Which exhuast is that btw?

Works exhaust system

[reeves]

Originally Posted by bakerr6

Works exhaust system

Pot stirred.