Banks headers rusted out of the box

[DryCreek]

We have an 06 Winnebago that the first owner had installed the Banks Power Pack on. I think that was done in 07. They look just like what you've posted - covered with surface rust.

I was wondering the same thing as you. If these really are stainless, then they must be a pretty low grade one at that! Of course since I didn't shell out the money for the system, I am not that concerned about it.

[Daveinet]

Originally Posted by CJ7365

Heres a pic straight from the Banks WS. I would definitely be talking to someone on the phone


After going back and looking at your photo, you said you didn't notice the rust.

But it looks like those headers have been on there for a while, looking at the nuts holding the pipe on, its rusty too.

Also looking at other components under your RV they are rusty as well.

Are you sure these just got put on, like recently, or are you saying they have been installed for some time and should they look like this.

When did the headers get installed?

My opinion, these headers were not recently installed and the rust is consistent with all the other rust under your RV

Here is the thread from my discussion of having the head bolts drilled out when the headers were installed.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f22/broke...lt-381259.html
SO they were purchased in March of THIS YEAR. It was April when they finally finished the job and I took it home. The only trip it has been driven on was from Chicago to Indianapolis over Memorial Day weekend. So the headers have NEVER seen salt and only have been on for a short period of time. I didn't look at them closely when at the time of the install, but there were signs of rust then. I didn't get under the coach till recently.



Yes, of course the rest of the coach has rust, its lived all of its life in the north. But no reason for the headers to show rust in this short of time period, particularly when not exposed to anything that should cause rust. I could see rust stain, but not actual flaking like it is around the welds.



BTY:I took a magnet to them, the magnet stuck, so if they are stainless, which at this point, makes me wonder, it has to be in the 400 series.

[MoCoTom]

Their website states they are made from 400 stainless. I can understand your frustration with the rust after paying big $ for Banks products, but actually the 400 series is an excellent grade of stainless for exhaust products. The nickel content is low enough that it prevents cracking that would be more prevalent on higher nickel grades which are more brittle. The cracking becomes especially problematic at the welded seams. I get the fact that they look like crap with the rust but doubt they will rust through in the lifetime of your coach

[Mr_D]

I just got my stainless Magma BBQ out, the manual states that it can rust after it's heated too high.
"Stainless Steel loses anti-corrosive characteristics when subjected to extreme heat."

[Soppy]

I have Banks stainless headers on my 454. They look rusted just like yours , but they don't seem to get any worse over the years. Don't know what they looked like new as they were on the coach when I purchased it.

[House Husband]

Banks exhaust systems have always surfaced rusted. I installed the Banks power pack on my 95 Bounder 460 in 2003. The surface rust showed up immediately. At that point in time, Banks advertised 308 stainless for their exhaust systems. 15 years later there are still no leaks from heads to exhaust tip. I believe I got my $$ worth.

Richard