Potentially Lame question.... Engine Cleaning

[purplehayes]

When it comes to cleaning the engine how do you guys recommend it gets done from experience. I have read on a few forums about litterally spraying down the engines with water and using a de-greaser on it at the same time... potentially then followed up by a corossion guard.

This is of course assuming a boat kept in the salt water.... such as mine

Any comments.

I would think that hte electrics would beed to be bagged somehow to make sure that they are kept dry.

Anyway, feedback please.

Cheers

 

[electricaldoctor]

In your signature, you say that your "Location" is Canada. Canada is one big country. Can you please edit that to be a little more specific. From your most recent post, we can only deduce that you are from either the east coast or west coast. Any particular reason why you want to keep us guessing as to where you are from? Take a look at other signatures to get a better idea of what I am referring to. While it is not mandatory that you be more specific with your location, the more info that you can supply in your signature will better help us when attempting to assist you with any particular problem that you are requesting help with.

~Ken

 

[BonBini]

From experience; I used an engine degreaser on my 230's 260 Merc. It lifted the clear coat finish! I've since just started using Dawn liquid dish soap and an old toilet bowl scrubber. I've seen the Merc products but haven't used much of them.

 

[Mike Blake]

In your signature, you say that your "Location" is Canada. Canada is one big country. Can you please edit that to be a little more specific. From your most recent post, we can only deduce that you are from either the east coast or west coast. Any particular reason why you want to keep us guessing as to where you are from? Take a look at other signatures to get a better idea of what I am referring to. While it is not mandatory that you be more specific with your location, the more info that you can supply in your signature will better help us when attempting to assist you with any particular problem that you are requesting help with.


What does that statement have to do with cleaning his engine?????:huh:

 

[Air O'Nautical]

I am a fan of not spraying water around the E/R.
Many things in the E/R will not like getting wet and can fail, like your battery charger, starters, alternators, ect.
I like to spray the engines with WD-40 and wipe down with a rag.

 

[Henry Boyd]

I am a fan of not spraying water around the E/R.
Many things in the E/R will not like getting wet and can fail, like your battery charger, starters, alternators, ect.
I like to spray the engines with WD-40 and wipe down with a rag.

I have to agree. When engine builders started putting $ 1500 engine computers on the top of motors I gave up engine cleaning. A dirty engine isn't going to cost you anything, water in the ECM on the other hand.........

Henry

 

[Someday Lady II]

I have to agree. When engine builders started putting $ 1500 engine computers on the top of motors I gave up engine cleaning. A dirty engine isn't going to cost you anything, water in the ECM on the other hand.........

Henry

I don't think a marine engine and its various accessories are that sensitive to water, after all, I hope the manufacturer realized where they were going to be installed.

Having said that, however, I wouldn't wash down my engines either. Stay on top of any leaks and wipe them down.

 

[electricaldoctor]

In your signature, you say that your "Location" is Canada. Canada is one big country. Can you please edit that to be a little more specific. From your most recent post, we can only deduce that you are from either the east coast or west coast. Any particular reason why you want to keep us guessing as to where you are from? Take a look at other signatures to get a better idea of what I am referring to. While it is not mandatory that you be more specific with your location, the more info that you can supply in your signature will better help us when attempting to assist you with any particular problem that you are requesting help with.


What does that statement have to do with cleaning his engine?????:huh:

He thought that there was a particular process if he was in salt. It was obviously a FYI for future reference. What is the purpose of your statement?:huh:

 

[tdappleman]

I use Simple Green in an air sprayer and clean the engines and the bilge at the same time. I do not spray near the carbs or distributor and keep the water away from my batteries and other items down there. It doesn't take much scrubbing or hard spraying - just let it soak in for a few minutes and rinse off. If you spray them down to minimize corrosion - do it with a spray which dries like the CRC. WD40 or similar will just attract dust.

 

[Mike Blake]

He thought that there was a particular process if he was in salt. It was obviously a FYI for future reference. What is the purpose of your statement?:huh:

OK but what's that got to do with cleaning an engine?Are there differant kinds of salt water?

 

[saopm]

I use Simple Green in an air sprayer and clean the engines and the bilge at the same time. I do not spray near the carbs or distributor and keep the water away from my batteries and other items down there. It doesn't take much scrubbing or hard spraying - just let it soak in for a few minutes and rinse off. If you spray them down to minimize corrosion - do it with a spray which dries like the CRC. WD40 or similar will just attract dust.

+1....Thats how I do it. I don't spray any CRC or WD40, just leave them clean.

 

[Nehalennia]

WD-40 and a good wipe down. The bilge itself is a whole other matter.

 

[electricaldoctor]

OK but what's that got to do with cleaning an engine?Are there differant kinds of salt water?

Perhaps you should refer back to his original post and ask him that question. You are not going to suck me into a pissing contest here Mike. Just trying to offer the newbie some friendly advice and nothing more. Go have a coffee and enjoy the ride.

 

[Mike Blake]

Perhaps you should refer back to his original post and ask him that question. You are not going to suck me into a pissing contest here Mike. Just trying to offer the newbie some friendly advice and nothing more. Go have a coffee and enjoy the ride.

I didn't bring any of this up. YOU DID! so why don't you answer the question? BTW, I know where Canada is do you?

 

[Gofirstclass]

Mike Blake, why do you insist on continuing this pissing match that hijacks the thread. Your opinion is contrary to his. Let it die.

 

[Mike Blake]

Mike Blake, why do you insist on continuing this pissing match that hijacks the thread. Your opinion is contrary to his. Let it die.

Why don't you mind your own business gofirstclass? I didn't hijack any thread.

 

[Lucky's]

:smt017.......this is like mid winter banter.....not boat launching, spring time banter!?!?

 

[wish2fish]

In your signature, you say that your "Location" is Canada. Canada is one big country. Can you please edit that to be a little more specific. From your most recent post, we can only deduce that you are from either the east coast or west coast. Any particular reason why you want to keep us guessing as to where you are from? Take a look at other signatures to get a better idea of what I am referring to. While it is not mandatory that you be more specific with your location, the more info that you can supply in your signature will better help us when attempting to assist you with any particular problem that you are requesting help with.


What does that statement have to do with cleaning his engine?????:huh:

While it may be a little long winded I think it is appropriate to state it for future use.

Somebody needs to get on you about how to quote another's post! :grin:

 

[sgelo]

I also use simple green and a hose. Doesn't take much scrubbing at all like the other post said and comes out great! After its dry I hit it with T-9 for corrosion protection. Never had a problem and it looks like it just came off the showroom floor....a clean engine is a happy engine.

 

[sbw1]

I used a damp cloth and never let things get out of hand. Some times have to use a little Fantastic on a rag and then follow that up with a a damp cloth. The key is to stay ahead of things before it becomes a major project.