Jet washing an outboard?

Akira · 19 July 2016, 10:13

Hi guys,

Do anyone jet was the outboard to remove the salt and dirt?

I have read in this forum about kettle washing, once all the bullet connectors are properly filled with Vaseline, but what about a jet wash. Any counter-indications?

Say, if I jet wash it with foam, then rinse it, then let it dry about 1 week before next use, will it be ok?

Cheers

Pikey Dave · 19 July 2016, 10:21

I wash the outside of the engine, indeed the whole boat & trailer with a hot washer. I set the temp to around 70deg and CAREFULLY wash off the whole outfit. I keep a good distance away & use a fan nozzle. This gets all the salt out of the nooks & crannies. I then remove the engine cowl & rinse off the powerhead using the fine watering rose on the hose pipe. Let it dry (flush the engine first so it's warm, helps it dry quicker) I then use the blow gun on the compressor to blow any remaining water away. Finally a spray over the block with silicone spray. Job done👍

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Akira · 19 July 2016, 11:20

Good, mate!

But what about jet washing the INSIDE of the outboard, under the cowl?

Btw I was using the silicone spray as well, but red about the Quicksilver Corrosion Guard, gave it a try this week end, seems very good stuff

Xk59D · 19 July 2016, 11:31

I have had good service from corrosion X HD spray, perhaps similar to the quicksilver stuff?

Braver man than me to be pressure washing inside an Engine! I assume being very careful is mandatory.

jeffstevens763@g · 19 July 2016, 11:38

is the engine cowl not sealing properly allowing salt water in? i only WD40 no WATER if it did need cleaning i would use a spirit or brake/switch cleaner.
out side i use a hose and salt away.

cheers

Fenlander · 19 July 2016, 11:38

If you want to clean the engine under the hood get some bargain WD40 type spray (not an engine cleaner spray!) and spray all over using a small paintbrush to agitate off any stubbon dirt. The spray off again using the spray's pressure to "wash down" the dirt.

Dry excess off with a rag.

Trust me as someone who ran his own motor engineers business I know jet washing an engine under the hood can mean instant death to electrics/connections and a slow seizing of pivots etc.

Pikey Dave · 19 July 2016, 12:26

I certainly wouldn't jet wash under the hood. I've used the waxy corroguard type sprays in the past & they are good, the problem is they make the engine horrible to work on afterwards, it's a sticky messy gunk especially when warm & makes the engine look old, good stuff though. Silicone is cleaner & looks better IMHO. Personally I wouldn't use WD40 as it can soften rubber hoses. As for removing salt, salt isn't soluble in WD40, the best stuff to get rid of salt (IMHO) is warm water.

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jeffstevens763@g · 19 July 2016, 12:46

http://www.wd40.co.uk/wp-content/upl...ct-Aerosol.pdf

never experienced rubber problems.

Fenlander · 19 July 2016, 14:17

>>>WD40 as it can soften rubber hoses. As for removing salt, salt isn't soluble in WD40, the best stuff to get rid of salt (IMHO) is warm water.

Yep as Jeff says WD40 not a problem for rubber if just sprayed on as a mist and wiped off. Some rubber hoses react to being immersed in WD40 long term.

Agree re heavy salt buildup... rather than jetwash a warm jug of water gently poured over is OK... and then when dry WD40.

jeffstevens763@g · 19 July 2016, 14:38

dont forget hoses are fuel grade and heat resistant WD40 is going to do far less damage than salt water and once the water has been dispelled a clean rag will do the rest but for me no water should be put or enter under the hood.
as an alternative
http://www.axminster.co.uk/ambersil-...bZaBoC7CDw_wcB

spartacus · 19 July 2016, 15:49

Jet washing boat and outside of engine is fine, but avoid prolonged close spray. No reason to clean under engine hood, other than engine tray with warm water. Spraying water in there is likely to cause issues. 3-in-1 white lithium grease is good for exposed earth points and battery terminals afterwards.

paintman · 19 July 2016, 18:23

Close range jetwashing electrics whether it be wiring or components is never a good idea unless you particularly enjoy taking apart, drying & reconnecting things.
High pressure water will enter connectors etc with ease - bear in mind such items are intended to cope with splash.
Be careful with paint work as well, pointblank pressure washer can remove chipped paintwork with surprising efficiency!