cleaning an oily outboard

[braindead0]

I just removed my OB, getting ready to give it the once over (carb rebuild, new impeller, check thermostat...etc..).. I just got this boat and motor used, so I don't know how it 'should' be..<br /><br />But, it's awefully oily under the cowl, there's puddles in the bottom of the engine and the battery cables and wires were pretty oiled up. This may have been due to running with the electric primer in manual position (running rich) for a good 3 hours ;-)..my bad.<br /><br />Is is safe to use engine degreaser, or perhaps some orange clean and water (not high pressure) to clean out some of the oily mess?

 

[JB]

Re: cleaning an oily outboard

Howdy, BD.<br /><br />I use Gunk in that situation. <br /><br />Plug the carb(s). Spray it on, let it sit a while, spray it with water followed by a nice long dryout in the sun or a going over with an airhose.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[braindead0]

Re: cleaning an oily outboard

Thanks, that's about what I figured.. same procedure as for a motorcycle.. As I'll be doing the carb anyway, I'll probably just tie a plastic bag over the entire thing...<br /><br />Just thought I'd make sure if there were any odd things to watch for!

 

[Solittle]

Re: cleaning an oily outboard

Be doubly sure that no water can get into the motor. That can cause detonation which, if bad enough, will require a rebuild.

 

[braindead0]

Re: cleaning an oily outboard

I can't imagine how else water would get in, except via exhaust and intake.. unless the crankcase is leaking.. and that'd be pretty bad ;-).<br /><br />After the cleaning, I'll be removing spark plugs and fogging the cylinders.. removing carb (and fogging crankcase).. and sometime this winter I'll remove the lower and what not. I figure even if somehow water got into the engine proper.. it'd be gone by next spring ;-)

 

[Hooty]

Re: cleaning an oily outboard

Douche it down good with WD40 and wipe it off with paper towels.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty