cleaning rubber lining on outboard

[onehunglow]

My Evinrude outboard has a grey rubber-like lining on the bottom of the cover that seals it from the outside world. <br /><br />After a few years it has developed what looks like moldy black spots. I have tried to clean this with Aurora anti-mildew and even a powdered cleanser. It has helped a bit but there still appears to be deep-down black stains.<br /><br />Has anyone had any luck removing this stuff?

 

[MarkHPCA]

Re: cleaning rubber lining on outboard

Hi one... I see you are in Montreal too and as my Johnson (white) has the same problem it must be in the water <br /><br />Seriously I too have tried many different solvents and cleaners without much luck.. I would be interested if someone else has had success.

 

[Dave S3948]

Re: cleaning rubber lining on outboard

I have found that Bleach White.........a product for cleaning whitewall or white letter tires does a pretty good job on mouldings. It also good for cleaning vinyl seats (use sparingly) when ordinary cleaners can't get them clean. You can get this product at Wal Mart or any Auto Supply store.

 

[onehunglow]

Re: cleaning rubber lining on outboard

Hey Mark - I am on Lake Memphramagog...maybe you are right about the water here - but how does it get all the way up to the rubber lining on the cover? Maybe the air too.<br /><br />Dave, I will try that Blean White - this past weekend I went through a gamut of products - orange, Oxy powder, Dutch cleanser, Hertel, Starbrite Mildew cleaner even pure bleach. It will remove whatever is on the surface but the rubber still has dark-grey mildew seems to be imbedded in it. <br /><br />I am tempted to just sandpaper it out...I am that frustrated. Maybe muriatic acid if the bleach-white doesn't work

 

[MarkHPCA]

Re: cleaning rubber lining on outboard

I tried the sandpaper/steel wool and still it's there, a bit better but not gone.

 

[Dave S3948]

Re: cleaning rubber lining on outboard

Try some straight bleach first. You probably already have some for the laundry. Just wipe on and wipe off. That may work better than Bleach White even. If it's mildew, that should take care of it.

 

[onehunglow]

Re: cleaning rubber lining on outboard

Nope - did the pure bleach AND left it on for a few minutes - the imbedded mildew stains stay there and laugh back at me.<br /><br />It has become a MISSION now. The guy at a boat store suggested the stuff by Aurora that cleans hulls - he thinks it may be stronger. But the stuff costs $15 for the bottle and I don't want to spend that unless I am sure it will work.<br /><br />Have you ever tried muriatic acid or acetone on the rubber?

 

[MarkHPCA]

Re: cleaning rubber lining on outboard

If I remember I tried:<br />Paint thinner,<br />Naptha<br />Hand cleaner (the stuff with grit in it)<br />Bleach<br />Various hosehold cleaners<br />Most of the above with Scotch pads or steel wool.<br /><br />Still got stains.....<br />What's left ? Change rubber or live with it.<br /><br /> So I live with it..

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: cleaning rubber lining on outboard

I had the same on my shorepower cord and the only way to get rid of it is to soak it in pure bleach.See if you can remove it to soak.If you cant remove it you will need to get an old towel or rag and saturate it and lay it on the rubber and let it sit for an hour.Charlie

 

[onehunglow]

Re: cleaning rubber lining on outboard

So it sounds like those stains are tough little buggers huh? Even Paint Thinner wouldn't do it? Like it has permanently transformed the rubber color.<br /><br />I am going to try Acetone first then I will try the bleach soak. <br /><br />What next? If all all fails...paint!