How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

[Bubbasboat]

Odd, I searched the forums for info about power washing or pressure washing (your choice) an outboard motor and found nothing!!?? So thought I'd start one.

I just bought a nice condition 1977 70 hp Evinrude outboard. As you might expect, in all the right places there is grease, fuel and dirt accumulation. I want to clean it up so I can better see what's happening with MY (NEW) motor as opposed to waiting for? Not to mention I want it to look nice! How Vein!! Anyway, I was thinking about power washing the motor including, you know, the whole thing! Cowling removed of course. That being said.

First of all, should I or shouldn't I do it??

Second, if it's OK to do, what should I protect from direct exposure to water and or pressurized water?

Third, tell me what you know, I'm all ears!!

Note: I'll pass on pretty, if ugly is more functional!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

With over thirty years of experience under my belt, knowing full well what will happen if you try to take a easy way out (pressure washing) cleaning that powerhead area (rust, corrosion, seizing of very expensive components, etc) I would say.........

DON'T DO IT!

Spray it with WD40, CRC666, something of that nature, brush it down, blow it off with pressurized air... repeat until satisfactory.

 

[waterfowler15]

Re: How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

hey bubba i just posted the similar question, just bought a 1991 new to me 20 hp johnson and like your explanation of your motor mine sounds the same as far as dirty i wasn't sure if the pressure washer would be a good idea dont want that stuff in a harder to reach spot,so i far im thinking tooth brush and soap and a rag

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

Waterfowler15... A word of advice. Keep the water and soap away from it! Use a old paint brush.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

Excellent thought, I hadn't considered AIR, much cleaner all the way around and no residue like water! So I'm thinking a heavy plastic sheet or other collection means, spray the whole motor with WD40 or CRC666 or the like(does it make a difference, I'm used to WD40) until it's running off the motor, then blow it down with HP air, repeat as necessary, dispose of waste appropriately. Are there any parts on the motor, both upper and lower that I should protect from my solvent of choice, cables, wires, coils, etc.?

With over thirty years of experience under my belt, knowing full well what will happen if you try to take a easy way out (pressure washing) cleaning that powerhead area (rust, corrosion, seizing of very expensive components, etc) I would say.........

DON'T DO IT!

Spray it with WD40, CRC666, something of that nature, brush it down, blow it off with pressurized air... repeat until satisfactory.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

Thanks, I'm personally going with Joe's air approach, much cleaner and environmentally friendly. Air will get places that brush and rag can't! No water, No rust, No corrosion, NO regret!!

hey bubba i just posted the similar question, just bought a 1991 new to me 20 hp johnson and like your explanation of your motor mine sounds the same as far as dirty i wasn't sure if the pressure washer would be a good idea dont want that stuff in a harder to reach spot,so i far im thinking tooth brush and soap and a rag

 

[waterfowler15]

Re: How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

somebody also said a screwdriver covered rag to wipe the gunk off in small spots. on mine under once off its nice and shiny,but im also not going to take a screwdriver to my paint but a round off wooden dowel is in my near future

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

Go with air and WD40, no need for screwdrivers (or wood dowels?) No scratching of anything, AND you'll get the springs etc. and associated shafts, not to mention deep inside any external moving parts, far, far better than any screwdriver! Not to mention, the WD40 also lubricates and dissolves existing corrosion and rust. But, do lubricate moving parts after treatment, just a good practice as WD40 is a very light weight lubricant. 100 to 135 psi air will blow all sins away!!! LOVE THE AIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

somebody also said a screwdriver covered rag to wipe the gunk off in small spots. on mine under once off its nice and shiny,but im also not going to take a screwdriver to my paint but a round off wooden dowel is in my near future

 

[waterfowler15]

Re: How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

hey thanks alot Bubba the wd40 and air sounds like the way to go for sure!! i should take some before and after pics of mine, guess what i'll be doing this weekend? haha

 

[waterfowler15]

Re: How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

question is ok to wd the coil pack region and all that stuff?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

WD40 will absolutely not harm anything... after all, it used to fight corrosion on electrical components and wiring.

Be sure to use a brush to swish that WD40 around to have it clean thoroughly before htting it with air.

 

[JustJason]

Re: How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

I pressure washed an outboard once.

I removed all of the electrical, down to the stator.

I taped off the carbs.

I hit it first with some degreaser, then blasted it with a smaller 1800 psi pressure washer.

I blew it dry with a leaf blower.

I spray painted all of the areas that the pressure washer blew the paint off, and then decided it looked funny because it did not match, so then I painted the entire thing.

Spent the better part of a day putting all of the electrical back on.

Greased all my pivot points.

It didn't run any differently, but it sure did look pretty.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

Thanks, that's great and makes perfect sense. I'm totally on board with the WD40 and air, cleans and lubricates and leaves the engine cleaner and fresher looking which does for me the most important thing, lets me see the engine, not grease and dust build up! Now, I can better see what's happening with MY (NEW) motor as opposed to waiting for?

WD40 will absolutely not harm anything... after all, it used to fight corrosion on electrical components and wiring.

Be sure to use a brush to swish that WD40 around to have it clean thoroughly before htting it with air.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

I take from your post you did it once but not again. From what I see, a lot of unnecessary extra work for some PRETTY! Then you still have to lube it! I'm sticking with WD40 and air as suggested by Joe. Seems to be the all in one solution!

I pressure washed an outboard once.

I removed all of the electrical, down to the stator.

I taped off the carbs.

I hit it first with some degreaser, then blasted it with a smaller 1800 psi pressure washer.

I blew it dry with a leaf blower.

I spray painted all of the areas that the pressure washer blew the paint off, and then decided it looked funny because it did not match, so then I painted the entire thing.

Spent the better part of a day putting all of the electrical back on.

Greased all my pivot points.

It didn't run any differently, but it sure did look pretty.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

I agree with Joe. Have been using WD40 and the air compressor for years, then soft rags to wipe off residual. Put the motor on a stand, then place a catch tray beneath it.


I would not use this for the cowl though, soap/water for that.

 

[scipper77]

Re: How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

On my '72 johnson 9.5 I had to remove the lower cowl to do a repair once (Essentially I removed the power head, that engine can be a beast to get apart). It was only with a large amount of disassembly that I was able to really get the motor clean. If you really want things to look good you are going to have to put in some effort. If it's prepped for pressure washing then it's also prepped for a respray after you dry it off.

By the way... We love pictures.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: How to Power wash / pressure wash an outboard motor

Have no photo's for this post, maybe after I get done cleaning but not now.

On my '72 johnson 9.5 I had to remove the lower cowl to do a repair once (Essentially I removed the power head, that engine can be a beast to get apart). It was only with a large amount of disassembly that I was able to really get the motor clean. If you really want things to look good you are going to have to put in some effort. If it's prepped for pressure washing then it's also prepped for a respray after you dry it off.

By the way... We love pictures.