Is it okay to sray down the motor (under the cowling) with WD-40?

[tmooreZ06]

Just bought my first boat. It has a very clean 2003 Mercury 60hp. I know some lubricants/solvents can be detrimental to some materials such as rubber surfaces as in spark plug boots etc. Would it be advisable to spray down the motor, with the cowl off, with WD-40 or is there a better way to keep things protected and lubed up? Thanks.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Is it okay to sray down the motor (under the cowling) with WD-40?

no. WD 40 is a "water drying" product and will increase corrosion. You really don't need to do anything but if you are in a high salt environment, hit the electrical connections and fittings with white lithium grease.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Is it okay to sray down the motor (under the cowling) with WD-40?

Yes, I've used WD-40 (Water Dispersant 40) for decades on all my outboard motors, inside and outside the cowling, and it helps keep moisture and corrosion under control. There's other spray lubricants/dispersants that will work also. I spray it on and use an old toothbrush to clean off dirt, grease and grime. Good Luck!

 

[pecheux]

Re: Is it okay to sray down the motor (under the cowling) with WD-40?

IMHO If it's a 2 cycle OB it will spit it's own oil inside de cowling. I have never seen any metal part being damaged by WD40. On rubber hoses I like to apply brake fluid. or Armor All.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Is it okay to sray down the motor (under the cowling) with WD-40?

LPS 3 is my weapon of choice

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: Is it okay to sray down the motor (under the cowling) with WD-40?

I picked up a can of Boesheild T-9 for just this purpose (wax based spray)... figure although WD would work... misewell get something a little bit more fit for the job. The many other silicone sprays or wax sprays would work just dandy.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Is it okay to sray down the motor (under the cowling) with WD-40?

silicone spray is a good option, too. I got some teflon spray that seems like a good product. ALso the old CRC products that have odd series of numbers like 6-56.* I don't know what they are selling now; I have old cans in the boats and garage still working.

You don't say where you are; it's the salt that conflicts with WD40 so inland it may be fine; not on the coast. Comes as a surprise to those who have used it for a generation.

*There used to be a bug spray called 6-12; a dumb blonde (yes, she was) at the fish/hunt club sprayed herself down with WD40 or 6-56 or something thinking it was close enough to 6-12.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Is it okay to sray down the motor (under the cowling) with WD-40?

Have used W-40 through the years on salty coastal environments with no corrosion issues at all, usually spray some W-40 on a medium size painting brush, then paint, spray, paint, spray until the entire engine is done, this method saves money, unwanted product spills and coats well. No need to spray 1/2 can each time you want to protect engine interior, small amounts applied frequently is sufficient.

Happy Boating

 

[robert graham]

Re: Is it okay to sray down the motor (under the cowling) with WD-40?

WD-40 is about 50% Mineral Spirits/Paint Thinner, about 25% Light Petroleum based oil and about 25% Carbon Dioxide propellant...so not much evil magic there to hurt anything.

 

[tmooreZ06]

Re: Is it okay to sray down the motor (under the cowling) with WD-40?

Thanks to everyone for your advice!