Painting trim Rams?

[MSmith3615]

Can I paint the trim rams? I think thats what they are called. Its on a Merc alpha one.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Painting trim Rams?

Sure can, use the same paint ant prep you would use on a lower unit. You can paint the housings not the crhome rods.

 

[MSmith3615]

Re: Painting trim Rams?

What if I painted the chrome rods?

 

[OldBoatGuy12]

Re: Painting trim Rams?

Would either gunk them up, or rip most of the paint off first time you tried moving it.

 

[MSmith3615]

Re: Painting trim Rams?

So I guess that means I should get the paint off. Is there anything else on the outdrive that I don't need to paint?

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Painting trim Rams?

Make sure you remove any paint from the trim tab (anodes). They won't work to protect the outdrive from corrosion if they are painted.

 

[MSmith3615]

Re: Painting trim Rams?

What do the anodes look like? Where are they? Thanks

 

[thunderroad]

Re: Painting trim Rams?

Make sure the paint is completely off the chrome rods, especially down near where they meet the housing. Paint on the rods can take out the seals. You wouldn't think it could happen but I've seen it many times on hyd. cylinders over the years.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Painting trim Rams?

Uh, I'm no expert with hydraulics but I don't think you'll want to use anything abrasive to remove the paint thats there. I would be thinking of a chemical stripper. If the pistons (chrome rods) are left rough or misshapen they'll wear out the seals.<br /><br />I don't know where the anodes on a Alpha 1 are. They were white corroded metal before. Probably one's a fin just aft of the propeller, but there are more. I just wanted to get that out before you went after those rods with some 40 grit or something.

 

[thunderroad]

Re: Painting trim Rams?

Yeah...if there's paint on the rods, it won't be stuck very tight. A rag soaked in lacquer thinner should do the trick.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Painting trim Rams?

Originally posted by thunderroad:<br /> Make sure the paint is completely off the chrome rods, especially down near where they meet the housing. Paint on the rods can take out the seals. You wouldn't think it could happen but I've seen it many times on hyd. cylinders over the years.

Absolute dittos. Do not operate the rams with any paint on them. One pass and your seals will be shot.

 

[MSmith3615]

Re: Painting trim Rams?

Thanks alot for help, you guys saved the seals, I'll never do that again. The rest of my outdrive sure looks good. Now just waiting for new decals