Parts Cleanup

[robfurman]

Does anyone see anything wrong with using a sandblaster using plastic media to clean up the propeller shaft and gears? I'm basically rebuilding the lower unit and there is some light rust on the shaft and gear ends. What do you think?



Robert

 

[Daviet]

Re: Parts Cleanup

As long as the blasting media is softer than what you are cleaning you should be ok.
Make sure you clean all of the media off of the parts before you install them.

 

[Monte1961]

Re: Parts Cleanup

If light rust and I mean light, I wouldn't mess with it. But that's me!

 

[dew2]

Re: Parts Cleanup

Steel wool

 

[edfishing2]

Re: Parts Cleanup

crocus cloth for shaft.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Parts Cleanup

Propeller shafts are stainless steel. Any rust is incidental and likely to return. Light rust on the gears is also incidental. Blasting it will remove some metal. I recomend you skip it, as it has no chance of improving anything and potential to do damage.

 

[ryguy1101]

Re: Parts Cleanup

I too do not recommend blasting, even though you're talking plastic media. Was the engine sitting for a long time? If so, perhaps bronze wool to remove excess rust, but once the gears will mesh properly, reinstall and let them wear back together. The more metal you remove from the gears the rougher, louder, and looser the unit will run. The SS is harder than the rust so it will cut it out quickly anywhere the gears make contact.