stains on outboard

[mattttt25]

i pulled my boat late this year, and with freeze concerns, had to keep the outboard in the down position for a few weeks. i now have the ugly brown stain on the lower unit. what can i use to get it off? i was thinking on/off, but don't think it's safe for metal. suggestions? thanks-

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: stains on outboard

Muriatic acid, harsh on aluminum. Zing, made specifically for marine scale removal. Acid Wash or Milkstone Remover (available from your local Farm & Barn), fairly harmless to aluminum but sometimes stains pink.

 

[Solittle]

Re: stains on outboard

Got to ask the obvious - have you tried the household cleaners - like 409 - or an auto polish? I would try that route before messing with acid or harsh chemicals. Is the stuff carbon or oil?

 

[DJ]

Re: stains on outboard

What's the stain? Oil/fuel? Rust? <br /><br />The orange (citrus) based products available today will remove just about anything, without compromising the surface.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: stains on outboard

stains are from the chespaeake bay. brackish water. i'll try the household cleaners first.