Cleaning white motor

[Father's Day]

Hello brothers
Question can i use hull cleaner on the motor to get the yellow tinge off. My dock mate said he does it all the time, but you are my go-to guys.
i would wipe it on and immediately wash it off.
Thanks in advance

 

[seasick]

My concerns would be products that contain acids, like hydrochloric acid. Starbrite hull cleaner states that is contains no acids and is safe for painted surfaces.

On a separate issue, applying wax after cleaning is recommended for the painted surfaces to both protect the paint and reduce the staining.

 

[DennisG01]

Assuming this is the part of the engine that remains in the water?

I use On&Off (hydrochloric) all the time on motors. No issues ever. You probably only need to mix it, at most, 50/50.

If what you want to remove is only a stain, then something Iron Out will likely work.

 

[seasick]

On and Off on it's hazards sheet states that it can be corrosive to metals. I know that if you get HCL acid on galvanized parts ( like trailers) it can remove the galvanizing coating. My concern on outboards are anodes and other metal parts that the chemical might seep into.
Then again, in my younger days I would use muriatic acid to clean off barnacles from motor brackets. Now that stuff can be nasty.

 

[Father's Day]

On and Off on it's hazards sheet states that it can be corrosive to metals. I know that if you get HCL acid on galvanized parts ( like trailers) it can remove the galvanizing coating. My concern on outboards are anodes and other metal parts that the chemical might seep into.
Then again, in my younger days I would use muriatic acid to clean off barnacles from motor brackets. Now that stuff can be nasty.

Yeah I think I'll dilute it and try it that way a small amount. Thanks guys

 

[SkunkBoat]

I have used wax on my white Zukes. Takes the brown water line off.

 

[seasick]

Applying the On and Off to a rag and using that to wipe the motor is probably a safe approach as opposed to a spray bottle.

 

[Fishtales]

I want to see how the white engines perform over time. Will be something I keep an eye on in my marina.

 

[seasick]

I've seen white LUs that obviously sat in the water and they were very dirty looking

 

[DennisG01]

To follow up... what I mean by "used on & off" many times on motors is that I (and the shop) use it on about 200 engines every year... for the past few decades. We spray it on. There has NEVER been any issue to the paint nor anodes. Does it wear away the anodes slightly? Maybe - it makes logical sense - but it's not enough to be even remotely noticeable if it does.

What I'm getting at is that (and this is not a knock on anyone here) is that I know all about the printed pre-cautions... but I'm speaking from a world of real-life experience....... on this subject, anyways

In most cases we have found a 50:50 dilution ratio is just fine. But there's been times when we use it 100%, as well.

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

I used MK On-Off many times and it's the best working cleaner for the gelcoat left filthy by clients, but it is a very harsh liquid, for the boat, hands, skin and particularly the eyes and lungs if the fumes are inhaled.
Another wired thing was that after use with thin latex gloves my hands developed a pain on the inside like if the bones where hurting. Never ever use On-Off without gloves and protective goggles!
All that let me use On-Off much less and only for nasty dirt like the dreaded red sunscreen spots on gelcoat.
On-Off, Muriatic acid or similar acids works to soften and dissolve barnacles and similar structures, Barnacle Buster too but is less harsh and thus works less.
A less agressive option for the white painted outboard would be CLR wat works well to remove stains and i used it sucessfully on my white DF300AP's.
Chris

 

[DennisG01]

Just as a side note, On&Off and muriatic acid both have hydrochloric acid in them as the main active ingredient but in different percentages. I believe muriatic has a slightly higher percentage of HCL in it? If memory serves, On&Off also has phosphoric acid in it - which is slightly less caustic than HCL.