cleaning outdrives

[pumy]

I bought a 290 DA out of Ohio and the outdrives are pitiful, they are impossible to clean up, I have used a 3300psi power washer on them but cannot get them to clean up, this boat must have set on the river or something.
Anybody got any ideas as to how to get them back or am I gonna have to have them repainted. Also the stainless steel props have lost there shine as well.??????????????
Help, I can't stand a dirty boat.
Pumy

 

[keokie]

Acidic based bathroom cleaners can work well as can white vinegar. Stay away from the drives with the pressure washer. It blows water past seals and gaskets which can lead to big problems.

Keep that pressure washer away from any fittings in the hull or deck as well for the same reason.

 

[Summerwind]

On and Off will shine those props, it works for me.
You can use a pressure washer if you're careful.

 

[sbw1]

Zing (muriatic acid) or Tidy Bowl will clean them up. Just spray on and move the solution around with a cheap cotton brush on a stick and let it set for 2-3 minutes. In 2-3 minutes hose off with a garden hose. They should look like new, provided they are in good condition underneath the scum. Agree with the pressure hose tip. Not a good thing use on outdrives.

 

[keokie]

You can't be careful enough with a pressure washer around an outdrive. there are just too many seams. I know they are used all the time, but repairing leaks and damage from water in drives is common place among those that use pressure washers. It is often not linked back to the pressure washer since the results are not discovered until some time later.

There's a lot around the fibergalss to watch for as well... Rail fittings, thru hulls, cleats, windshields, rubrail, hatches, windshield, windlass, lights, etc.

 

[tcason]

[FONT=arial, verdana,]I have used P21S Polishing soap on s/s props and it worked well and also helped protect them next season from getting "rusty".[/FONT]



[FONT=arial, verdana,]P21S Polishing Soap[/FONT]

 

[SR Tech]

Just so your aware, Merc offers props in polished and brushed finishes. Make sure yours doesnt have the "brushed" look to them or else you'll spend a longgg time trying to polish them

 

[pumy]

Hey, thanke for the advice about the power washer. And also thanks for telling me about the brushed finish on the props, that must be what I have.
Ok you might not beleive this but I found a cheap product at Dollar General called Awesome, non acidic cleaner spray it on let it set a couple of minutes and wiped clean, I couldn't believe my eyes and I know why they call it, Awesome.
Again thanks for the info.