Exhaust Cleaning

[mawyatt]

I did a search and couldn't come up with anything on this. Is using muratic acid to clean stainless steel exhaust rust & stains a good idea? My stainless exhaust fittings to the water are getting pretty discolored and need a good cleaning.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[sbw1]

My boat gets an acid wash of the bootstripe including the exhausts every October before putting it away. It's not a problem if you rinse it well. Bear in mind it will turn your bottom paint blue as it runs down the bottom. This is easily touched up but not exactly cheap.

 

[fwebster]

Muriatic acid can etch stainless, I would use a milder acid like oxyallic acit or even a laundry product called Whink Rust remover. If it won't damage your shorts, it won't hurt the stainless.

 

[H2ONUT]

laundry product called Whink Rust remover. If it won't damage your shorts, it won't hurt the stainless.

Any advice for "skidmarks"??? :lol:

 

[mistercomputerman]

Skidmarks?

Wash your underwear more often!

 

[mawyatt]

Muriatic acid can etch stainless, I would use a milder acid like oxyallic acit or even a laundry product called Whink Rust remover. If it won't damage your shorts, it won't hurt the stainless.

Thanks Frank. I just picked up Whink at Publix across the street from my office. I'll report back how well it works. The guys at MM said they use muratic, but I'm with you guys and just a tad worried about the harshness. If Whink doesn't work then I might try the muratic acid.

Mike

 

[fwebster]

Skid marks..........use muriatic acid and they will never trouble you again.

Whink is very mild and it may take 2-3 applications. Won't hurt fiberglass and if you don't scrub it you can use it to remove a/c drain marks as well.

 

[mawyatt]

Whink did the job. I used a toothbrush and some elbowgrease.

Thanks Frank!!

Mike

 

[370Dancer]

for future reference, there is another product you can get just about anywhere called "Barkeep's Friend". It does a great job on all stainless around the boat. Do rinse it though, it is stronger than you might first think.