Cleaning my engine

[Tim M]

I have read on here a few times that when you service your outboad you should clean the engine block. Now, this seems simple enough, but, what do I clean it with?

Or, is it as simple as just wiping any dirt/salt off with a damp cloth?

[DJL]

Hi Tim,

I wash my power head with fresh water after every outing to get rid of the salt deposits. Obviously you need to make sure the water doesn't go anywhere it shouldn't e.g. up the air intake - I also try and wash it before I flush engine so it heats up and dries off.

As to cleaning, I just use liberal amounts of WD40 and a good rag. Make sure you don't get WD40 on any of the greased parts. Once it’s all nice and clean I would recommend coating everything in Quicksilver Corrosion Guard. Not only does it keep the water at bay but its makes it easier to keep clean.

[Seb]

The outboards on the boats at my local lifeboat station are sprayed with WD40 internally and externally after every outing.

However, although this is what the RNLI say should be used for cleaning etc, i have read more than once that the WD40 often drains off the engine (internally now) and collects at the base which in some cases can rot the engine mounts.

Not sure if this is correct but its worth checking out!

[tue]

If your engine is very greasy/oily then use a good TFR (Traffic Film Remover) this will shift all the grease and oil and leave you with a fresh clean block to cover with Corrosion guard.