Diesel Soot

[Gordon S.]

Just finishing our first season with an '88 C27. Love the boat but it is annoying to have to scrub the transom periodically to get rid of crud from the diesel exhaust. The surveyor said the Universal engine was in A-1 shape and it runs great. No visible evidence or sheen on the water when running. Exhaust pipe has the stainless hinged cover which always gets stuck in the up position. Could this be causing exhaust gases to swirl back against the transom? Or could it be the lube oil. I am using a multi grade diesel rated on the advice of local supplier. Would a straight 30 or 40 viscosity reduce this problem? Oh and what's best for scrubbing this stuff off the glass? I have tried several including Cleaning Detail, a bilge cleaner, and a few others. Lots of scrubbing required.

 

[patrick e. boole]

common

diesel engines burn leaving a residue, especially under a load. it is a very basic engine with none of the frills for cleaning up the exhaust. i use fsr from west marine. let it sit and the wash it off. bright as new.

 

[Steve W]

try this...

Gordon, I have the same engine... no soot in the warm months here in florida, but do get some in the winter when the temp is in the 50's. Maybe the engine runs more efficiently when hot. Anyway to remove soot, bug droppings, grease, etc, try the purple engine degreaser in sold in a pump bottle at any auto parts store. Sells for about $3.50/quart or $8/gallon. works great. Let soak for about 2 minutes, then wash off wish whatever you use to wash your boat, then rinse. works great...and it is cheap.