How do you clean your engine?

Ken Cross

Ken Cross

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Oct 24, 2010
2,405
Hunter 30 Everett, WA
Auto engines are fairly easy to clean, but boat engines surrounded by finished interiors is another story. After misting my engine compartment with motor oil, I'm in for a treat.

Now I'm hoping someone out there has a trick that will make it easier.

Ken
 
jviss

jviss

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Feb 5, 2004
7,090
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
I have used a strong spray degreased, in a handheld spray bottle, and fresh water. It's nice if your boat has an isolated sump, otherwise it's going into the bilge.

After degreasing, get it dry (run it), and spray paint everything!
 
Rich Stidger

Rich Stidger

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Feb 10, 2004
4,228
Hunter 40.5 Warwick, RI
If you have any rusty parts, wire brush and apply POR-15 and then paint.
Ken Cross- Why did you mist the engine with oil?
 
LeslieTroyer

LeslieTroyer

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May 20, 2016
3,015
Catalina 36 MK1 94 Everett, WA
Pull the alternator, cover any remaining electrical, and go after it with good engine cleaner degreaser. Rent hot water pressure washer and carefully clean. Use paint plastic to cover interior. Dry and paint.

Les
 
Tally Ho

Tally Ho

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Jan 7, 2011
5,906
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
I sprayed mine with some engine degreaser, then used a weed sprayer with fresh water to rinse it off. This was in the winter, so no other utilities available.

Got rid of a lot of belt dust and dirt.

Greg
 
R

rbyham

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May 28, 2012
40
Oday 23 Lanier
Good ideas for the cleaning part. Best tip I ever got on painting was to use aluminum foil to wrap around anything you don't want painted. I hate to see hoses painted with engine paint.
 
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Ken Cross

Ken Cross

.
Oct 24, 2010
2,405
Hunter 30 Everett, WA
Rich Stidger said:
If you have any rusty parts, wire brush and apply POR-15 and then paint.
Ken Cross- Why did you mist the engine with oil?
Click to expand
Failed to put the dipstick all the way down. I was lucky the Admiral noticed the oil on the floor or I could have run it out. It only needed a liter and a half. What a mess.
 
Rich Stidger

Rich Stidger

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Feb 10, 2004
4,228
Hunter 40.5 Warwick, RI
Ken Cross said:
Failed to put the dipstick all the way down. I was lucky the Admiral noticed the oil on the floor or I could have run it out. It only needed a liter and a half. What a mess.
Click to expand
Oh no. Sorry to hear. I would use a degreaser in a hand spray bottle and rinse with hot water. Obviously keep out of the alternator and any other electric stuff. Then run the engine to dry.
 
CrispyCringle

CrispyCringle

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Sep 30, 2016
429
Island Packet IP 44 Ventura, CA
The best engine cleaner I have found is "Scrubbing Bubbles" bathroom cleaner. Doesnt matter which flavor. But I havnt done it on a boat where dumping overboard is an issue. But just spray it on a warm engine, let sit 5-10 min, rinse. Leaves a nice finish.
 
B

Benny17441

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May 24, 2004
7,209
CC 30 South Florida
I find it is healthy for engine to have a light film of oil in it. The film of oil will fight rust but pick up dirt, but luckily the dirt is not harmful. Before it gets to the point that it gets your hands dirty, it is unsightly or might hide leaks then it is time to clean it some.
 
LeslieTroyer

LeslieTroyer

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May 20, 2016
3,015
Catalina 36 MK1 94 Everett, WA
The engine is 35yrs old. The ones left are a few fuel hoses and one coolant

Les
 
Mark Maulden

Mark Maulden

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Jan 25, 2011
2,439
S2 11.0A Anacortes, WA
Dont forget to wrap the throttle cable rod at the engine where it goes into the sheath...
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
23,308
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
STP makes a foamy engine degreaser in a spray-on kind of plastic bottle. I've found it very helpful. I'll try the bathroom stuff, too, good idea. Anything labeled "marine" is almost guaranteed to NOT work! :) Auto or home stores are your best bet.

Between you, me & Les, it's been oil leak month!

For you and Les, it's been 38 engine hours since my last repair with JB Weld building up the base of that rw pump, seems to be holding. I was going to give it 20 hours and declare "Victory at Sea!" but decided to double it. Then I get to clean up. Again. Arrgh....:)

It was more fun to go for a cruise, left on Wednesday, heavy smoke day, then rain, now glorious sunshine. I could get used to the sun part.
 
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LeslieTroyer

LeslieTroyer

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May 20, 2016
3,015
Catalina 36 MK1 94 Everett, WA
Stu Jackson said:
STP makes a foamy engine degreaser in a spray-on kind of plastic bottle. I've found it very helpful. I'll try the bathroom stuff, too, good idea. Anything labeled "marine" is almost guaranteed to NOT work! :) Auto or home stores are your best bet.

Between you, me & Les, it's been oil leak month!
. I was going to give it 20 hours and declare "Victory at Sea!" but decided to double it.
Click to expand
Im declaring victory - but leaving the fluorescent dye in until next oil change. I leave Sunday for the next cruise!! Got to clean it up tho - wife says it smells like oil down there...
 
Charles Erwin

Charles Erwin

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Jan 30, 2012
1,150
Nor'Sea 27 "Kiwanda" Portland/ Anacortes
Les. Hang in there. If Gig Harbor then try the Tides. Free docks for restaurant but no overnight. Anchor is on solid bottom but there is moorage with shower and laundry if that suits you.

Check currents. Gig Harbor is on the north end of Tacoma Narrows. . Once did 10 plus with it. Once did 1.5 against.

Clovis Passage - the west side of Vashon - current always flows north by the way. Good chance of Orcas there too.

Charles
 
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Mark Maulden

Mark Maulden

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Jan 25, 2011
2,439
S2 11.0A Anacortes, WA
“Clovis Passage”....it is actually Colvos Passage if trying to locate on chart...Auto correct is wonderful..
 
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