wrote in message
oups.com...
I need some info about degreasing an outboard motor:

- Should we degrease an outboard motor? The author of a book says
we should degrease the motor. But I am not sure if he meant for
an I/O engine or for an outboard motor.

- Can we use freshwater to spray the engine block of an outboard
motor after applying degreaser and brushing? I have never done
this before. Therefore, I want to know if this is the right thing
to do. Should we mist it instead of spraying it? I am afraid that
water may find its way inside the engine block and rust the
inside. Is there a sure way to prevent water from getting in or
getting rid of water after the water has found its way into the
motor?

- What should I apply on the engine part of an outboard motor after
I have degreased and cleaned the engine. One book says nothing
about doing anything after degreasing the motor; another book says
using WD-40, another book says that we should use something
else. I have a feeling that we should put something on the engine
block to prevent corrosion. WD-40 is cheap and readily available.
But WD-40 is a kind of oil, right? Isn't the purpose of degreasing

is to remove oil film from the surface of the motor? Putting WD-40

will be putting oil back to where we have just removed the oil.
I don't understand this.

Next week will have two warmer days in my area. I expect those two
days will be the last chance for me to finish winterizing the boat.
Therefore, I want to get all the info ready before next week.

Thanks in advance for any info.

Jay Chan


My first reaction to this is to ask why the motor is greasy to begin with.
Is this a used motor you bought, or did you buy it new and it's gotten
greasy since you've been using it?

The main risk in hosing down the motor is getting water into the electrical
stuff. The air intake should be big enough that you can cover it with
plastic wrap or something, but the electrical things involve little crevices
where wires & sensors connect. Take care with the direction in which you aim
the water, and use a mist. Do this early on a warm day if possible so things
will dry. Even better if you can get the thing warmed by the sun first, or
even run it for a few minutes so the block is medium warm (but not really
hot).

I don't like the idea of coating the engine with anything afterward.
Anything on the motor will inhibit cooling.