New Motor...how to keep it looking new

[drifter106]

Thought this might be the best place to ask this question...

What do you guys use to keep your motor with that new look? I have put wax on them but it still seems to pick up that "hard" water look. By hard water I refer to the shine of the motor seems to disapate(sp) the more I use it? Washing the motor doesn't bring it back..was wondering if I should put numerous coats of wax on the motor in order to keep the dingy look away.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: New Motor...how to keep it looking new

My engines get washed and waxed after every trip.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: New Motor...how to keep it looking new

Use lots of wax! Be cautious using a motor cover for long periods. It's my experience that they may leave marks where the fabric touches the paint for extended periods.

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: New Motor...how to keep it looking new

Use lots of wax! Be cautious using a motor cover for long periods. It's my experience that they may leave marks where the fabric touches the paint for extended periods.

I'll second that!

When I repowered my boat the new OB motor housing was in perfect condition until I trailered the boat down some gravel roads with the OB cover on it, granite dust got under the cover and ruined my decals and dulled the paint.

Its repairable but I just removed the decals that were damaged and will live with having to rebuff the paint to bring back the shine. I kinda like it without HP markings and orange stripes on the motor so I'm just going to leave it...have a look.

My advice forget the motor cover, it just makes a mess and traps moisture.

 

[QC]

Re: New Motor...how to keep it looking new

You guys have just found another argument for an I/O. Wow! Inboards too, the engine (yes, I know you said motor) stays spotless forever, no dust, no water spots, no nuttin' . . . The drive itself requires a little work, but even coolant hoses look new after years.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: New Motor...how to keep it looking new

We spray our lower unit (we have a I/O) witha mixture of white vinegar, and simple green, to get the "gray" color off of the drive unit. Wash it off, and then wax. Dive looks good, and the mixture gets rid of hte "gray" color effortlessly.

 

[drifter106]

Re: New Motor...how to keep it looking new

Use lots of wax! Be cautious using a motor cover for long periods. It's my experience that they may leave marks where the fabric touches the paint for extended periods.

Thanks...thats nice to know. Was going to get one but have second thoughts now. Its that grimy dirty scum that is left on the drive line that concerns me. Will just hit it with wax as frequently as I can. During the summer months when we drift it isn't quite as bad due to the fact that the motor is up out of the water. But otherwise, 8-10 hrs a day fishing will certainly but a stain on the drive line.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: New Motor...how to keep it looking new

QC -- but then the outboard owners don't have couplers that need engine removal in order to replace, gimble bearings that need service, bellows that rip and leak, u-joints that go bad, risers that rust and flappers fall off, water gets injested, valves get tuliped, and the engine gets hydrolocked (at least not as frequently). Outboard owners can stand along side the motor to work them if needed and oil/filter/plug changes can be accomplished standing up. If you like the boat but hate the drive system you are pretty much up a creek. With an outboard you sell it and buy what you want. If you love the engine and hate the boat, you can keep the engine, sell the boat and buy what you want. Can't do that easily with an I/O or inboard either. And chances of an outboard going "KABOOM" are much less than an I/O or Inboard. Debate is so much fun!

 

[QC]

Re: New Motor...how to keep it looking new

I have always said they (I/Os) are engineering abortions . . . ^^^^^ Just ribbing anyway, I love OBs.

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: New Motor...how to keep it looking new

Here is another tip;

After you get it shiny and new looking and it has a good coat of wax, spray with Armor All...wipe an let dry. The Armor All will wash off when you hit it with soap but it leaves enough of a film to prevent water deposits from sticking. A buddy of mine swears by "Tire Foam", he says it works the same and is easier to apply...I've never tried it. Someone once told me "Pam" non stick spray for cooking works well also and is biodegradeable since its just vegetable oil.