How Do You Stop the Rust on Your Engine?

[SDSeville]

My boat has been in a slip in saltwater for about 14 months and my engine is starting to rust in many places. How can I stop it or at least slow it down? Bruce recommended I use this when I flooded my old boat and got the engine wet -- http://www.amazon.com/Fluid-Film-Spr...rds=fluid+film and it worked great. However, I used that before the rust started. I am not sure it is useful once the rust has started.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,... Fluid Film is Still yer best shot,....

Maybe use it more often,....

 

[SDSeville]

Ayuh,... Fluid Film is Still yer best shot,....

Maybe use it more often,....

OK. Thanks I will give it a shot. How is it around electrical stuff? My alternator has a bit of rust on it too.

 

[tpenfield]

Rust Reformer, then gloss black (Mercruiser). I do some touch-up every year

 

[SDSeville]

Rust Reformer, then gloss black (Mercruiser). I do some touch-up every year

Great idea. I will do the rust reformer, gloss black, then the Fluid Film. Thanks

 

[Scott Danforth]

fluid film or boeshield over everything once you get the rust taken care of.

and re-apply every 6 months

 

[Chris1956]

There other products that I have used with success. Corrosion Guard works very well. It is a waxy, drying oil. Put it on pretty thick, and she will last a season. I also used to hose off my MerCruiser block often, to help keep the rust down.

 

[SDSeville]

Can any of the coatings be sprayed on the alternator?

 

[ajgraz]

There other products that I have used with success. Corrosion Guard works very well. It is a waxy, drying oil. Put it on pretty thick, and she will last a season. I also used to hose off my MerCruiser block often, to help keep the rust down.

I've been using the "Corrosion Stop" product from the makers of PB Blaster penetrating oil:
https://blasteru.com/Blaster-Products

I get it at the local big box hardware store. As far as I can tell, it looks and works the same as Merc Corrosion Guard, but at less than half the price and more easily obtained.

Twice a year I do spray it very liberally all over my outboards' mount and tilt mechanisms, and also the powerheads, including: electronics, wiring, alternator, belt--everything except carb throats. No problems yet!

 

[Mischief Managed]

Can any of the coatings be sprayed on the alternator?

Should be fine, the required marine spark shielding that keeps flammable vapors from reaching the slip rings and brushes would keep the fluid film from reaching them too, unless you flooded the thing. That said, the alternator is mostly aluminum and corrosion on it will act as a natural barrier to further corrosion, so you don't really need to do anything to it.