sanding paint off lower unit

[red10]

I was wondering if it matters that there is paint on the lower unit because mine was peeling bad and i decided to take it off. Would this corrode or act as a sacraficial anode any input is appreciated. BTW it's in freshwater. Thanks

 

[KCLOST]

Re: sanding paint off lower unit

Yep,<br /><br />If you have a poppet valve take off the outer face plate and look at it's condition and you'll see what happens to aluminum with extended contact with water...<br /><br />But all motors are different, and it depends on how much it is supbjected to water also.

 

[red10]

Re: sanding paint off lower unit

kclost, the motor is in the up position when not in use so its not in the water all the time. What exactly is the poppet valve and face plate. thanks

 

[Captn Dave]

Re: sanding paint off lower unit

I trailer my boat and use it in salt water. The paint on my lower unit had been peeling for several years. I was getting some surface corrosion but nothing major. You'll be fine in fresh water. Paint it if you want it to look nice.<br />If you do I'd recommend to get the Tempo outboard paint that you can find in a marine supply store. I once used some spray paint from a hardware store and it didn't hold up at all. Tempo also makes a special primer.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: sanding paint off lower unit

I also trailer my boat and my lower unit has no paint on it at all(never has.. don't know why).<br />I see no problems or corrosion either. She always gets a good washdown as she is 99% a saltwater vessel. I thought about painting the LU, but I don't see it as a problem area as of yet.<br /><br />Dave

 

[red10]

Re: sanding paint off lower unit

thanks for your input guys, i think i'll leave it alone for now and keep an eye on it next year. I had to put it away for the season, bring out the sleds.

 

[cowboyup]

Re: sanding paint off lower unit

When you decide to paint it (drink a beer first). First, wet sand it with 220, wash with warm soapy water and follow up with a wipedown with acetone. Drink another one. apply two lite coats of zinc chromate primer (use only on aluminum) (Definitely drink one after this step). Lightly wet sand with 400. Acetone again followed by 2-3 coats of outboard paint. Pour another one. Now that the l.u. is done, why not tackle the midsection? Don't forget to trim it up and get all those nooks and crannies, not to mention the t/t assembly. Repeat the all of the aforementined steps (wet sand, bath, acetone drink), prime (drink), wet sand, acetone, and paint and drink again. Oh yeah, now the cowling looks like it needs some tlc. Get the picture. Unless its totally unsightly or you enjoy hours upon hours of tedious, mind - numbing work, just enjoy your rig as is. just think of the money you'll save on paint and beer alone. I didn't have a choice on mine. Some bone-head didn't use a primer and my paint is coming off in sheets...and i have twin 150's. AArrggh

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: sanding paint off lower unit

i sanded mine, actually 2 of them, and i just bought a nother one, 1989 90hp mercury 3cylinder, and yes, i will sand this one also. mostly caus ei like the look of the big silver lower unit. <br /><br />you can buy a bone stock mercury 200hp without paint on the lower unit.<br /><br />if you use it in salt water, just hose it off when youre done<br /><br />out

 

[red10]

Re: sanding paint off lower unit

thanks guys for the input, i think i'll leave it bare. Okstatefan i like your idea because the paint just peels off in sheets if not done right( the beer is a good idea to).