The 1 question nobody can answer

R

robertjp

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 19, 2002
Messages
112
I have been asking and trying for a few years to find out what will clean the caked on white "stuff" on the outboard motor shaft. It is most noticeable on black motors but its on all motors. I dont even know what it is but am trying to clean it. Ive tried every household cleaning solution I can find. Somebody else out there must have the same problem. Anybody?
 
TOHATSU GURU

TOHATSU GURU

Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2004
Messages
6,164
Re: The 1 question nobody can answer

It might be the result of a chemical change to the paint caused by heat...Nothing can clean that. But I don't see it that often and our engines are almost as black as Mercury.
 
jay_merrill

jay_merrill

Vice Admiral
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
5,653
Re: The 1 question nobody can answer

If it is coming through cracked and/or blistered paint, it is probably corrosion. Outboard motors are made up of mostly aluminum parts and when aluminum corrodes, it produces a white powder.

Another possibility is simple oxidation of the paint due to sun exposure. You can try some automotive polishing or rubbing compund to get it out of the paint. Be aware, however, that sometimes the oxidation is so bad that the only thing that will improve the situation is to repaint the motor.
 
M

mgiersberg

Cadet
Joined
May 9, 2008
Messages
14
Re: The 1 question nobody can answer

We used a toilet bowl cleaner on ours and it took it right off. I believe the white "stuff" is lime deposits from the water. Any kind of toilet cleaner that has specifics for lime should work. Or a product like CLR "calcium, lime, rust"
 
JB

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: The 1 question nobody can answer

Vinegar will dissolve it if it is lime.
 
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