Cleaning mineral deposits on outdrive (aluminum).

[babikov]

Hello,

What is the best (safe and easy) way to remove mineral deposits from aluminum parts of the outdrive? Deposits look like a white crystalline substance, easy to scrape with a wooden tooth pick (for example). I don?t think this is aluminum oxidation.

The outdrive is in a good shape, paint is OK, but there are some spots here and there. Also, I removed the top cover (for some other reason) and found quite a few deposits on unpainted surfaces there. Nothing to worry about, deposits are not inside of the sealed area holding the outdrive oil, but outside, where the water is allowed to get in. So, I want these surfaces cleaned before I put the top cover back.

Another, may be unrelated question, what for the stuffer plug is? And what is underneath? Can I remove and clean it outside of the drive, or it is better not to touch?

My drive is Alpha One Gen II.
Thank you.

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Re: Cleaning mineral deposits on outdrive (aluminum).

I've used CLR. Worked OK.

 

[seanymph85]

Not sure what to suggest, I am searching for products myself. However I considered CLR for the side of my aluminum boat and noticed it said not to use it on aluminum. Perhaps the area you would be applying it to would be different than the hull. You might want to double check this on the label first though.

 

[NYBo]

White vinegar might work if it isn't too stubborn.

 

[H20Rat]

absolute best thing, didn't believe it until I tried it... Toilet bowl cleaner. There are different formulas, but I've noticed that the cheaper stuff usually has whatever active ingredient is needed. Squirt it on, and you should get an almost sulpher like smell. Then just hose it off, the deposits wash off.

 

[dingbat]

absolute best thing, didn't believe it until I tried it... Toilet bowl cleaner. There are different formulas, but I've noticed that the cheaper stuff usually has whatever active ingredient is needed. Squirt it on, and you should get an almost sulpher like smell. Then just hose it off, the deposits wash off.

absolute best thing, didn't believe it until I tried it... Toilet bowl cleaner. There are different formulas, but I've noticed that the cheaper stuff usually has whatever active ingredient is needed. Squirt it on, and you should get an almost sulpher like smell. Then just hose it off, the deposits wash off.

The active ingredient in toilet bowl cleaners is some form of sulfuric acid. Aluminum and sulfuric acid produce aluminum sulphate and hydrogen gas. Not good for you or the aluminum

 

[dingbat]

absolute best thing, didn't believe it until I tried it... Toilet bowl cleaner. There are different formulas, but I've noticed that the cheaper stuff usually has whatever active ingredient is needed. Squirt it on, and you should get an almost sulpher like smell. Then just hose it off, the deposits wash off.

The active ingredient in toilet bowl cleaners is some form of sulfuric acid. Aluminum and sulfuric acid produce aluminum sulphate and hydrogen gas. Not good for you or the aluminum

 

[dingbat]

However I considered CLR for the side of my aluminum boat and noticed it said not to use it on aluminum. Perhaps the area you would be applying it to would be different than the hull. You might want to double check this on the label first though.

Product Name
CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover

Product Use
Aqueous Acidic Cleaner for Removal of Calcium, Lime, and Rust from Hard Surfaces Retail Package: [28 fl. oz., 42 fl. oz., and 128 fl. oz. (one gallon)}

CAS# Proprietary Mixture

Restrictions on Use
Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, metals (except stainless steel, chrome),acids, bases, and bleach
.

 

[Fastatv]

absolute best thing, didn't believe it until I tried it... Toilet bowl cleaner. There are different formulas, but I've noticed that the cheaper stuff usually has whatever active ingredient is needed. Squirt it on, and you should get an almost sulpher like smell. Then just hose it off, the deposits wash off.

Used the same thing on my outdrive, worked great, didn't even harm the paint....just have to be careful and not get a "whif" of the stuff....will take your breath away.

 

[Thalasso]

The active ingredient in toilet bowl cleaners is some form of sulfuric acid. Aluminum and sulfuric acid produce aluminum sulphate and hydrogen gas. Not good for you or the aluminum

Hydrochloric Acid, Chlorine Bleach or Citric Acid . Not sulfuric

 

[Thalasso]

The active ingredient in toilet bowl cleaners is some form of sulfuric acid. Aluminum and sulfuric acid produce aluminum sulphate and hydrogen gas. Not good for you or the aluminum

Hydrochloric Acid, Chlorine Bleach or Citric Acid . Not sulfuric
The main ingredient in The Works toilet cleaner is hydrogen chloride. That is hydrochloric acid when mixed with water.