How to degrease the upper unit?

[Coastal Rick]

A couple of months ago I got a 73 Merc 200 - 20hp and the whole thing is pretty grimy. It runs nicely. It is especially greasy under the cowling, with lots of gunk around the hoses and wiring and so on. I was thinking I could just cover the carb with a plastic bag, and take it to the car wash and hose it down with degreaser and rinse. Any downsides to that, like fragile electronics I should worry about? I'm not too up on outboards, so I'm just guessing this could work. Any other options you can suggest?

Thanks!

 

[cannonford57]

Re: How to degrease the upper unit?

rick, its not so much sensitive electronics as its the flintstone syndrome....there are points under the flywheel so try to keep the water outta there other than that if your wires and such are in good shape enjoy your $1.75...

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: How to degrease the upper unit?

The car wash will probably have issues with you degreasing in their bay. Usualyy engine cleaning and degreasing is not allowed.

 

[Coastal Rick]

Re: How to degrease the upper unit?

Ah, good points - I can ask them if they mind or not about the degreasing. And the earlier answer about trying to keep water from up under the flywheel makes sense. When I looked at the schematics and compared to my outboard, I realized there are 4 little fuel line clamps that are missing. They go on the lines around where the gas enters the cylinders. So after I get those ordered and installed I think the problem will be solved!

Any other suggestions or risks I might consider?

 

[bkwapisz]

Re: How to degrease the upper unit?

I've never cleaned an outboard like that, but when doing car engines I've used "Engine Degreaser" aerosol available at autoparts stores, spray it down well, then hose it off with a hose sprayer on a garden hose at home. Hit it again with Simple green in the same fashion and rinse again. I've always had a thing about NOT blasting wires/fuel lines with super high pressure water.

I prefer chemistry over brute force. I'm not sure if outboards have any components that would find the degreaser objectionable but the Simple Green works well and is rather mild actually and I think cheap. Let it dry out really well (like leave it in the sun or overnight int he garage then try to start it once it's FULLY dried out. IIRC it was better to degrease an engine when it was already warm.

Good luck and let us know how it worked. I'd be interested to hear.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: How to degrease the upper unit?

A lot of marine stores also sell a product called GREZ-OFF. It works great and the grime will rinse off with garden hose. I usually put duct tape over the carbs and around flywheel the best I can and have at it.

 

[Coastal Rick]

Re: How to degrease the upper unit?

Well I haven't tried anything yet. When I get a little time I've been out on the water . Lion, the stuff you suggest sounds pretty good, I'll see if they have some around my parts. And that is probably a good idea to tape around the flywheel to keep the water out of the area. I'm hoping I can tell where the oil is coming from after I get it clean, so I can fix it. I'm almost positive it is the little fuel lines between the carb and the cylinder block. The inside of the transom is black from the outboard being pulled up, and the dirty water coming out of the upper cowling. I've got bigger plans to fix this old boat up, but I want to use for while to decide how I'd like it. Lots of plans. LOTS of plans!

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: How to degrease the upper unit?

I would just go ahead and replace all the hoses. As they deteriorate on the inside, not only are they getting junk in your motor they are becoming permeable and letting fuel and fumes out. Not only a mess but bad for your motor. I've pretty well made it a rule on any motor I get to replace all fuel lines and filters and rebuild carb before I crank it over. It's only a another $30 investment and saves a world of troubles.

Good Luck.