Dirty Engine Compartment

[Joseph Baxter]

Any good tips on cleaning a dirty engine compartment? Sprays etc?

 

[ScarabMike]

I spray CRC 656 on mine. It keeps a nice coat to prevent corrosion, and keeps it looking like new. Also keeps the electrical connections clean. You can get a gallon of it from Amazon, and then just buy a spray bottle.

 

[Slugger55]

@ScarabMike I used the CRC656 on the jet nozzle and linkage, but never thought to spray it on the inside of the engine compartment.. You spray the entire engine (minus the air filter obviously), bilge pump and other components?

 

[Joseph Baxter]

So I have looked at a few videos and they have said to spray with a degreaser and hose off the engine and inside the bilge area. Covering anything that cannot get water into of course. But has anyone used this process? It makes me nervous spraying my engine with water even though I know engines get wet from rain or other factors.

 

[Slugger55]

@Joseph Baxter Great question! I haven't had to do the level of cleaning yet. I like what @ScarabMike says about spraying down the inside to keep everything inside clean. I am curious for a solution...

 

[ScarabMike]

@Slugger55 Yep. Everything. A nice bath in CRC for both my Honda Aquatrax, and Rotax. My Honda engine is 11 years old, and still looks and smells like new. The previous owner did it as well. Ill take some pics later.

@Joseph Baxter Remember that degreaser will also slowly take away the silicone protection from your plugs, and connectors, and will slowly degrade the rubber hoses. If you decide to do this ( i don't recommend unless it is necessary) , make sure yo go back and protect the engine with a silicone spray like T9, or CRC 656, and once in a while get some contact lubricant on all of your connectors.

 

[Slugger55]

@ScarabMike Thanks for the intel. That Honda Aquatrax is Bad A**! My son-in-law's parents have one down on Lake June-in-Winter, FL and I had that thing going about 62mph! I did it once and that was it. I'm getting to old for that kinda craziness!

 

[Joseph Baxter]

Thanks all! I will forgo the degreaser because really it is just the very bottom of the bilge area that is dirty and not so much the engine. I can probably get away with some other cleaner for that. I have been using Dawn for cleaning the ski locker and spraying it out the back. I assume Dawn isn't too corrosive if at all. CRC it is. Thanks again!

 

[ScarabMike]

@Joseph Baxter Dont be afraid to hit the exhaust, supercharger, and electronics with the CRC. If the boat could talk, she would be whispering sweet nothings to you,lol.

I spray my Honda's turbo regularly to keep it from rusting up. Still looks new.

 

[Geiger41]

I pour a gallon of the CRC in a garden sprayer. Then I spray the entire compartment with it about once a week or so. Literally the entire compartment gets it. Then ill do the entire jet drive under the stern.

 

[ScarabMike]

@geiger41 I bet your engine looks brand new. I love CRC!

 

[Geiger41]

Yes it does But I did notice one thing..on top of our engines says "High Output" in a silver type coating. The crc seems to fade that away when I wiped the top with a rag. So now I still spray the crc there just not wipe that area ever. Guess the chemicals in teh crc dont agree with the silver lettering chemicals