Corrosion on Outboards

[Jackson 53]

I have acquired an old 9.8 hp Tohatsu outboard motor which runs well but shows signs of years of neglect (the motor was on a small tinnie used as a tender for a 40 ft launch).

What is the simplest way to remove corrosion from the external surfaces of an outboard motor i.e. the white powdery substance which I assume is Aluminium Oxide? Is there a product available to remove the corrosion and something similar to rust converter (which is effective on rusty steel surfaces) to treat the corroded areas prior to priming and painting?

If all else fails I guess vigorous scrubbing with a wire brush will remove the corrosion. Is cold gal the best primer to use on Aluminium alloy?

[Jarrah Jack]

Don't really know all the answers to the first part of your question but cold gal ain't the go with alloy at all . To prime alloy you will need a special etching primer which is not hard to get from specialist paint suppliers then ask for the correct paint.

I know for instance that yamaha have their own spray cans to colour match their motors. I'm guessing the other companies do to. Just ring a dealer of your motor to find out.

[TheRealAndy]

to stop corrosion you have to remove oxygen from the equasion. Clean out all the oxide and either paint it with a good paint or cover it regularly in tectyl 506. For a good paint pay a visit to an industrial coatings supplier. They will tell you the right treatment, the right primer and the right paint.