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finally removed my engines for the rebuild and seeking advice

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mark.pauster
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finally removed my engines for the rebuild and seeking advice

Post by mark.pauster » Wed Feb 10, 2021 10:23 pm

I am looking for any advice on chemicals and paint to clean my bilge while the engines are out for repair

thoughts appreciated
Regards
Mark
1957 Chris Craft 28’ Sedan with Flybridge

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Bilge Rat
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Re: finally removed my engines for the rebuild and seeking advice

Post by Bilge Rat » Thu Feb 11, 2021 7:23 am

Depends on how grimey they are but Dawn dish detergent works very well at breaking up grease and oil without being harsh on the wood and your hands.

May require power washing if its really caked on but use the power washer carefully, it can do damage as well.
1966 Lyman Cruisette 25 foot "Serenity Now!"
1953 Chris Craft Sportsman 22 foot "Summerwind"

jfrprops
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Re: finally removed my engines for the rebuild and seeking advice

Post by jfrprops » Fri Feb 12, 2021 8:40 am

no real substitute for elbow grease....on grease.....John in Va.
1980 Fairchild Scout 30
19?? custom Argentine Runabout 16'
1954 Whirlwind deluxe dual ckpt 16'
1921 Old Town Charles River 17' (founding Captain, James River Batteau Festival)

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Matt Smith
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Re: finally removed my engines for the rebuild and seeking advice

Post by Matt Smith » Mon Feb 15, 2021 5:02 am

I use this stuff called Purple Power, its all the hardware stores. Its purple and a concentrate. Spray it on. wait and spray, repeat. It will remove the paint as well if left on too long. Its great for bilges as well. Use a scrub brush, amazing stuff.
1948 25' Chris Craft Sportsman
1937 16' Special Racer
1968 40' Rice Trawler
1968 11' Crab Skiff
2018 Hole in my head

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chris.nackers
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Re: finally removed my engines for the rebuild and seeking advice

Post by chris.nackers » Tue Feb 16, 2021 3:07 pm

I cleaned my bilge a few times after acquiring the boat. Nothing worked as well as hot water and dawn with a scrub brush.

My engine had leaked a lot of oil, so it was a mess, and old leaves etc. I was shocked at how well the dawn worked compared to other things i tried. I had hot water in my garage in that is piped directly from the hot water heater, that helped as well, realize not everyone will be able to do that though.
'47 Sportsman/Deluxe Utility U-18-123

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