Questions about the phrase “flammable car wash engine” often arise from water appliance owners looking for effective ways to clean outboard motors (PMMs). Although there is no direct analogy with automotive services, the principles of removing dirt, oil and salt deposits remain similar. outboard motor It requires a delicate but careful approach, as aggressive chemistry or high water pressure can cause irreparable damage to the cooling system and the electrician.
Many owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to just roll the unit with hose water after coming ashore, but salt, sand and residues of fuel can destroy the protective coatings and cause damage to the body. cavitation In this article, we will discuss how to safely use the possibilities of car washes or organize the correct washing on the pier, saving the resource of your "fiery heart".
It is worth noting that the concept of "car wash" in the context of boating technology is often transformed into specialized points of pre-admission training or seasonal storage. Regular maintenance It's not just about the exterior gloss, it's about checking the internal systems, and then we'll go into detail about the algorithms that will help keep the technology in perfect condition.
Features of washing outboard motors in car wash conditions
Use of public or self-serving car washes It's a double-edged sword for cleaning an outboard motor, and on the one hand, it has all the necessary things: hot water, active foam, and a high pressure, and on the other, the risk of damaging sensitive elements of the PMM is extremely high. kercher (high pressure apparatus), the jet of which can penetrate the glands or drive water under the hood.
If you still decide to use the services of a professional wash, make sure that the operator understands the specifics of water technology. The water pressure should not exceed 100-120 bar, and the jet should not be directed perpendicular to the plane of the seals. hydro-od Inside a lower unit is a real threat that can lead to costly repairs.
⚠️ Warning: Never wash the engine under pressure if it is still hot after work, and a sharp temperature drop will deform metal parts and crack plastic casings.
It is also important to consider the chemical composition of the products used. Automotive shampoos can contain alkalis aggressive to aluminum alloys, from which most of the products are made. outboardIt is better to use specialized chemistry designed for marine engineering, which is neutral to non-ferrous metals.
Preparation of SMM for water procedures
Before proceeding to the direct wash, whether in the box of a car wash or on the pier, a number of preparatory activities must be carried out. Security Turn off the fuel hose and make sure there are no gas leaks in the area of the carburetor or injector, and the fuel vapors can ignite when they come into contact with hot water or spark static electricity.
Remove all removable plastic casings. Under them, dirt, oil and sand often accumulate, which, when dry cleaning, fly around, and when washed under pressure, can damage the wiring. Visually inspect lower unit For visible damage to the lower unit leg, through which water can get into the gearbox.
☑️ Preparation of the engine for washing
Pay special attention to the ignition system. Although modern MMMs have good sealing, additional precautions can be taken. You can use waterproof sprays for electrical contacts to eliminate the risk of short circuits when water hits the water. candle-well Or coils.
Technology of safe cleaning of salt and dirt
The cleaning process should start with the lower gearbox, gradually rising up. First, wash the bulk of the dirt with a weak jet of water without using chemistry. This will soften the dried contaminants. To remove oil stains, use special degreasers that do not contain chlorine and aggressive solvents.
When using foam at a car wash, choose the "active foam" mode with a neutral pH. Apply the product and let it work for 2-3 minutes, but do not allow drying on the metal surface. Aluminum alloys sensitive to prolonged exposure to chemistry, which can lead to loss of shine and the appearance of matte spots.
Flush the chemistry with plenty of water. Pay special attention to the cooling system's water intakes. Make sure there's no sand or algae left in them that can block the water flow the next time you run. A clogged cooling system is the right way to go. engine-heating.
What is the danger of salt for the engine?
Salt is a powerful electrolyte. It stays on the surface of the metal, it creates galvanic pairs, triggering electrochemical corrosion, and even microscopic rust holes eventually become through holes, especially in welds and attachments.
Comparison of washing methods: Pressure vs. Brush
The choice of cleaning method depends on the degree of contamination and type of motor coating, and the table below compares the main approaches to removing contaminants from the surface of the MMM.
| Parameter | High pressure wash (Kercher) | Hand wash (Brush + Sponge) | steam generator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | High (for persistent mud) | Medium (requires effort) | Very high (degreasing) |
| Risk of damage | Tall (gassing, electric) | Low (scratches with abrasive) | Medium (temperature shock) |
| Water consumption | Big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big | Moderate. | Minimum |
| Time of procedure | 5-10 minutes | 20-30 minutes. | 10-15 minutes. |
As you can see from the table, high-pressure wash Hand washing is safer, but labor-intensive. Steam generators are often used in professional services, because hot steam dissolves oil perfectly, but requires caution with plastic elements.
For daily care after each fishing, fresh water rinsing under low pressure is best, which will wash away the salt and prevent the onset of corrosion processes. Deep cleaning. Chemicals should be less common, such as at the end of the season or after long flights in polluted waters.
Protection against corrosion after washing
Once the motor has been washed, the most important thing is to properly dry and preserve it. Water left in hard-to-reach areas is the main enemy of technology. Blow the engine with compressed air, paying attention to candle niches and electrical wiring connectors, which will help remove the moisture residue that did not escape by chance.
Treat metal surfaces (except for lower unit and propeller) with silicone or Teflon-based protective compounds, which create a thin film that repels water and prevents oxidation. Anti-corrosion protection This is especially important for motors operating in salt water.
⚠️ Warning: Do not apply protective sprays on rubber seals and ossils. Some components of aerosols can cause the rubber to swell or crack, which will lead to loss of leakage.
Lubricate the gas control cables and gear shifts if designed. It is also recommended to apply a thin layer of consistent lubricant to the strands of the propeller shaft before installing the propeller, which will ensure ease of dismantling in the future and protect the connection from "staying".
Typical errors in the maintenance of PMM
Even experienced water-engineers sometimes make mistakes that can be costly to repair, and one of the most common is washing the engine in an inverted position or with a strong roll, in which case water easily flows through the exhaust hole into the cylinders, causing the cylinders to be inundated. hydrostroke when you try to launch.
Another mistake is using abrasive sponges or metal brushes to clean lower unit. Aluminum is a soft metal, and these tools will leave deep scratches on it, which will become centers of corrosion. Use special scrapers made of hard plastic or wood to remove fouling.
- 🚫 Ignoring the flushing of the cooling system with fresh water after each outing.
- 🚫 Use of car polishes with abrasive particles for plastic.
- 🚫 Attempt to start the engine immediately after washing without blowing candle wells.
- 🚫 Washing the hot engine with cold water due to the risk of deformation of the heads of blocks.
Remember that regularity It takes less time than a major repair, and following the simple hygiene rules of your fire engine will prolong its life for many years, and always follow the manufacturer's recommendations as specified in the user manual.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I wash my motor in a self-driving car wash?
Technically, you can, but with great care, avoid "active foam" modes with unknown composition and do not direct the high pressure jet directly to the electrical connectors, muffler and gums, preferably use osmosis mode or simply rinse.
How often should you lubricate lower unit after washing?
Lubricating lower unit with an anti-corrosion spray is recommended after each use in salt water and after each thorough wash with chemistry, which will create a protective barrier against oxidation.
Is it dangerous to get water into the exhaust hole during washing?
If the motor is tilted so that the water has gone into the cylinder, it will cause a hydraulic shock at start, which can break a rod or a piston. Before starting after washing, unscrew the candles and turn the starter several times to expel the water.
What temperature of water can you wash the engine?
The optimum water temperature is 15 to 40 degrees Celsius, and hot water (>60 °C) can damage plastic elements and rubber seals, as well as cause thermal shock in a heated engine.
The main secret of the longevity of the engine is not so much the frequency of sinks as the mandatory rinse with fresh water after each contact with salt and proper preservation for storage.