How To Clean A Boat Engine Compartment? Easy Steps

Engine compartments, rooms, or bays in boats come in different designs, sizes, and places. Some with easy access to most parts and machinery, others making it torture. Whatever the case, there is always a proper way to clean the engine compartment.

All you need to do to clean the boat engine compartment is: 

Remove big globs of grease, pick them up, not wipe them. Afterward, use a dry oil-absorbent rag and slowly wipe the parts. Then apply a solution of soap to wipe down the compartment. Once more wipe with just a rag to remove the soap then let it dry.

This is How you clean a marine engine compartment without water. Now, Let’s start step by step:

1. Empty the engine compartment of any stored items.

2. Clear the area around the engine compartment.

2. Get the tools and keep them near you.
   Paper towels, Plastic scraper, Oil-absorbent rag, Stick, Soap solution, 1-Gallon bucket, 2-3 Gallons of water, Absorbent pad.

4. Use paper towels to remove big globs of grease.
   Try to pick them up, not wipe them. 

5. Scrape the hardened grease and all other dirt.
   Scrape lightly with the plastic scraper and pick them up. 

6. Scan the compartment for any dirt and pick them up. 

7. Use the oil-absorbent rag and slowly wipe the parts.
   Focus on areas covered with oil, grease, and dirt. Try to let the absorbent rag do its job. You may need to do this step again if there is a lot of dirt in the compartment.

8. Use a stick and wrap the rag over the top.
   To get to where your hand cannot reach.

9. Apply a solution of soap to wipe down the compartment.
   With a rag/towel or sponge wipe down all the parts and sections in the compartment (made of cotton recommended). Try to reduce the dripping as possible. 

“Regular dish soap is an effective and inexpensive degreasing soap and will do the job perfectly in this way.
Do not spray the solution in the compartment, but, pour a little on the rag so that it does not drip, then rub the parts gently, you may need to wash the rag more than once and wipe the compartment again until it’s clean.”  

10. Wipeout all parts to remove the soap.
    All parts of the engine compartment with just a rag and clean water then let it dry.

11. Leave the absorbent pad under the engine.
    So if there are any fluid drips; it will be easier to notice and find the leak quickly. The white one will be the best. 

You have effectively completed the engine compartment cleaning process. The compartment should be brightening now.

In this way, you don’t need to use strong degreasing chemicals with a large amount of water to rinse and wash the engine compartment.

Because using that may cause some problems and issues if you didn’t take the proper procedures before beginning cleaning the compartment.

Let’s answer some related questions.

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Can You Pressure Wash A Boat Engine?

Pressure washing a boat engine is not recommended for several reasons: It can damage the electrical wire, the carburetor, the distributor, the alternator, and the electrical connectors instantly and cause electronic problems also. Especially if your boat is old.

But still, in most modern boats, water can be sprayed into the engine compartment without causing any problems. Even though, it remains Not Recommended.

However, if you decide to pressure wash the engine compartment, you should make sure that all wires, connections, and electronics are well insulated. And do not use a powerful pressure washer, because this may cause unexpected damage.

Because there are other issues that may appear related to the pressure washer.

Some issues that you may face when pressure washing the boat engine compartment and using strong degreasing chemicals: 

• Most of the degreasing detergents that dissolve grease and oil will cause damage to the bilge pump in the long run if not immediately.

• Discharging bilge water that contains any oil is illegal in most marinas and open water. (for which you can be fined).

• A large amount of water in the engine compartment will end up mixed into the bilge water and kick the bilge pump to pump the oily water overboard.

• Considering that discharging oily water into the sea is an improper behavior towards our nature.

• If a few drops of water remain hidden somewhere inside, it may cause rust in some places, and accelerate the rusting process in the rusty places even if there is no direct contact.

• Again, It’s not wise to get any wires-electrical components and other electronics wet, even if they are some kind of “waterproof”, and especially if your boat is old. 

How To Clean Oil From The Boat Engine Bay

Use a stick and wrap a dry oil-absorbent rag over the top, and slowly wipe the bay. Wash the rag in a hot water bucket and do it again. Apply a warm soap solution and let it soak for 30 minutes. Then wipe out the dirt and wash the rag, wipe and wash until no dirt remains.

This way it might be time-consuming but it’s the safest one, and you don’t need to use strong degreasing chemicals with a large amount of water to rinse and wash the bay and pump the Oily-water out. Which is troublesome sometimes In addition to the problems mentioned above.

Why you should always keep the sailboat engine compartment clean

1. A clean engine compartment makes visual engine, machinery, wires, and electrical components inspections more effective. 

2. You will not see cracks, rust, leaks, water drips, and other nasties if your engine room is dirty. 

"Painting staves off corrosion can enhance the resale or trade-in value."

3. A clean engine compartment is a vital part of regular maintenance, it can make it an easy process or a nightmare.

4. Corrosion, damage, and cracks become obvious. spotting leaks quickly and easily before becoming serious problems.

5. Preventing nasty smells that may get into the cabins. 

6. If you were in need of a pro to fix some issue that you can’t DIY, they may charge less if they can fix the problem quicker.

Take-away Tips

In the course of cleaning, you might discover some parts or locations where there may be an indication or/for a problem: 

Perhaps there are salt stains that could indicate cooling leaks or rust on an exhaust elbow or old hoses that are outworn, or fasteners that have corroded.

Clean and replace/remove or fix these now, while you can before they get bigger and become a serious problem or cause an engine failure in the open water. 

Or at least send a picture to someone who knows better and let them decide what should be done.

And be sure to check the owner’s manual for the parts and sections that should have grease. Lubricate all control linkages with grease, also apply grease to outboard cowling latches.

No matter how big your engine room is, how easy it is to move inside, what’s at hand, and what’s hard to reach, don’t let that hold you from cleaning and inspections. Because a clean engine room can save you a lot of time, money, and work and will definitely benefit you In the short and long run.

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