Cleaning a brass prop

[dgetswet]

Seems like I did not pay attention when they took the boat out of the water and power washed the bottom. The prop is in some sorry state with barnacles and calcium deposits all over her.

Can anyone recommend a solvent or something to help clean it?

[Pitou]

After a long winter's rest, the barnacles will scrape right off with a stiff plastic scraper. Then use a stiff brush on the prop for a clean shine using 10 water to 1 pool acid or muriatic. Wet the prop first before brushing on the 10 to 1 then rinse. Wear rubber gloves, long sleeves & eye protection.

If you want the "shine" to last, buff with a metal polish or the prop will tarnish in just a few days.

BTW .. your prop is most likely nibral, but could be bronze.

[Norseman]

Seems like I did not pay attention when they took the boat out of the water and power washed the bottom. The prop is in some sorry state with barnacles and calcium deposits all over her.

Can anyone recommend a solvent or something to help clean it?

Not a brass prop, probably bronze, or nibral.
Several choices:
Take the prop off and give to a prop-shop for acid bath and cleaning as well as balancing and tuning.
$150-$250.

Or do it yourself: Elbow Grease, clean and polish, then prime and paint,
Etc.

[dgetswet]

After a long winter's rest, the barnacles will scrape right off with a stiff plastic scraper. Then use a stiff brush on the prop for a clean shine using 10 water to 1 pool acid or muriatic. Wet the prop first before brushing on the 10 to 1 then rinse. Wear rubber gloves, long sleeves & eye protection.

If you want the "shine" to last, buff with a metal polish or the prop will tarnish in just a few days.

BTW .. your prop is most likely nibral, but could be bronze.

Thanks for the info. I thought Muriatic acid was bad on metal?

[dgetswet]

Seems like I did not pay attention when they took the boat out of the water and power washed the bottom. The prop is in some sorry state with barnacles and calcium deposits all over her.

Can anyone recommend a solvent or something to help clean it?

Not a brass prop, probably bronze, or nibral.
Several choices:
Take the prop off and give to a prop-shop for acid bath and cleaning as well as balancing and tuning.
$150-$250.

Or do it yourself: Elbow Grease, clean and polish, then prime and paint,
Etc.

Thanks for the info. With the extra time trying to do as much as I could before they open the shops again.

[Pitou]

Thanks for the info. I thought Muriatic acid was bad on metal?

You are correct and that's why the 10 : 1 ratio and not to be applied to a dry propeller.

I'm currently servicing my raw water coolers and the bronze end caps were just soaked in a 10 : 1 solution for cleaning. The same will be done with the inside of the cores this afternoon.

If you're not comfortable doing this, I've seen guys scrubbing fror a few hours using toilet bowl cleaner. Myself, I prefer the 15 to 20 minute start to finish method.

[dgetswet]

Thanks Kevin I appreciate the information you've been giving me.

[dgetswet]

Seems like I did not pay attention when they took the boat out of the water and power washed the bottom. The prop is in some sorry state with barnacles and calcium deposits all over her.

Can anyone recommend a solvent or something to help clean it?

Not a brass prop, probably bronze, or nibral.
Several choices:
Take the prop off and give to a prop-shop for acid bath and cleaning as well as balancing and tuning.
$150-$250.

Or do it yourself: Elbow Grease, clean and polish, then prime and paint,
Etc.

Thanks for the info. I was going to take the prop off but decided against it. I cleaned it up fairly well and thought to myself who is really going to see the prop if it shines or not. Its clean thats all that matters to me right now. But thanks again always good to get new ideas.