snookwhaler
Regular Contributor
I have a 2002 MFS25A. The engine is primarily used in salt water and I thoroughly wash and flush and wash after each use. I have noticed some "paint bubbling" where the control cables exit the lower cowling (where the shifter would be if it were tiller). There is obviously corrosion below the paint. Also, the big piece of iron or steel that connects the top of the engine to the steering tube at the top is rusting badly around those 2 large studs and nuts.
I have already cleaned and treated the area around the top of the steering tube with POR 15. Should I remove the paint where it is bubbling around the lower cowl and treat that area with some zinc primer and touch up paint? Or just leave it? It's going to look like hell if I try and repair it.
Also, I ordered a can of touch up paint from Tohatsu and the color is off. It appears to be a shade or 2 lighter than mine like on the earlier 2 strokes lighter silver color. The early 4 strokes were almost a charcoal color. I have ordered paint from Moeller as well and had the same problem. The paint is metallic. But, just too light (not dark enough).
Regarding zincs. There is one on the bottom of the tilt bracket on the transom, one on the lower unit and one on the block. Should I remove all of these clean the area to bare metal where they meet and re-install? It seems they are not doing their job?
Also, a while back, I removed the lower unit to replace the water pump and oil. When I did, I sanded, primed and re-painted the entire lower unit. It looks great, but now I'm worried about corrosion on that as well. Should I remove the zinc steering tab and sand some paint off the lower unit underneath the tab? Or is the bolt a good enough connection to the zinc (metal to metal)?
I have already cleaned and treated the area around the top of the steering tube with POR 15. Should I remove the paint where it is bubbling around the lower cowl and treat that area with some zinc primer and touch up paint? Or just leave it? It's going to look like hell if I try and repair it.
Also, I ordered a can of touch up paint from Tohatsu and the color is off. It appears to be a shade or 2 lighter than mine like on the earlier 2 strokes lighter silver color. The early 4 strokes were almost a charcoal color. I have ordered paint from Moeller as well and had the same problem. The paint is metallic. But, just too light (not dark enough).
Regarding zincs. There is one on the bottom of the tilt bracket on the transom, one on the lower unit and one on the block. Should I remove all of these clean the area to bare metal where they meet and re-install? It seems they are not doing their job?
Also, a while back, I removed the lower unit to replace the water pump and oil. When I did, I sanded, primed and re-painted the entire lower unit. It looks great, but now I'm worried about corrosion on that as well. Should I remove the zinc steering tab and sand some paint off the lower unit underneath the tab? Or is the bolt a good enough connection to the zinc (metal to metal)?