Prop cleaning process with Muriatic Acid?

Lake_Bum

I bought some muriatic yesterday, after reading that many of you have brought stainless props back to a sparkling shine.  What I couldn't find, is the process of doing it.  Do I need to remove the props?  I have a Bravo 3 on mine.  Or can I just lower them all the way, so nothing can drain into the inner shafts.  
Also, how long do I let it sit on there?  Mine are pretty gnarly looking!  Thank you. 

Lake_Bum

Here is how they look currently...

Cableguy Greg

I put the acid in a spray bottle and diluted it down. I removed my props, and sprayed the acid mixture on and let it work its magic. I then rinsed the props off. They will clean up nice. 

Spyderweb

@Cableguy Greg is that left on 5 minutes, hours, days?  Any scrubbing, or just rinsing?

Cableguy Greg

I left it on until the acid quit sizzling. Then rinsed off. Depending on how bad the props are, it might need reapplied. 

Lake_Bum

Do you think it's a BAD thing, to spray them when they are still mounted on the drive?  Being careful to not let it get inside the shaft of course....

Black_Diamond

It will not hurt the shafts. Might discolor the outdrive paint.  I take mine off and use The Works toilet bowl cleaner. Zero effort. Like new. 

aero3113

Can the acid harm the shaft seal?

mattie

aero3113 said:

Can the acid harm the shaft seal?

How about at least get the drive in the down position - that will minimize the seal contact. I’ve used some strong gel hull cleaners that way. Props come out nice.

mattie

Sorry LakeBum - guess you already said to lower the drive..... 

preachin to the choir.

PickleRick

Have you already bought the acid?  Vinegar is much less abrasive, cheap and tough on oxidation.  

Lake_Bum

I chose to leave them on, lowered all the way, and sprayed on very carefully, as to not get any on the outdrive paint.  It definitely ate some of the gunk off, you could hearing it sizzling.  But they don't look like new.  I'd say about a 40% improvement or so.....

RiverRat232

I was thinking about using an angle grinder with a Scotchbrite pad on my props. I have polished other types of metal using one.

Willhound

@Lake_Bum use a stiff nylon brush (never metal) and they'll shine. Another reason to take them off first though as the brush can spray the acid around. Or if left on the drive carefully use a nylon scrubbing pad with heavy rubber gloves on of course. 

Lake_Bum

I was paranoid doing it lol.  I had latex gloves, but every time I would spray some, I would rinse my hands with the hose.  Watching that crap sizzle on the props is sort of freaky when you're holding the bottle in your hands!