Rust Residue on Aluminum Boat: Removing It

[fishology]

I guess this is more of a Chemistry question than anything, but didn't get a response in that forum... I had gas spill onto the floor of my aluminum boat this winter, and it sat there for a few months... when I pulled the boat out this spring there was a rust looking residue on the aluminum floor. It doesn't come off with CLR. I'm wondering if anyone knows what this stuff might be, and how to get it off. Thanks

 

[Bob S]

The "stuff" might be in this list of gasoline additives:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline_additive

Do NOT use any basic (Ph>7.0) solvent to clean aluminum. Aluminum corrodes easily.

Bob S

 

[Borek]

Do NOT use any basic (Ph>7.0) solvent to clean aluminum. Aluminum corrodes easily.

Oops, sea water has pH of 8.

 

[pallidin]

Oops, sea water has pH of 8.

Ah, that explains all the disappearing aluminum boats!

Seriously, though, here is what I would do. Peruse a good boating web-site that has tips on cleaning. Wish I could list one, you may have to check-out a few.

 

[pallidin]

Found a few sites which make be of interest:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4463855_clean-aluminum-boats.html

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=237375

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?mode=article&objectID=29707&storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1

http://www.auroramarine.com/

 

[nucleus]

The refineries put a dye into gasoline to identify different octanes and for other reasons. The dye comes out and forms a stain.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_dyes

To remove it is a trial and error process. You can try Isopropyl alcohol, acetone, wipng it with more gasoline, lighter fluid, brake cleaner fluid. All have all worked to some extent. However, if it is a painted surface you may have problems removing it without removing paint and starting over, depending on type of paint.

Good Luck