Green Copper Pipes

[scottinsydney]

Repair and replacement work continues and has now moved to aft bilge area under and around OSR bed. Looking for leaks mostly. Have found plenty... air con hose fallen out of sump box, leaking deck cleat (used Captain Tolly liquid), leaking port rudder gland.

Some copper steering pipes in aft port corner are badly green with oxidation from salt water gasses or past water leaks. What chemical can be used to remove the green from the copper pipes? I have read up on copper pipe oxidation, but the only cleaning suggestion was to use lemon juice.

Any other ideas?

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Repair and replacement work continues and has now moved to aft bilge area under and around OSR bed. Looking for leaks mostly. Have found plenty... air con hose fallen out of sump box, leaking deck cleat (used Captain Tolly liquid), leaking port rudder gland.Some copper steering pipes in aft port corner are badly green with oxidation from salt water gasses or past water leaks. What chemical can be used to remove the green from the copper pipes? I have read up on copper pipe oxidation, but the only cleaning suggestion was to use lemon juice.Any other ideas?

I like either phosphoric acid or CLR. Use a soft bristled brush. After rinsing with fresh water, coat with Boeshield or similar product. Do not try to move or in anyway disturb the copper.

[rsmith]

Vinegar cleans the copper and bronze like new.

[SEVEN]

Spray it with vinegar and walk away. Cleans it and leaves your boat smelling like a fresh salad.

[scottinsydney]

I'll try vinegar first and then some of Robert's Boeshield.

Websites I researched indicated that the green scale (oxidisation) had little impact on the integrity of the copper pipe beneath. Hatteras used copper saddles and I wonder if there may have been some issues underneath them.

I seem to remember that other forum members have had copper steering pipes fail on them. I don't like the look of mine at all in rear port corner.

Now off to the supermarket to buy vinegar. Will post before and after photos assuming I don't get stuck forever between the transom and bedhead wall.

[SEVEN]

I'll try vinegar first and then some of Robert's Boeshield.

Websites I researched indicated that the green scale (oxidisation) had little impact on the integrity of the copper pipe beneath. Hatteras used copper saddles and I wonder if there may have been some issues underneath them.

I seem to remember that other forum members have had copper steering pipes fail on them. I don't like the look of mine at all in rear port corner.

Now off to the supermarket to buy vinegar. Will post before and after photos assuming I don't get stuck forever between the transom and bedhead wall.

Bring your phone just in case you get stuck.

[Dazed338]

If it's still pretty much solid, clean and reuse. My case no HW Heater, all sorts of patching and plugging. Full replumb in the works, weighing options.

[cenger]

Be sure to use White Vinegar. It helps clean if you add a pinch of salt to the vinegar solution.

[Boatsb]

Kosher salt if possible.

[SKYCHENEY]

Kosher salt if possible.

Pink Himalayan salt because Pink and Green make brown.