Anode Replacement

[Richman]

I am replacing the zinc on my 1998 200hp Ocean Runner. This is the zinc that is located on the lower unit just above the anti-ventilation fin and also directly above the prop. As much as I crank down on the bolt I cannot get the anode tight. Assuming I have the correct anode, are they not supposed to be tight and have good contact with metal to work correctly? Thanks.

Rich

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Anode Replacement

must not have the correct one. should be complete contact.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Anode Replacement

It sounds like you have the wrong bolt or the hole is stripped. Can you add a stainless washer or lock washer to the bolt head to take up the slack?

 

[Richman]

Re: Anode Replacement

I could easily add a washer or two and things would be tight. Is there a problem with the zinc not in direct contact with the lower housing?

 

[cribber]

Re: Anode Replacement

As long as you have metal to metal contact between the anode and lower unit you should be fine electrically.

 

[Mas]

Re: Anode Replacement

It's kinda link your battery terminals...gotta be tight. After all, it is a battery. If the bolt threads into the zinc...you probably stripped it!

MAS

 

[Richman]

Re: Anode Replacement

On that particular zinc the zinc is not threaded. The bolt threads mate to threads in the LU. It is odd that it will not tighten down on its own, it is like the bolt is too long. In any case, a couple washers did the trick, I'll solve the bolt mystery when I get the time.

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Anode Replacement

the zinc is that thing at the bottom thats looks corroded and its white?

whats that thing do?

 

[Mas]

Re: Anode Replacement

the zinc is that thing at the bottom thats looks corroded and its white?

whats that thing do?

When dissimilar metals are in contact with each other and they are surrounded by a electrically conducting fluid (water with minerals & dissolved salts for example) an electric current is created...a battery. In this process, the weaker metal in the galvanic series is eaten up in the process. Outboard motors have a lot of dissimilar metals (i.e alloys of aluminum, stainless steel, etc.).

To prevent the motor from dissolving in the process, engineers added an extremely electrically weak metal to be dissolved in the process (the zinc) instead of the motor. It's always the weakest to go first!!

In essence, you can do the same and make a battery with any two metals that are different, connect them, and put them in saltwater. Depending on the which metals are used and the amount of time, you can see the "weaker" metal dissolve.

Obviously, engineers at Duracell have perfected this process!!

MAS