Anode Replacement

[kaw550]

I am about to order a kit but I thought would check here first...

Last year I noticed some corriosion on my Alpha One drive.
I sanded, cleaned and painted all the areas.


It wasnt as bad this year but some of it came back.

Is this because the anodes are worn? At what point should they be replaced? What else could cause this? I did make sure the ground was connected on the drive.

The boat is now 12 years old. Should I expect some?


Paint/primer suggestions? I used Mercruiser paint last year.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Anode Replacement

change the anodes when they are 2/3 remaining (1/3) gone

also, check to make sure the ground strap on the inner transom plate is grounded to the block (port side of transom plate) - and all the continuity straps are in place on the transom/drive assy

quicksilver does make a primer to use on the drives along with the phantom black paint

 

[kaw550]

Re: Anode Replacement

I attached a picture (best I could do with boat backed into the garage).

I dont have anything to compare them to but I assume they are at a point where thery are worth replacing.

 

[Aloysius]

Re: Anode Replacement

don't paint it..it's designed to degrade. If it doesn't degrade from electrolysis, something much more expensive will...........

 

[wire2]

Re: Anode Replacement

don't paint it..it's designed to degrade. If it doesn't degrade from electrolysis, something much more expensive will...........

I believe the OP was asking about paint for the drive, not the anodes. It's unpainted in the pic.

The "standard" paint for bare aluminum is zinc chromate, then a high quality enamel.
I've had good luck with 2 part epoxy.

 

[erie_guy]

Re: Anode Replacement

I suggest you get magnesium anodes for your drives - assuming you operate only in fresh water. I have a pair of volvo SX drives now entering their 13th year and except for annual touchup have no corrosion issues. I do however change the Mg anodes every three years, when they are about half gone. The anodes cost a bit more than the Zn (~$50/engine) and don"t last as long, but they do a job protecting the drives in fresh water.

As far as painting, use the approved primer for the merc drive. Wire2 is correct that a zinc chromate is normally used on unpainted aluminum before you put on the finnish paint.

erie_guy
Port Clinton, OH

 

[kaw550]

Re: Anode Replacement

Thanks. I ordered the mag version today.