Complete zinc part listing for Alpha One drive?

[Dave88LX]

I see a ton of parts and kits listed online, but I'm uncertain what I need exactly. I don't want to buy the wrong stuff.

Plain old Alpha One. Will be saltwater use.

I found a kit listing these items, but want to be sure. I do see those parts in the iBoats store, although it lists 55989 as being Magnesium, not Zinc.

31640 Mercury/Mercruiser Standard Trim Tab Zinc Anode
821631 Mercruiser Alpha One Block Zinc Anode
55989 Mercury/Mercruiser Nut Zinc Anode (Qty 2)
Alpha One Anode Mounting Hardware Kit

Do I need something behind my (alum) prop also? Thank you.

 

[Don S]

Re: Complete zinc part listing for Alpha One drive?

Merc stopped using zinc anodes 20 years ago. They now use aluminum for saltwater.
Here is the kit you need.

 

[Dave88LX]

Re: Complete zinc part listing for Alpha One drive?

Thanks Don. I tried searching the 'net to find what I needed but didn't quite find the info I wanted, I believe it pointed me towards zinc and away from alum.

- Dave

Just to be clear, I don't want this:
http://www.iboats.com/Zinc-Anode-Ki...8952227--session_id.158169770--view_id.345644
$50 zinc

I want this:
http://www.iboats.com/Aluminum-Anod...8952227--session_id.158169770--view_id.345642
$70 aluminum

 

[Dave88LX]

Re: Complete zinc part listing for Alpha One drive?

Reading more, I found this:
http://www.performancemetals.com/anodes/AnodeFAQs.shtml

From above link:
"Initially the anodes for these units were made of zinc, but in response to corrosion problems, Mercury and Johnson/Evinrude/OMC started selling the aluminum anodes in the early 1990’s. Other manufacturers are switching to aluminum too. The small increase in protective voltage helps ensure that the sterndrive is protected. If you use zinc anodes you may even invalidate your warranty!"

 

[Dave88LX]

Re: Complete zinc part listing for Alpha One drive?

Heck, it appears 888756Q02 has been superseded by 888756Q04.

 

[Don S]

Re: Complete zinc part listing for Alpha One drive?

No on the zinc, and maybe on the aluminum. Read this Merc service bulletin.

View attachment 03-02 Aftermarket anodes.pdf

 

[Dave88LX]

Re: Complete zinc part listing for Alpha One drive?

Thanks for that .pdf link. Good to know about the inferior/knockoff anodes out there and to stay away. Not all are created equal...got it!