Couple of silly questions on alpha one out drives.

[boaterntexas]

Just have some time on my hand and was wondering..<br /> why the use of zinc on some parts. some parts I have found on this outdrive are new to me so I was just wondering what their pupose are for.<br /> zinc andoe plate ?<br /> anodic bolt heads?<br /> the two removable pieces from the water intake, that have seemed to be faded?<br /><br /> any one care to enlighten me on some difrences on the I/O drive units versus outboard?<br /><br /> thanks for keeping me entertianed during this slow friday behind a desk

 

[Wingnutt]

Re: Couple of silly questions on alpha one out drives.

The zinc parts are sacrificial to help prevent rust and corrosion. Without going into a long-winded explanation, different metals in close proximity to each other in the water will rust and corrode due to the tiny electrical conductivity differences between them. The zinc parts will erode in order to protect the other parts dangling in the water. Take a look at the stern drives on different boats. The zinc parts will be corroded and pitted, where the rest of the metal parts should be OK. If somebody hasn’t replaced the zinc parts after they have reached a certain point of deterioration, you will see the other metal parts starting to erode. These little parts are often forgotten, but are an important part of your boat maintance. Hope this helps.

 

[boaterntexas]

Re: Couple of silly questions on alpha one out drives.

Thanks, it really does clear it up, if the boat is not kept in the water but on sparse outings, what i the regular maintnece for theese parts

 

[Bondo]

Re: Couple of silly questions on alpha one out drives.

ZER0, NO maintaince on Zinks, Just make sure they are There,+ not too pitted.....<br />And Don't Paint them... They Must be Bare Metal to work.....

 

[Wingnutt]

Re: Couple of silly questions on alpha one out drives.

bondo,<br /><br />When I stated that they are a part of a boat's maintance, I didn't mean that you had to do anything to them, just make sure they aren't pitted and erroded to badly. Lot's of people neven look at them until thier outdrive starts to corrode away.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Couple of silly questions on alpha one out drives.

Wingnutt,<br /><br />I'm Just Agreeing with you.....<br /><br />In the post above mine, boaterntexas Asks, what i the regular maintnece for theese parts ...... <br />And I replied, Just make sure they are There,+ not too pitted..... Then added, And Don't Paint them... They Must be Bare Metal to work..... <br /><br />Sorry if you misunderstood my responce....

 

[McKenzie]

Re: Couple of silly questions on alpha one out drives.

Mine arent worn noticably, so until they take a turn for the worst, I wire brush them with a drill every season to keep a shiny bare metal and to get any growth off.