does anyone know what anodes are for?

[fish46]

I have a 1973 Starcraft with a 70hp Evinrude 1973 (70473-m) I just got the not to long ago the motor turns on fine but when I put in the water it has a hard time turning on and wont stay on. I found an anode under the motor bolted on the transome and inside the boat on one of the screws has a wire so I connected the wire to the motor and the motor stayed on so my question is does the anode have to do anything with the volt or something or is it just for corrosion?

 

[Bob Gilvary]

Re: does anyone know what anodes are for?

An anode is used to focus electrolosis to itself rather than any other metal first. It should not be connected to any thing that would put direct current from the battery to it, be it positive or negative voltage.

Just for kicks, get a meter and see if there's any current flowing through the anode. No noticable current should be there. I'd put the meter positive lead on the battery + and negative lead on the anode. Do it both running and not running, key switch on and off.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: does anyone know what anodes are for?

Yup that is a "sacrificial anode" designed to take one for the team rather than have the outboard itself get any corrosion.

Very important to have, especially in saltwater too.

 

[GLG fishing]

Re: does anyone know what anodes are for?

Fish46 Previous posters are bang on. If you motor runs better with that wire hooked up its time to trace all your wires to find a possible open circuit or lifted ground. First one to trace would be the negative battery wire. Look for corrosion on both ends. Clean with wire brush and apply dielectric grease. Trace all the black wires first and pay attention to the connectors. If the connector and the wire looks bad after cleaning replace the connector. Get a multi meter or one of those test lights, as this will be the best tool. Pull a part the control (key) and check for corrosion. Good luck.
GLG

 

[fish46]

Re: does anyone know what anodes are for?

I agree with you guys and i guess my next step is to check connection. When I bought the boat it had no floor, batteries or gas tank and hadn't been starred in a long time. The motor looks clean but since it was siting for while i probably need to check wires. Thanks for your time and help. I'll write a post when i fine the problem. Thanks again