dumb question

[a1999ponyboy]

what is the perpose of a magnesium anode? what does the anode do?

 

[a1999ponyboy]

Re: dumb question

ummmmm sorry i dont follow you

 

[am_dew]

Re: dumb question

Take a look here: http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/23.htm

 

[tpenfield]

Re: dumb question

different metals going into water (like aluminum and steel) create and electrical process known as galvanic corrosion. It is a process where the 'electrons' of the 'weaker' metal (aluminum) get depleated by the 'stronger' metal (steel). Over time, the weaker metal disappears.

When you introduce and even weaker metal (magnesium or zinc) those metals get depleated rather than the aluminum, which saves your outdrive and related components. anodes are pieces of magnesium or zinc that are placed on the outdrive to provide a plentiful source of 'weak' metal.

 

[a1999ponyboy]

Re: dumb question

ok guys thanks for the info!!! learned something new today

 

[bnicov]

Re: dumb question

No such thing as a dumb question if you don't know something.

 

[RandyJ]

Re: dumb question

I'm not seriously knowledgeable about this subject but do know that on many boats the trim tab does double duty as a sacrificial anode. Too, I've wondered about a show I saw on t.v. one time where this guy was demonstrating what size anode to use. I couldn't really figure out what he was trying to teach or what he was trying to balance using a meter to calculate the galvanic reaction or whatever it is called that he was trying to balance...

 

[Don S]

Re: dumb question

Here is a Mercruiser service bulletin that goes into more detail on corrosion and prevention and measuring to see if you are protected.