Re: Engine & drive corrosion problem
Bravo 3 has erosion on drive just before prop, above prop housing (all erosion is on drive). Are there tell tale signs to tell if boat was used in salt water or is the damage to the drive from electrolysis (galvanic corrosion) and would any part of the engine be damaged...
Unfortunately, what you are seeing is fairly normal corrosion on a Bravo 3 outdrive. It is NOT saltwater indicative. They will do it in fresh water, when the Mercathode system is not turned on (ask me how I know!?
) and the anodes are not "freshwater only" anode.
REMOVE the props, the MOST IMPORTANT piece is the rear bearing carrier. If it corrodes too much, the seal will leak and allow the oil to exit and water to enter.
Here is just about the worst you want to see:
Much more than this, and that seal could start to leak.
BTW, that corrosion was caused in just 12 months (2 seasons) of being slipped in freshwater, without the Mercathode being on. In the next 36 month (6 seasons) with the Mercathode turned on and the proper anodes, along with yearly repainting, the corrosion did not progress at all. As a matter of fact, these three pictures were not all taken at the same time. i think the last picture is actually the earliest.
