Sacrificial Anode Evaluation

[mwnitz]

Hi,
Everywhere I read, I'm told to replace my sacrificial anodes on my Mercruiser Alpha One stern drive when they get 50% worn. Does this mean 50% of the surface area you can see is covered in corrosion? Or does this mean 50% of the thickness of these parts wears away? Mine are completely covered with corrosion yet look pretty beefy. Any pictures to illustrate examples would be great too. Thanks!

 

[Aviator5]

Re: Sacrificial Anode Evaluation

50% of the metal volume. Corrosion should be cleaned before you put it in the water.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Sacrificial Anode Evaluation

Worn means 'gone'!

But since these aren't all that expensive, you might want to replace it with a nice, new, 'pretty' one.

If this were mine, I would welcome the surface loss as proof that it was properly grounding...and working!

Just my opinion...worth about $0.02 American.

Happy boating!

 

[Aviator5]

Re: Sacrificial Anode Evaluation

I agree, I said they should be cleaned, but never actualy cleaned them myself, just put a new ones in the beginning of the season.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Sacrificial Anode Evaluation

I agree, I said they should be cleaned, but never actualy cleaned them myself, just put a new ones in the beginning of the season.

I like the idea of replacing them every couple of years, if only to insure that the mounting bolt doesn't end up 'frozen'...no fun drilling the bolt out!

Happy boating!