Re: What Is A Anode Plate?
In the simplest terms...it is meant to 'rot' away, before your engine does!
Water...especially salt water...has this habit of causing electrolysis, due to the dissimilar metals used in the engine. The anode plate will sacrifice itself, in place of your outboard, or outdrive.
When it has 'dissolved' to about 50% if ot's original size...put on a new one.
By the way...there are different material anodes, for different water conditions. Get the one that matches your usual water conditions(salt, versus fresh).