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Read this quick overview on how to protect your engine from corrosion!
What causes corrosion?
Seawater is a good conductor while freshwater is a bad conductor, so corrosion is worse in seawater.
Generally, corrosion rates increase in proportion to the amount of oxygen in the water.
However, areas starved of oxygen, such as cracks and crevices, become anodic and corrode as well.
Higher temperatures increase corrosion rates, doubling for every 30 degrees C (55 degrees F).
Various microorganisms can contribute to corrosion by removing protection or creating a corrosive environment.
Why do I need anodes?
Anodes are needed on your engine because when two different metals are in contact, electrons flow from the more negatively charged metal (anode) to the more positive metal (cathode).
To protect both types of metal from corrosion, a third metal such as zinc must be added, although magnesium and aluminum can also be used.
This active metal becomes the anode for both metals.
The zinc or aluminum sacrifices itself to protect the other two metals, hence the term 'sacrificial anode'.
Do's and Don'ts DO change your anode when they are 50 percent corroded.
DO ensure they make good electrical contact - remove paint and clean the mounting surface.
DO protect trim tabs individually (do not bond).
Although usually made from stainless steel, they can still corrode and need sacrificial anodes.
DO use new fasteners on sterndrives - even stainless bolts can fail due to corrosion.
DO keep a sterndrive immersed in water so that the anodes can work.
DON'T use zinc anodes on aluminum outdrives.
DON'T paint anodes.
