two wires coming out of lower bellhousing

[chris0061]

can anyone tell me what these two wires are for coming out of the anode place were the tilt and trim lines hook up to on the bottom of the gimbal ring.

[jaxnjil]

thats your mercathode wires

this is where the other end hooks up

[chris0061]

I see, I don't have one of those. I bought this off eBay to replace a 1984 model. they said it was a 1988. Can I just unhook those wires or what is the purpose of the system? Thanks allot, Chris

[Bt Doctur]

I would remove them with the cathode unit,(the black thing on the bottom)
before I`d cut the wires and replace it with the zinc that goes there

[gadget73]

What the good Doctor said. Remove and replace with the zinc so you have protection. I think there is a rubber seal those wires pass through, so you'll need to seal that up. Or, you could add the mercathode if your boat is in salt water and corrosion is a concern. Your option.

[chris0061]

I'll go ahead and remove it and replace it with the zinc. I boat the Mississippi only so no salt water action here. Thanks guys.

[BAYLINER185]

i have a Mercathode on my boat. Fresh water.

What it does basicly is saves your zincs. At least makes them last longer. Its an electrical cathode that changes polarity depending on water "electrical" conditions and keeps the zyncs from being eaten up.