My 83 Merc pre-alpha outdrive has suffered significant corrosion in the past 2 years. Much of the problem is caused by my ignorance, I think.
1. I neglected to replace a broken ground cable that goes from part of the steering arm to the inside transom assembly ( about 1 year )
2. When I did my first bottom job 1 1/2 years ago, I should have left 1 inch clearance from that paint and the outdrive. I trimmed the paint right to the edge. My error.
2. After having bellows & gearcase resealed 1 1/2 years ago, I failed to really inspect the work before returning this boat to the slip. After hauling the boat last week, I discovered:
a. Anode that goes under the cav plate was missing. Gone. Was there originally.
b. Acorn anodes at base of of gimble housing was deteriorating.
c. The prop shaft seal looks like the inner seal ( you can see the spring ). I assume that there should be some sort of outer seal ??( not sure ). Fluid was not too bad when drained.
What I have done:
I have replaced the anodes, but could not locate a replacement ground cable. I fabricated one from galvanized steel, since I could not find stainless.
I sanded the remaining outdrive paint ( not much) and primed with Rustoleum professional with zinc phosphate. Then I applied 2 coats of Krylon rust tough enamel with " ultimate corrosion protection" ( sic).
I checked the other outdrives in the slips near mine and have not noticed excessive corrosion.
Another possible factor, I had new swim platform support fabricated. They are stainless steel.
I am reinstalling the bilge pump so no wires are immersed in occasion water.
Am I missing anything? My trim rams look terrible and I see white spotty pits in several places.
I am learning the hard way, it seems.
1. I neglected to replace a broken ground cable that goes from part of the steering arm to the inside transom assembly ( about 1 year )
2. When I did my first bottom job 1 1/2 years ago, I should have left 1 inch clearance from that paint and the outdrive. I trimmed the paint right to the edge. My error.
2. After having bellows & gearcase resealed 1 1/2 years ago, I failed to really inspect the work before returning this boat to the slip. After hauling the boat last week, I discovered:
a. Anode that goes under the cav plate was missing. Gone. Was there originally.
b. Acorn anodes at base of of gimble housing was deteriorating.
c. The prop shaft seal looks like the inner seal ( you can see the spring ). I assume that there should be some sort of outer seal ??( not sure ). Fluid was not too bad when drained.
What I have done:
I have replaced the anodes, but could not locate a replacement ground cable. I fabricated one from galvanized steel, since I could not find stainless.
I sanded the remaining outdrive paint ( not much) and primed with Rustoleum professional with zinc phosphate. Then I applied 2 coats of Krylon rust tough enamel with " ultimate corrosion protection" ( sic).
I checked the other outdrives in the slips near mine and have not noticed excessive corrosion.
Another possible factor, I had new swim platform support fabricated. They are stainless steel.
I am reinstalling the bilge pump so no wires are immersed in occasion water.
Am I missing anything? My trim rams look terrible and I see white spotty pits in several places.
I am learning the hard way, it seems.
