Should I clean my outboard sacrificial anodes?

[tony_cliffy]

Used my aluminum boat in saltwater several times this past season. Always rinsed it off after each trip, but did not always have access to a hose right after taking it out of the water. Sometimes it was a day or two if I was traveling a long distance. Sacrificial anodes on engine have some normal looking white crusty stuff - should I remove and clean this off? Or just let them erode until they need replacing? I didn't know if the existing corrosion present would further corrode the anode.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Should I clean my outboard sacrificial anodes?

They need to be cleaned as good as possible to allow as much surface area exsposed as possible.<br />A steele brush in a die-grinder works real well.

 

[gss036]

Re: Should I clean my outboard sacrificial anodes?

Use only a stainless steel brush if you decide to clean them. I would have to do some searching but I saw a documation somewhere about this and the regular metal bruses damaging the zincs.

 

[tony_cliffy]

Re: Should I clean my outboard sacrificial anodes?

Excellent reminder, Gary.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Should I clean my outboard sacrificial anodes?

I still use a steele brush to remove the filaform and then jump in with a roloc disk in about 80 grit and finish the job. The idea is not to imbed "other" metal products in the zinc, same is true of using a stainless brush.

 

[Al Kungel]

Re: Should I clean my outboard sacrificial anodes?

The anodes from my motors are easily cleaned with an electric sander.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Should I clean my outboard sacrificial anodes?

Bottom line - dirty zincs=poor protection.<br /><br />Take them off. Use a file. Get them shiny again. Clean the hole and refix, making good metal to metal contact.<br /><br />The oxides that form while they are eroding create a barrier, and slow down the 'sacrificial' process. <br /><br />The other sensible rule is - When they are half-eroded, replace them. The smaller surface area of an eroded zinc gives a smaller degree of protection.

 

[JC1933]

Re: Should I clean my outboard sacrificial anodes?

Hi guys,<br />My motors operators manual shows that the lower gear case is an anode, yet it is painted should this be paint free? thanks J,C,

 

[ED21]

Re: Should I clean my outboard sacrificial anodes?

I believe the anode may be located behind the prop.

 

[JC1933]

Re: Should I clean my outboard sacrificial anodes?

Thanks ED, I will check that out J,C,