Volvo penta active corrosion protective system

[rosey]

I have twin volvo 5.7L GXI engines with dps outdrives. The Active corrosion protective system (APC) has never worked properly. During last summers boating season the system dispalyed red lights only. When the boat was hauled out of the water the system dispalyed green lights indicating that system was working properly. Upon putting boat back in the water the system dispalyed red lights again. System was completly replaced in December 2005. Boat was relaunched in April 2006. Per the manual the system has to be in the water for approximatley one week for system to stabilize. Upon intial launch system displayed red lights and after Ten days the system was displaying both red and green lights, which indicates system is working properly but is working at its capacity. Now three weeks after the boat is in the water it is dispalying Red only again. Volvo Penta and my dealer seem to think the boat needs additional zincs attached to the boat, they plan on hooking a temporary sailboat zinc (fish) to the boat and connecting to bonding system to see if this will help. My boat is kept on the upper middle Potomac River which is mainly Fresh/Brackish water. The Boat already has Two Zincs attached to each trim tab and One soft aluminum attached to outdrives. Other boats in the marina with this system have no problems with their APC systems with same set-up. Can anybody give me any help in determining the cause of this system to fail? All sacrificial anodes are installed per Volvos request. Because of this system failure last summer which led to excessive corrosion on drives both internally and externaly both transom shields and outdrives were repalced with new units 4 weeks ago. I don't want my new outdrives to corrode. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo penta active corrosion protective system

Are you sure the system is wired so it stays live when the battery switch is turned off? <br /><br />Also, what year is your 5.7GXi

 

[rosey]

Re: Volvo penta active corrosion protective system

I figured i would hear from you first. You seem to be the boat guru. Yes the system is wired so it stays live when battery is turned off. The engines are in a 2004 cruisers/yachts. Probably manufactured sometime in 2003.

 

[seamegr]

Re: Volvo penta active corrosion protective system

My 2cents. I have one of these installed on my single SX drive, freshwater, 2 zinc anodes 1 magnesium anode. I still have some corrosion on the drive. The lights indicate proper function.<br /><br />My reason for posting is this, after reading in the online VP catalogue that the system should only be used in saltwater and not with magnesium anodes. (too reactive?)<br /><br />Also that there should be 1 for each drive, it sounds like you only have one installed or if two, that they both indicate the same.<br /><br />Greg<br /><br />Here are two cut and pastes from the catalogue.<br /><br />Active Corrosion Protection System<br /><br />The QL Active Corrosion Protection System helps prevent galvanic corrosion from attacking the metal parts of your sterndrive or outboard. This system complements the sterndrive/outboard sacrificial anodes and is not intended to replace those. The QL Active Corrosion Protection System is recommended for fiberglass boats that are used in saltwater with varying degrees of corrosiveness, or where extra protection against corrosion is needed. The system is designed to protect the mass of one sterndrive or outboard. An additional kit is required for installation on a twin engine boat.<br /><br /><br />Features:<br /><br />• Helps to prevent galvanic corrosion.<br />• Works with your aluminum or zinc anodes to protect your sterndrive or outboard.<br />• Fits all sterndrives and outboards in saltwater applications.<br />• Electronic control unit inside the boat has LEDs which let you know the drive is being protected.<br />• Provides constant monitoring of the drive or outboard while in saltwater.<br />• Low amp draw (3mA) while in the monitoring mode.<br />• Easy to install, no special tools required.<br />• CE approved.<br />• Not designed for use in freshwater or with magnesium anodes.<br />• No moving parts.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Volvo penta active corrosion protective system

I know your volvo dealer isnt gonna like this but mercrusier makes a reference electrode that is used in conjuntion with a DVM to check whether the drives are under or over protected.<br /> I am sure volvo makes one but I have not seen it in any of the drive schools I have attended.<br /> course today was the first volvo satilite alarm system I saw .