1981 Evinrude 60HP Anode Question

[LandingLights]

Hello. I have a 1981 Evinrude 60HP Long Shaft (E60ELCIA) that I believe needs a new anode. The lower unit is blistering from what I think may be corrosion.

This may be a totally dumb question, but I am not sure where the old anode is, if there is one. I have attached a picture of my lower unit. I thought the anode was the fin marked with a RED arrow, however I purchased these anodes and they say to install them on the plate marked with the BLUE arrow. I was not expecting to drill new holes in my lower unit !

The engine is used only in freshwater and does not sit for too long at a time. Does my engine need an anode? If so, which anode and where do I install them?

Thank you in advance!

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 60HP Anode Question

In later models, the anode was mounted in a slot just above where your arrow is, but not in yours. Mercury used zinc to make their unpainted trim tabs, but OMC did not.

The anode is still an excellent addition and you can see why because the metals in your bolts, drive and prop shaft to name a few are different than the aluminum alloy that most of the motor is made of. By design, the sacrificial anode will break down before the more vital parts of your motor.

When metal based paints are applied to improperly primed aluminum, they also provide a base for corrosion, especially when water gets between the paint and the underlying metal.

Try to locate your anodes in such a way as to avoid locking the trim tab. When you have them in place, use your ohmmeter to assure that you have continuity.

 

[LandingLights]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 60HP Anode Question

Thank you for your response! However, I do not know what you mean by locating the anodes to "avoid locking the trim tab".

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 60HP Anode Question

Move the anodes far enough forward to avoid drilling the mounting holes through the base of the trim tab.

 

[LandingLights]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 60HP Anode Question

OK Now I see... sorry for the dumb question. Thanks so much!

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 60HP Anode Question

That's not a dumb question. Dumb was having to take the anodes off my motor to replace the water pump.