Cobra SX outdrives Trim ram end. Anode?

keepyatipup

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Joined
Apr 16, 2011
Messages
7
I bought the boat last fall,

I am in the process of ordering Anodes for the outdrive ( '94 Volvo Cobra SX) and noticed how much corrosion there was on the piece at the end of the Trim Rams. See photo, as I am not sure what these are called. Is this an Anode?

Anybody know how to get it off? or if they can be replaced without taking the Rams apart?

Any info or experience with this would be appreciated
 

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garbageguy

Lieutenant Commander
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May 8, 2012
Messages
1,598
Re: Cobra SX outdrives Trim ram end. Anode?

If it's like my 98 SX, that is not an anode and is the rod, part of the trim cylinder. I'm sure someone will be along with more info
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,137
Re: Cobra SX outdrives Trim ram end. Anode?

I bought the boat last fall,

I am in the process of ordering Anodes for the outdrive ( '94 Volvo Cobra SX) and noticed how much corrosion there was on the piece at the end of the Trim Rams. See photo, as I am not sure what these are called. Is this an Anode?

Anybody know how to get it off? or if they can be replaced without taking the Rams apart?

Any info or experience with this would be appreciated

Ayuh,.... Yer arrow is pointin' at the trim ram/shaft itself,....

The ram will need to be completely disassembled, 'n that piece has the piston on the other end,...
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,089
Re: Cobra SX outdrives Trim ram end. Anode?

It's part of the ram itself.
Once it starts to corrode. Not much you can do.
You can try to sand it down and repaint.
Adding a zink to the transom can slow down the corrosion.
You keep the boat in the water?
 

dypcdiver

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Nov 1, 2005
Messages
1,040
Re: Cobra SX outdrives Trim ram end. Anode?

It is Volvo Penta's built in corrosion system. They have a continuity strap to the ram body but the piston rod is not protected because it is isolated by the plastic bushes (No.4 on the list) and the piston seals. I had to change my rams because the piston rods had the chrome eaten away by electrolysis and consequently destroyed the rod seals. My solution is a 19mm prop shaft anode on each rod, this has kept corrosion away for the last 8 seasons of 7 months a year in the salt water of the Mediterranean.

By the way the Stainless props on the Duo Prop leg suffer the same problem, they are also unprotected because of their plastic shear bushing isolating them from the rest of the leg.
 
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Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,127
Re: Cobra SX outdrives Trim ram end. Anode?

I had the same issue with my OMC Cobra, that is kept in the water. I think its even worse if you have to tilt the drive up so the end of the trim rams are out of the water. This way they are exposed to both salt water and air. If you can keep the drive down they would probably corrode less. I thought of adding a prop anode because Mercs have anodes on those rods. If I can find one that will fit I'll try it this season...
 

keepyatipup

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Joined
Apr 16, 2011
Messages
7
Re: Cobra SX outdrives Trim ram end. Anode?

The Gentleman I boat the boat from DID keep in the water, I do not plan too

Due to that, I am not suprised at the corrosion but was hoping for a fix with out taking the rams apart

I do not thnk it helped either that his Anodes were down to nothing...
 

Jammer864

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 20, 2011
Messages
149
Re: Cobra SX outdrives Trim ram end. Anode?

You can fix it by removing the rams and having the end bead blasted or sand blasted to remove the corrosion and then just repaint. I just did that to my whole drive, gimble ring, gimble housing, and outdrive.
 
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