DF 115 Electrolysis

[captnron55]

While performing some routine maintenance this past weekend I came upon a very unpleasant discovery. As you can see in the attached photo, on both sides of the driveshaft housing electrolysis had eaten holes through the casting.

Two questions -

1) Before I spend the money to replace the housing, anyone have thoughts as to how this might have happened? Saltwater use, but the boat is rack stored, washed and flushed after every use and the zinc is still good.

2) Any thoughts as to where I might find a used one?

Thanks

 

[lakensea]

Re: DF 115 Electrolysis

What year and 20" or 25" shaft? Where are you located?

 

[captnron55]

Re: DF 115 Electrolysis

The engine is a 2002. Honestly not sure if it's a 20" or 25" shaft. I'll need to do some checking. The boat is located in Stuart, Fl.

 

[Mas]

Re: DF 115 Electrolysis

Is your battery keeping a charge? Being that you store it out of water, I would be looking for voltage leaks onboard???

MAS

 

[Mas]

Re: DF 115 Electrolysis

Also, do a conductivity test between the zinc and head..unless they have good connection on the mating surface, the zinc will not work. Also, use a wire brush and clean up the zinc to remove any oxidation so it is shiny.

MAS

 

[captnron55]

Re: DF 115 Electrolysis

Conductivity testing is an excellent suggestion. Thanks. The batteries have never lost a charge. Looking at an exploded view of the driveshaft housing assembly, I see that there is suppose to be a jumper wire from the lower unit to the driveshaft housing. I?m thinking that might be the culprit.

 

[gss036]

Re: DF 115 Electrolysis

My friend, whom I fish w/on occasion has a 8-9 year old 9.9 Yamaha that has a hole in the housing, sound like a vehicle w/ a hole in the muffler muffler. It just started this winter and he to stores his boat out of the water. My new Yamaha T9.9 has ground wires connected between components, so, yes I agree, that could very well be the culprit.
Also, another friend had a Honda 15 hp, 8-9 years old that did the same thing, so not just limited to one brand.
When I was looking last month to get a new kicker, I had a nieces husband, who is a certified outboar mechanic, tell me that Suzuki also has/had a problem with corrison.