Re: What would cause this???....
45Auto Good Eye/Call on the corrosion to the gimbal ring, I can agree to that also.
flconrad, Is your boat bottom painted???
The reason I'm asking is because, If I'm seeing that photo correctly, it looks like to me the paint comes all the way up to the side of the transom housing assembly???
If it is painted and touching the transom housing assembly, then that would be a source of how the transom housing assembly could get corrosion on it so badly.
The paint would need to be about inch and a half away from the transom housing assembly.
Page 1B-15
Checking Optional Quicksilver Anti-Corrosion Anode Kit
If boat is equipped with Quicksilver Anti-Corrosion Anode Kit, inspect anode and replace if
eroded to less than 50% of its original size. Carefully follow installation instructions, that accompany
new Anode Kit, to ensure proper installation.
Boat Bottom Care
To achieve maximum performance and fuel economy, boat bottom MUST BE kept clean.
Accumulation of marine growth or other foreign matter can greatly reduce boat speed and
increase fuel consumption. To ensure best performance and efficiency, periodically clean
boat bottom in accordance with manufacturer?s recommendations.
In some areas, it may be advisable to paint the bottom to help prevent marine growth. Refer
to the following information for special notes about the use of antifouling paints.
Antifouling Paint
IMPORTANT: Corrosion damage that results from the improper application of antifouling
paint will not be covered by the limited warranty.
Painting Boat Hull or Boat Transom: Antifouling paint may be applied to boat hull and boat
transom but you must observe the following precautions:
IMPORTANT: DO NOT paint anodes or MerCathode System reference electrode and
anode, as this will render them ineffective as galvanic corrosion inhibitors.
IMPORTANT: If antifouling protection is required for boat hull or boat transom, copper
or tin base paints, if not prohibited by law, can be used. If using copper or tin
based antifouling paints, observe the following:
? Avoid an electrical interconnection between the MerCruiser Product, Anodic Blocks,
or MerCathode System and the paint by allowing a minimum of 1-1/2 in. (40mm) UNPAINTED
area on transom of the boat around these items.
71176
a
b
a - Painted Boat Transom
b - Minimum 1-1/2 in (40mm) UNPAINTED Area Around Transom Assembly
NOTE: Drive unit and transom assembly can be painted with a good quality marine paint
or an antifouling paint that DOES NOT contain copper, tin, or any other material that could
conduct electrical current. Do not paint drain holes, anodes, MerCathode system, and items
specified by boat manufacturer.
Maintaining Ground Circuit Continuity
The transom assembly and sterndrive unit are equipped with a ground wire circuit, to ensure
good electrical continuity between engine, transom assembly and sterndrive components.
Good continuity is essential for the MerCathode System to function effectively. Refer to Section
7.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/11/11b1r5x.pdf
