Yamaha V-MAX SHO VF250 Maintenance Manual page 9

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• Check it. Do a quick visual inspection of your boat and your Yamaha outboard(s) every
time you use them. Look for anything out of the ordinary and investigate if need be.
Keep a special eye on:
Anodes: Anodes intentionally corrode before your outboard does, in order to help protect it. Better
known as "sacrificial anodes," they are typically dull grey in color. On Yamaha outboards, they're
usually located on the lower unit just above the prop and on the bottom of the engine bracket.
As corrosion occurs over time, they begin to "dissolve." Replace them when they are about 50%
gone with only high-quality, factory-recommended replacements. Don't be fooled by lesser-quality
imitations. There's too much at stake here to risk it. Yamaha sacrificial anodes are made of a blend
of high-quality alloys specifically designed to help protect your Yamaha outboard.
Caution: Never paint or cover anodes in any way, as they must be in direct contact with the
water in order to perform correctly. When exposed to the water (especially freshwater), they
can become covered with a layer of organic growth (often referred to as "scum"). This is often
so thin you won't even notice it, but it can prevent an anode from doing its job. Therefore, during
your regular washdown procedure, make sure to take a brush and some soap to the anodes to
keep them clean and in direct contact with the water. This will help keep them working properly.
Propellers: Even stainless steel propellers
can get corrosion on them. Although most
often attributable to external forces like stray
voltage in the water, which is not in any way
attributable to the prop itself, it nonetheless
detracts from the shiny finish you expect it to
have. If your props do get surface discoloration
on them (which often appears as a flat grey
or light rusty color), there are simple methods
by which to clean and protect them using
readily available materials.
Scan here to see a video about
cleaning and caring for propellers.*
Electrical systems: Not just your outboard's,
but your boat's. Look under the console and
in the bilge areas for electrical connection
blocks. Also, check the battery terminals. If
corrosion appears on either, Yamalube
Terminal Cleaner & Protector will do the trick.
Spray it on to clean the affected areas (heavily
corroded connections will first need to be
disconnected and thoroughly cleaned). When
it dries, it leaves a protective waxy film that
will help keep corrosion from re-forming.
Battery
®
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