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Disconnect the battery before working on elec-
trical or ignition system to prevent electrical
shock and accidental ignition.
B. Electrical Wiring Maintenance
Periodically, inspect all wiring for nicks, chaffing, embrittle-
ment, improper support, etc. Examine the shore power
cord closely for insulation cracks and corrosion in the
electrical devices. Spraying the receptacles and electri-
cal connections with an electrical connection cleaner will
reduce corrosion and improve electrical continuity.
DO NOT allow corrosion to build up on connec-
tions. Shorts or ground faults can result.
The entire 120 (220) volt circuitry, especially the shore
power cord, should be seasonally tested for proper con-
tinuity by an experienced marine electrician. This will
help detect any short, open wire, or ground fault. Also,
check the polarity indicator system for proper operation.
120 (220) volt AC electrical power can be
dangerous. DO NOT attempt to service a sys-
tem unless you are familiar with, and expe-
rienced in, performing such service.
H - 8
STRAY CURRENT CORROSION
A. General
Electrically induced underwater corrosion occasionally
affects boats and their related components. This is re-
ferred to as “Stray Current Corrosion” and appears as
surface pitting or deterioration. Stray current corrosion
is the decomposition of chemical compounds by electric
current.
Stray current corrosion can be caused by surrounding
boats; an improperly wired battery/charger installation
or other boats that are in close proximity which have
electrical power leakages. Stern drive units are espe-
cially vulnerable to stray current corrosion.
Vista 248/268 Owner’s Manual
03/00
Periodically inspect the engine components to determine
if corrosion damage exists. If stray current corrosion
damage is found, determine and correct the cause of
the stray current to prevent further damage. Consult an
experienced marine electrician or contact your Four
Winns® dealer for assistance.
The use of some shore power battery chargers, while
the boat is in the water and the battery is connected to
the system, can cause stray current corrosion. Have an
experienced marine electrician review any battery
charger installation to ensure a stray current corrosion
problem will not develop. An improper battery connec-
tion is a common cause of stray current corrosion.
NOTICE
Use only a battery charger designed to meet
U.S. Coast Guard regulations for external igni-
tion protection.
Corrosion is usually more prevalent in polluted or salt
water than in clean water. It is also more likely to occur
when dockage is in an area with steel piers, large metal
boats, or where shore power is in use.
B. Galvanic Corrosion
Galvanic corrosion results from a potential electrical dif-
ference existing between dissimilar metals immersed in
a conductive solution (e.g., salt water). If these metals
touch or are otherwise electrically connected, this po-
tential difference produces an electron flow between
them. The attack on the more active metal is usually
increased and the attack on the less active metal is de-
creased, as compared to when these metals are not
touching.
C. Corrosion Prevention
Anticorrosion anodes are attached to the bottom of the
gimbal housing to prevent corrosion to your stern drive
and underwater parts. These anodes will be slowly
eroded away by galvanic action and require periodic in-
spection. Please refer to the section on “Anti-Corrosion
Anodes” in your engine manufacturer’s manual for addi-
tional information.
Section H
Page 8
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