Mercathode System Battery Requirements; Mercathode Theory Of Operation - Mercury 4.3 TKS series Operation & Maintenance Manual

Section 4 - Maintenance
Description
Alpha and Bravo sterndrive
trim cylinder anodes
Alpha and Bravo sterndrive
bearing carrier anode
Propshaft anode (Bravo Three)
MerCathode System
Anode kit (if equipped)
In addition to the corrosion protection devices, take the following steps to inhibit corrosion:
1. Paint the power package.
2. Annually spray the power package components on the inside of the boat with Corrosion Guard to protect the finish from
dulling and corrosion. You may also spray external power package components.
3. Keep all lubrication points, especially the steering system, shift, and throttle linkages, well lubricated.
4. Flush the cooling system periodically, preferably after each use.

MerCathode System Battery Requirements

The Mercury MerCruiser MerCathode system requires a minimum battery charge of 12.6 volts at all times to maintain
functionality.
Boats equipped with a MerCathode system that use shore power, and are not run for a long period of time, must use a battery
charger to maintain a minimum battery charge of 12.6 volts or above.
Boats equipped with a MerCathode system that do not have access to shore power must be operated often enough to maintain
a minimum battery charge of 12.6 volts or above at all times.

MerCathode Theory of Operation

The MerCathode system provides corrosion protection by impressing a reverse blocking current that stops the destructive flow
of galvanic currents. The MerCathode controller will regulate output to maintain 0.94 volts at the reference electrode.
A constant LED indicates that the system is operating correctly. A flashing LED indicates that a fault has occurred, or that an
abnormal condition exists.
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Location
Mounted on each of the trim cylinders.
Located in front of the propeller, between the front
side of the propeller and the gear housing.
Located behind the aft propeller.
The MerCathode electrode, if equipped, is mounted
to the underside of the gimbal housing. The
MerCathode controller is mounted on the engine or
on the boat transom. The controller harness
connects to the electrode harness.
Mounted to the boat transom.
Figure
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90-8M0113857 DECEMBER 2015
eng
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