Corrosion And Corrosion Protection - Mercury 540 Bravo Manual

Without sufficient cooling water, the engine, the water pump, and other
components will overheat and suffer damage. Provide a sufficient supply of
water to the water inlets during operation.
9. Supply cooling water to the engine.
10. Start the engine. Check for gasoline leaks around the fuel filter assembly.
If leaks exist, stop the engine immediately. Recheck the filter installation,
clean spilled fuel, and properly ventilate the engine compartment. If leaks
continue, stop engine immediately and contact your authorized Mercury
MerCruiser dealer.

Corrosion and Corrosion Protection

Whenever two or more dissimilar metals (such as those found on the
sterndrive) are submerged in a conductive solution, such as saltwater, polluted
water, or water with a high mineral content, a chemical reaction takes place
causing electrical current to flow between metals. The electrical current flow
causes the metal that is most chemically active, or anodic, to corrode. This is
known as galvanic corrosion and, if not controlled, it will, in time, cause the
need for replacement of power package components.
Refer to the Quicksilver booklet, Everything You Need to Know About
Marine Corrosion for more corrosion information.
Using magnesium anodes in salt water causes an electrochemical reaction
on the metal surface of the drive, resulting in corrosion damage from the
paint blistering and peeling off the drive. Use magnesium anodes in fresh
water only.
IMPORTANT: Mercury Marine recommends installing a MerCathode System or
Anticorrosion kit be installed whenever using a stainless steel propeller, or if the
boat is equipped with stainless steel components immersed below the waterline
that are connected into the engine ground system. If a boat is equipped with
stainless steel aft planes, a large anode should be installed on each to handle
the increased galvanic corrosion potential.
Replace the sacrificial anodes if eroded 50% or more.
Mercury Marine recommends using anodes sold through Mercury Precision
Parts only. Some other manufacturers of aluminum anodes use alloys that are
insufficiently pure to adequately protect critical drive components for the
duration of the anodes' expected life.
MERCATHODE SYSTEM
The MerCathode System should be tested to ensure adequate output.
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