Help - corrosion on VP drive (pics!)

[jmt]

I have a regal 2400 with VP GXi 320 hp engine and DP drive.

It is about 1 year old, was used (25 hrs) in Florida in I am told "brackish water" - now it is used in the Irish Sea off Wales! It is launched from trailer each time we go out, and is washed off and run through each time we return.

Excuse all the photos, but I have some corrosion and a few questions for some of you experienced folks out there.....

1) The top cover is very dirty/corroded - this maybe more dirt as it is under a drain from a locker above.

2) There is quite a bit of corrosion around the VIN plate on the side of the engine!

3) Anode - is it the right material - should it be cleaned/more pitted than this?

4) What are the two plastic things either side of the rear (looking up!)

5) Some of the "stainless steel" under the swim platform are showing rust stains?


Any thoughts/ideas would be appreciated - definitive answer on what Anodes I should use - Zinc or Aluminium etc.

Thanks!
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[djefabs]

Hi jmt and welcome to the forum. I cannot comment on the corrosion on the drive but I'm sure somebody will be along soon that can. The corrosion under the bathing platform would appear to be due to a mild steel washer that has been used. The nut and thread look to be stainless steel. Just change the washer for a stainless steel one and clean up the stains. Job Done.

[FlowerPower]

Aluminium - Brackish Water. Also the only option for some Merc drives.
Zinc - Salt Water
Magnesium - Fresh Water

[jimmy_the_builder]

Looks like your drive is corroding quicker than the anodes - strongly suggests wrong anodes. Quick phone call to your local Volvo Penta agent should get you the right answer.

Cheers
Jimmy

[Col]

Those black plastic boxes with grilles are VP active anode system ( similar to Mercathode system )
Look in engine compartment for a unit about 2X3inches. It will have green and red led's and a few screw terminals. It should show green LED when in water for full protection red and green for part protection and red for problems.

Looks like anode is mag. Change for zinc.

[jmt]

Thanks All - how do I tell what leg I have - 280/290 etc.

[Col]

Looks like an DPS

[tony345]

Col,

What gives it away as being a mag anode in that picture ?

I'm interested to know cos I find it difficult to tell the difference