beta engine anode

[pathfinder]

There was a post recently concerning the heat exchanger anode in these engines,it was suggested that this anode was in the fresh water side of the cooling circuit.I have fitted a beta 28hp this year and from what I can determine this anode is in fact in the saltwater section,can anybody throw some light on this?

 

[VicS]

Yes it was in <span style="color:white"> ~~~~~~~~~~ </span> This thread

In the fourth post it was stated that, "the Beta anode is immersed in the fresh-water/ antifreeze coolant".

If there is an anode in the fresh water circuit it should be magnesium, but I don't see why one would be necessary anyway. If there is one in the seawater side of the heat exchanger then it must be zinc. That seems a logical place to fit an anode but whether or not it is necessary depends on the materials of construction.

 

[PembrokeshirePromise]

Changed mine this winter (Beta 28)- and am pretty sure its in salt water - its at the exit of the heat exchanger stack

 

[earlybird]

'Twas me that said that, you've made me doubtful now, but my recall from changing one a few months ago was that it was close to the tube bundle, but actually in the freshwater space. I'm changing it next visit to the boat, so I'll have a careful look.

 

[doug748]

Never really thought about it, but am looking at a photo of a Beta right now. It seems to be in the salt water alright. I can see how a mistake might be made, it is probably easier to see from the photo than an engine tucked away in a boat.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
looking at a photo of a Beta right now

[/ QUOTE ] A photo a bit like this one.

<span style="color:white"> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ </span>

 

[NickNap]

As Vic shows in his pic, it's on the saltwater side. Several of us have a problem with the eroded residue blocking the tube ends adjacent to the anode. This year I've ground the inside of the endcap smooth (bit like 'porting' for those old enough to remember...) in the hope the residue will be less likely to build up there.

 

[earlybird]

Sack-cloth and ashes! Clearly the anode is on the salt water side, though, being an older, obsolete, model, my engine doesn't look quite like the one in the photo, ( I don't think, but I'll look more closely next time! ). However, now I know that the anode is definitely zinc, I'll get on with turning one or two from cast-offs that I've collected.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
my engine doesn't look quite like the one in the photo

[/ QUOTE ] The photo is not of the same model as yours. It comes from the manual that is on Bluemoments website and which covers the Beta 10, BZ482, Beta 16, BD722 & Beta 25. I popped in because it clearly shows the anode in the heat exchanger end cap.
It is in fact the outlet end cap so blockage of the tube nest by debris from the anode as reported by Nicknapper should not really be a problem.

 

[NickNap]

Vic

You're right in theory, but it does nonetheless! (Mine is BZ482)
The only reason I can think of is that a significant amount of anode wastage takes place when the engine isn't running and so doesn't get washed out but resides there.

What d'you think?

 

[VicS]

There will always tend to be water in there i would think so the anode is going to eaten away even when the engine is not running. Perhaps in those circumstances the zinc will be precipitated as its carbonate or basic carbonate It may even be that some calcium carbonate is deposited on nearby surfaces.

Thats life you stick an anode in to stop corrosion and create other problems.