Volvo Penta 120S saildrive anode adaptor?

Making a similar adaptor would not be difficult. I wonder if it could be made to take a split anode from a later type of sail drive such a 130 or 150:

CM358407Z.jpg
 
The problem with the adaptors is that you end up with an even smaller anode than the standard one. The 130/150 split anode is nearly twice the size/weight and the saildrive housing is enlarged to make space for it. The 120 anode is rather small, hence the increase in size when it was superseded, and not a good idea to make it even smaller, despite the convenience of the split design. May be OK on a boat that does not suffer from rapid anode depletion. However, if you want to extend the life then the hanging anode route is perhaps more sensible - after all most boats spend most of their time not moving!
 
nigelmercier said:
Good news! I've just bought a new 120S-E saildrive leg, and it has split anodes. It may be possible to get the same result by replacing the part that plugs into the bottom of the leg.
Click to expand...

Not sure I understand. Are you saying that since your original post you have now bought a replacement for your existing saildrive and that this replacement has a split anode? Also, I don't get the bit about "It may be possible to get the same result by replacing the part that plugs into the bottom of the leg." What "result"? What "part that plugs into the bottom of the leg"? Please explain. I have a Bavaria with a 120S and I replace the anode every other year and I rather like to remove the prop to check on the condition of the back bearing housing and the fishing line cutter.
Then there is the slight problem with having, effectively, two seperate anodes since that is what you will have with a split unless you can ensure that they have a very, very good resistance free connection with each other.
 
Steve C Cronin said:
Are you saying that since your original post you have now bought a replacement for your existing saildrive and that this replacement has a split anode? Also, I don't get the bit about "It may be possible to get the same result by replacing the part that plugs into the bottom of the leg." What "result"? What "part that plugs into the bottom of the leg"?
Click to expand...

Yes, I have bought a new saildrive lower leg, P/N 387150.

The "result" is the ability to use a split anode, as in the later drives. The part I'm referring to is #17 in this picture, (P/N 3584278) it may fit into an existing drive.

ebfe3d96befad144cd3daa8c1d1e515f.jpg


For full picture, see http://www.marinepartseurope.com/nl/volvo-penta-explosietekening-7748570-44-22287.aspx

The anodes don't need to connect together with low resistance, there is a huge mating surface on the inner circumference, much more contact area than the original. The picture above doesn't really show this.
 
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Taking the prop off and refitting along with greasing the shaft is an excellent precaution against having prop seized on .
The locking screw should be renewed if it's the type with the lock plug
 
nigelmercier said:
Yes, but a bit of a bugger if the anode needs replacing mid-season.

I don't see the need to replace the bolt, it's only Loctite.
Click to expand...
No it isn't "only Loctite" Nigel. The pellet inserted into the drilling in the bolt is a plug of two-part epoxy putty which is activated by screwing the bolt home and mixing the two components together. I'm staggered that someone who runs a prominent Bavaria Yacht Owners' forum isn't aware of this!

Oh, and if your anode needs changing mid-season, I would suggest that either you have a serious electrical "leak" or that at the previous drying out, you made a major misjudgement of your anode's condition.
 
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Steve C Cronin said:
No it isn't "only Loctite" Nigel. The pellet inserted into the drilling in the bolt is a plug of two-part epoxy putty which is activated by screwing the bolt home and mixing the two components together. I'm staggered that someone who runs a prominent Bavaria Yacht Owners' forum isn't aware of this!
Click to expand...
I am well aware of the bead of putty, but as I said the two I bought from VP yesterday had no bead, just had threads coated with stuff that looks like Loctite, as did the one I bought about 4 years ago. Since then I have normally reused them, but I wanted a new one (and a spare) in case the new cone had a different size recess.
 
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Well so far its an interesting thread which does not determine whether or not fitting a split anode to say, a 120 SE leg is do-able?
 
I am not convinced it will. The front housings also contain bearings and seals and from memory the legs of the 120 are different from the 130/150 type with the split anode. Think the shaft may be longer as the anode and housing are longer. However, the parts drawing posted by Nigel suggests that housing will fit, but it confuses me as the 120 leg went out of production in around 2005. I tried to buy a new one in 2011 but could only get a 130 leg complete - but that diagram is showing a price for the whole assembly which would suggest if it is current that the assembly is still available.

BTW the latest Keyparts catalogue shows the prop locking screw as having loctite in the threads rather than the plug. The new one I bought from Volvo in 2011 also was of this type. Also all the listings for anodes for the 120 leg are still the one piece ring.
 
We on our Cat have two sail drives and would not attempt to change the fitting for a two part. They are made (saildrive) to only take the one part fitting so why change it when it aint broke !

Peter
 
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