Last weeked I was inspecting my B3 outdrive and noticed this broken bare wire that would normally be connected from the fixed part of the outdrive on the transom to the moving leg. It looks like a tiny grounding wire. I assume it must be part of the sacrificial anode system. Can anyone confirm this and let me know if it is important that I fix this.
While it technically has nothing to do with the removeable/replaceable sacrificial anodes, that wire is part of the MerCathode system which works in conjunction with the sac anodes to help protect the B3 drive and it's components. If you look around on the outdrive and in the engine compartment you'll find others. The module that powers the MC system is mounted on the engine. The MC system draws a tiny bit of power from the battery and is usually wired directly to the battery so that it remains on even if the battery switch (if one is present) is turned off.
Although wise to do so, it is not imperative to replace that wire immediately if you don't leave the boat in the water. If you do leave it in the water and/or boat in salt water replace it. Pretty sure it's stainless steel.
Thanks Dan. That is about what I thought. I am in fresh water but I do leave my boat in the water all summer. I will replace it as I have read that the B3 drive is particulary prone to corrosion due to the electric current attracted by the different types of metals used in the B3. I might jsut crimp a connector on it until I find the correct replacement wire.
Is this part of the zinc anode system?
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