Help with trim tab anodes

[Bird Blaster]

Hi.

Me and Gulfstream has a lot of learning to do.

My boat is from salt water and now will be in fresh full time. I need to replace both zincs to magnesium for both motors. I want to make sure I am getting the correct parts.

My engines are:
Port: LF-200TXR
Starboard: F-200TXR

Is this correct?

Port: Yamaha™ Anodes Kit CMY150CRKITM

Yamaha™ Anodes Kit CMY150CRKITM

PID LB KG Contains Fits Mg CMY150CRKITM 1.322 0.600 CM6G54525101 X 1 CM6K14537102 X 1 Yamaha 150-200 HP Outboards (Counter Rotation) Use on Yamaha Outboard Models: L150TXRX, LF150, LX150, LZ150, Z150TXR, V175TXR, V200TXR, LX200, LZ200, L200TXRX

martyranodes.com

Starboard: Yamaha™ Anodes Kit CMY150KITM

Yamaha™ Anodes Kit CMY150KITM

PID LB KG Contains Fits Mg CMY150KITM 1.313 0.596 CM6G54525101 X 1 CM6J94537101 X 1 Yamaha 150-200 HP Outboards Use on Yamaha Outboard Models: LF150TXR, SX150TXRX, V150TLR, VZ150TLR, V150TXR, L150TXRX, LX150TXRX, 150TJRX, C150TLRX, Z175TXR, V175TXR, V200TXR, Z200TXR

martyranodes.com

Thanks

 

[seasick]

Note that for twin motors where one is counter-rotating, you can use trim tabs that are just disks without the tab. There is no adjustment of angle needed. That said, doing a quick search, I was not able to find the flat anode in magnesium.
The two kits you referenced should be OK.
You may want to change the engine cooling chamber anodes also. Perhaps other members would know for sure

 

[DennisG01]

Are you sure your existing anodes are Zn? If you've got Yamaha brand anodes on their, they are Al and that is perfectly fine in fresh water - no need to change.

If you do need to change, check out anodes by Performance Metals - they're excellent Al anodes. As good (better in my opinion) as Yamaha, but less expensive.

 

[Bird Blaster]

Are you sure your existing anodes are Zn? If you've got Yamaha brand anodes on their, they are Al and that is perfectly fine in fresh water - no need to change.

If you do need to change, check out anodes by Performance Metals - they're excellent Al anodes. As good (better in my opinion) as Yamaha, but less expensive.

Here is a noob question then. How do I know if they are zinc or not?

 

[Bird Blaster]

ATTACH]19466[/ATTACH]

 

[Bird Blaster]

 

[DennisG01]

Here is a noob question then. How do I know if they are zinc or not?

Well, you tell by feel/weight once you know what you're doing. Hard to describe, I suppose, via words.

I assume you didn't put those on yourself and instead paid someone otherwise you'd know... But, check your service bills to see what was put on.

If I had to guess, they kinda look like Al.

FYI, in some "fresh water", Mg can overprotect and cause paint lifting, leading to corrosion.

 

[SkunkBoat]

usually the part number embossed on the part gives you a clue..unless there isn't one....

 

[Bird Blaster]

Unfortunately I don't have the records for service in this aspect. Boat is new to me; hence the questions and lack of knowledge!

usually the part number embossed on the part gives you a clue..unless there isn't one....

I may try and pull off one of the trim tab ones and see. I can't see anything visible from what I can visualize.

 

[Halfhitch]

BB, Drill into the anode enough to get a small amount of cuttings. Turn a propane torch on the cuttings. If they burn they are magnesium. If they simply melt they are zinc.

 

[DennisG01]

BB, Drill into the anode enough to get a small amount of cuttings. Turn a propane torch on the cuttings. If they burn they are magnesium. If they simply melt they are zinc.

What if they are Al?

 

[Halfhitch]

What if they are Al?

Aluminum will melt also but at a much higher temp than zinc. Magnesium will actually flame up. That is the same material that is in the fire starter kits in survival kits.

 

[DennisG01]

And doesn't Mg then burn at a much higher temp? Like crazy high? I wonder if there's enough true Mg in one of those to have some fun...

 

[Halfhitch]

The fact that it burns s readily makes welding it pretty tricky. I don't know how it's done but some guys do it. I had a piece of a chainsaw welded that was magnesium and it came back looking horrible. The welder said he had welded aluminum before and thought it couldn't be much different. He found it very difficult and didn't charge me because it was so ugly.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Please don't be lighting Mg on fire. You can't put it out...water makes it explode

 

[DennisG01]

Please don't be lighting Mg on fire. You can't put it out...water makes it explode

That's what I'm wondering - how much is in there? Enough to have fun?

 

[Halfhitch]

I wonder if that's what sparklers have on them that burn?

 

[Fishtales]

you can order direct from these folks. Good prices and will answer any questions you have.
There are internal zincs in the engine as well as the large strap on the mount and the fin adjustment over the prop.

 

[Bird Blaster]

I ended up just ordering some new Yamaha ones from the dealer. Aluminum. Then should be all good and I won't have any questions or worries!

 

[DennisG01]

When you get the new ones, compare them to the existing ones. If they feel/look the same, then the existing are aluminum, as well. Keep the new set for the future since the existing ones still have plenty of life left.