AIFO COOLING ANODE PLUG

Function and technical context

The Aifo TEN02015TP cooling anode plug is a cathodic protection component integrated into the engine's water cooling circuit. Its function is to act as a sacrificial anode in the ducts and chambers of the internal cooling system, attracting galvanic corrosion and protecting itself instead of attacking the metal surfaces of the block, cylinder heads or heat exchangers. This type of anode plug is housed directly in the water passages of the Aifo engine, ensuring that electrochemical corrosion does not compromise the tightness or structural integrity of the cooling ducts. If this plug wears out completely without being replaced, salt water or water with a high mineral content will directly attack the aluminum or cast iron surfaces of the engine, potentially causing internal leaks, clogging of water galleries and serious overheating of the propeller.

When to replace this part?

The most common symptoms of an exhausted cooling anode plug are the appearance of whitish or reddish corrosion deposits in the vicinity of the water passages, coolant losses through adjacent gaskets or plugs and, in advanced cases, signs of recurrent overheating without apparent cause in the water circuit. It is recommended to inspect and replace the cooling anodes at the beginning of each nautical season, or at most every 200-300 hours of operation, since their useful life depends directly on the aggressiveness of the navigation water and the type of electrical installation of the boat. Replacing this anode plug preventively is the most economical measure to avoid irreversible damage to the engine block that can involve high-cost repairs or even complete replacement of the propeller.

Compatibility table