AIFO REFRIGERANT ANODE W/PLUG

Function and technical context

This cooling anode with plug for Aifo engines acts as galvanic protection within the engine cooling circuit, sacrificing itself electrochemically to preserve the internal metal surfaces - jackets, exchangers and water pipes - against galvanic corrosion caused by contact with sea or brackish water. Housed directly in the block or cooling system ducts, the integrated plug ensures a watertight installation that prevents leaks during service. Its progressive deterioration is completely normal and desirable: if the anode is consumed, it is fulfilling its protective function; The problem arises when it is not replaced in time and corrosion attacks much higher cost structural components of the engine.

When to replace this part?

The most common symptoms that indicate that the cooling anode is exhausted are the presence of visible corrosion in ducts or in the heat exchanger, the appearance of whitish or reddish deposits in the water circuit, or simply checking that the anode mass has lost more than 50% of its volume in visual inspection. For Aifo engines operating in salt or brackish water, it is recommended to check and replace the cooling anodes at the beginning of each boating season or every 200-300 hours of boating, whichever comes first. Replacing this anode preventively is the maintenance measure with the best cost-benefit ratio: its price is minimal compared to repairing or replacing a corroded intercooler or engine block.