AIFO REFRIGERATION ANODE

Function and technical context

The cooling anode for Aifo motors (reference TEN02017) is a cathodic protection element integrated into the motor's water cooling circuit. Its function is to act as a sacrificial anode, attracting galvanic corrosion that would otherwise attack higher value metal components such as pump bodies, cylinder liners, heat exchangers and exhaust manifolds. By working directly in contact with cooling water—whether fresh, brackish or salty—the anode wears out in a controlled manner, protecting the internal parts of the engine. If this component is completely consumed or not replaced in time, the metals in the circuit are exposed to electrochemical corrosion, which can lead to pitting, internal leaks and serious breakdowns in the cooling system.

When to replace this part?

The most common symptoms that indicate that the cooling anode is exhausted are the appearance of deposits or visible corrosion in the cavities of the water circuit, coolant losses due to pitting in metal ducts or a progressive increase in the engine's working temperature without apparent cause in the thermostat or the water pump. As a general rule, cooling anodes should be inspected at the beginning of each boating season and replaced when they have lost more than 50% of their mass, or at least once a year if the boat operates in salt or brackish waters. Replacing the TEN02017 anode preventively during each annual maintenance is the most economical measure to avoid corrosion damage to the internal components of the Aifo engine, which can lead to high-cost repairs or unforeseen stops in navigation.