LOMBARDINI ANODE W/PLUG

Function and technical context

The sacrificial anode with cap for Lombardini engines is a component of the boat's cathodic protection system, whose mission is to sacrifice itself electrochemically to protect the metal parts of the engine and hull against galvanic corrosion produced by the action of salt or brackish water. This type of anode incorporates a threaded cap, which facilitates its direct installation and replacement in the usual protection points of the engine block or casing without the need for special tools. Galvanic corrosion is one of the main enemies of marine engines, and the absence or depletion of the anodes can lead to irreversible damage to the heat exchanger, the water pump casing, the tail shaft or the block covers, generating breakdowns with high repair costs.

When to replace this part?

Sacrificial anodes must be checked at the beginning of each nautical season and replaced when they have lost approximately 50% of their volume, since from that point on their protection capacity decreases drastically. An unequivocal symptom that the anode is exhausted is the appearance of pitting, oxidation or visible corrosion on the nearby metal surfaces of the engine or exchanger. Preventive replacement at the beginning of each season is the practice recommended by marine mechanics to avoid structural damage to much higher cost components.