MERCURY ANODE 98432

Function and technical context

The Mercury 98432 sacrificial anode is a galvanic cathodic protection component that is installed on Mercury outboard motors to defend metal parts against electrochemical corrosion in salt and fresh water. Made of magnesium or aluminum alloy, it acts as a sacrificial barrier within the engine cooling system, preferably oxidizing before the critical surfaces of the block, cylinders and internal components. Its presence is essential in vessels that operate in seawater, where salinity accelerates corrosive processes and rapidly deteriorates ferrous metals and sensitive alloys.

When to replace this part?

The anode should be inspected at least once a year, preferably at the end of each navigation season, and replaced when it has lost 50% of its mass or presents advanced erosion. Symptoms that indicate a need for change are visible corrosion in the freshwater cores, rust deposits in the cooling systems or a noticeable decrease in the anchorage of the anode to the motor. Preventive replacement is a fundamental maintenance practice in marine navigation: a depleted anode leaves the internal parts of the engine unprotected, exposing it to accelerated oxidation that compromises watertightness and mechanical functionality, resulting in much more expensive repairs than periodic replacement.

Engine Compatibility

Compatible Mercury Mariner Engines

Equivalent manufacturer part numbers