Corrosion Question w/pic

[blaster]

I noticed that at the lower edge of the photo, there appears to be a second piece of equipment, almost directly under the rusted bolt, that is also developing rust. Leads me to agree with the drip theory...

Yep

I'm with blaster on this. It looks like a corrosion issue, get the dealer to look at it and if they don't rectify the problem call Mercruiser direct and explain the situation. This could be corrosion behind the nut creeping out. You might have water leaking in from outside and that would ruin the transom around the bolt. Do not let them blow you off!
Rob

I was talking about a different corrosion issue the OP was having on his out drive.

 

[Shaun77]

Just got her back from Marine max a few weeks ago. They did not find any leaks and everything was covered and changed under Mercury's corrosion warranty. Surprisingly, they warrantied the whole outdrive. Gotta love a company that honors and provides great service.

 

[blaster]

Just got her back from Marine max a few weeks ago. They did not find any leaks and everything was covered and changed under Mercury's corrosion warranty. Surprisingly, they warrantied the whole outdrive. Gotta love a company that honors and provides great service.

Terrific news.

Did they give an explanation for the corroded bolt?

 

[Shaun77]

Only explanation they gave was that it was "probably the harsh saltwater environment". They assured me there was no water intrusion and that the transom was fine. They recommended a can of CRC (which I already use.) Being the second owner, it's hard to say how it was maintained the first year. I still find it odd it was just one bolt though. It will be interesting to see how it holds up.

 

[scoflaw]

Not uncommon to get a substandard pc. of hardware every now and then. A quality stainless pc, does not need to be coddled to stay rust free.