Mercathode

[jkhussey]

Okay. I need help determing if I have a Mercathode installed or not. I know it should be obvious but for the life of me, I can find it. I asked Sea Ray if they could confirm if I had one and the told me to contact Mercruiser. Mercruiser told me that Sea Ray installs the system and that they should know. I just bought the boat a couple months ago and it is shrink wrapped now. Can anyone share their controller is and also the location of the reference electrode? I am not seeing and insulated wiring going to the underside of the gimbal housing. Thanks!
2004 260DA 5.7 BIII

 

[Lazy Daze]

You should have one. It mounts on the very bottom of the gimbal housing. You won't see it unless you poke your head down there. It's a black plastic box, held on with (2) SS bolts.

 

[dicor]

Buy yourself a reference test probe and check it often yourself you can find them for around $110. Here's a good explanation. http://www.mercstuff.com/mercathodetest.htm

 

[Loneranger]

http://destinsharks.com/v/howto/bravo3/mercathode.jpg.html

Sort of a poor picture but the above is what you are looking for actually attached to the outdrive below is another poor picture of the electrode not attached.

 

[jkhussey]

Thanks for your input so far. It's dark now but I will get on my back and look around tomorrow.

 

[jason78]

The controller is a blue (sometimes RED) box the size of a cigarette pack that says MERCATHODE and has 4 wires coming out of it. Located on the top front of the engine near the alternator. Very easy to spot. Mercathode is supposed to be standard with Bravo 3 so I am sure you have it unless there was a flaw in manufacturing.

 

[dicor]

I have one on my 270 and I had a gut feeling it was not working. Had it tested and it wasn't working. I had it replaced but in the 2 months it was in the water I had some minor pitting, it does not take too long especially on the Bravo 3. Very few folks check for stray voltage which surprises me, they end up destroying their out-drive in one season if you or your dock-mate have a defective electrical component creating stray voltage. In my opinion Mercathode and exhaust manifold/riser preventive maintenance will keep these things running for years turn your back for one season and it will bite you in the ass.

 

[speakrdude]

I always wondered where the control box was supposed to be mounted.

 

[bankshotbankshot]

The controller is mounted behind the gear lube monitor on most newer boats, and has 4 wires going to it. The other part is outside of the boat on the gimbal housing your going to have to lay on your back and get all the way under it. 2 bolts hold it in if you see the 2 bolts and the controller you have the system. Comes on all bravo III. There should be no wires that you can see outside of the boat. I work for a Searay Dealer you have one.

 

[edsmax]

Just remove your flame arrestor cover. Once you move it our of the way, you should see a blue box on top of your engine that says "Mercathode" on it. Should have approx 4 wires coming out of it.

 

[Molson]

I have a controller box, my unit hasn't been hooked up since I bought the boat, and who knows how long before. If anyone needs it,they can have it.

 

[dicor]

I have a controller box, my unit hasn't been hooked up since I bought the boat, and who knows how long before. If anyone needs it,they can have it.

Do you trailer to fresh water? I used to keep my bow-rider in freshwater never heard the word Mercathode or worried about galvanic corrosion or changing my manifolds every 3/4 yrs now that I'm in saltwater it is a big part of my boating experience. I kind of miss those trouble free days but my first overnight in April will help me to forget.

 

[jkhussey]

Okay so bankshotbankshot wins the prize! He nailed the location of both components of the Maercathode system. The boat has been used for day trips to saltwater and 1/2 season full time in brackish. I will be keeping in freshwater but I have heard so many horror stories about outdrive corrosion and just wanted to confirm that I had the unit installed. The previous owner had the copper anti fouling hull paint applied right up to and in contact with the gimbal housing which is a no no! Next project is to strip off the paint to within one inch as Mercruiser states in the manual.
Thanks all!

 

[Molson]

Do you trailer to fresh water? I used to keep my bow-rider in freshwater never heard the word Mercathode or worried about galvanic corrosion or changing my manifolds every 3/4 yrs now that I'm in saltwater it is a big part of my boating experience. I kind of miss those trouble free days but my first overnight in April will help me to forget.

I dry stack it. But the PO had it in the water as far as I know (All fresh water). I have no idea why its disconnected, or if it even works. I'm not concerned about it as it won't be in the water unless I'm using it.