Outboard motor cooling and anode system

摘要

A mounting assembly for an anode of a corrosion protection system extends the useful life of the anode and hence the effectiveness of the system. The anode is mounted within an opening of an outboard motor engine. The engine also includes a coolant passage that extends through the engine and forms a portion of a cooling system. A biasing device biases the anode to contact the engine body. The anode also includes multiple contact surfaces which establish a plurality of electrical connections between the anode and the engine. In one mode, an electrically conductive cover links the anode to the engine at a point outside the opening. A seal is positioned between the opening and the cover to protect this electrical coupling. This outside connection thus ensures good electrical coupling between the anode and the engine body outside the presence of the coolant (e.g., salt water) flowing through the coolant passage.