Suzuki Trim Rams Corroding (Pitting)

The Dock · 31 July 2008, 19:26

Found pitting on trim rams on Suzuki 250 outboard. Rams are only 14 months old. Has anyone experienced this previously or come up with a remedy. Checked waterline on other boats and found the same level as my own ( Rams always below waterline).

Nos4r2 · 31 July 2008, 22:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Dock

Found pitting on trim rams on Suzuki 250 outboard. Rams are only 14 months old. Has anyone experienced this previously or come up with a remedy. Checked waterline on other boats and found the same level as my own ( Rams always below waterline).

Put an ohm meter between your anode and the engine earth to make sure they are actually connected properly.

widey · 08 August 2008, 10:28

is the unit leaking oil?

The Dock · 15 August 2008, 20:09

Yes oil is leaking from rams. Had Marine engineer check same and he has recommended to re-mount engine 4 inches higher on transom to raise trim rams out of water. This may solve problem on rams but what will start corroding next? Any advice?

OceanEco · 16 August 2008, 06:32

The suzuki 225 and 250 hp are prone to pitting and leaking. I have seen it happen on quite a few motors.... The dealer replaced all the rams as the motors were still under warranty.

The Dock · 17 August 2008, 19:30

I also will have the rams replaced under warranty but cannot have this happening every year. I am being told it's because of electrolysis over all the different metals on the outboard. Need help BIG TIME!

Cypman · 17 August 2008, 20:24

I am definately no expert (ark my wife)!!!! but my personal experience would suggest that you could try the following which might alleviate the problem. Check that the bonding straps between engine parts and/or sacrificial anodes are properly connected and not inadvertantly "insulated" by paint or grease. Also check that the sacrificial anodes themselves have not been "protected" by paint, grease, wax etc, especially the one at the base of the engine bracket.
A separate sacrificial anode fixed as low as possible ( must be under the water when the boat is at rest) on the outside of the transom and connected directly to the battery earth terminal has also been recommended to me as a solution for reducing electrolitic/galvanic corrosion and I have seen it installed on a number of boats.
I hope some expert can confirm this "possible fix" as being appropriate for your problem.
Finally, switching off the battery isolation switch has been advised to me as another possible "fix". Good luck.

The Dock · 18 August 2008, 19:24

Secondary anode fitted to hull was also suggested to me by a marine engineer. Appreciate replies Big Time. Will fit anode and start switching off power isolator and will see what happens. Thanks again!!!

Nos4r2 · 19 August 2008, 16:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Dock

Had Marine engineer check same and he has recommended to re-mount engine 4 inches higher on transom to raise trim rams out of water. This may solve problem on rams but what will start corroding next? Any advice?

Won't help your prop grip much though-or is a 4" raise appropriate for your boat? I wouldn't be going back to him if it wasn't...

The Dock · 19 August 2008, 18:48

Ruling out rising the engine as you said. Have to rectify Electrolysis issue

Limey Linda · 19 August 2008, 21:51

What is your boat moored next to or close to and what is it made of?