Okay, after the boat was backed into the Glass Shop yesterday, I noticed a small plastic piece approx 3x4 dangling by 2 wires under the Power trim lines. Upside down and backwards I couldn't tell how it was originally fastened on or if it was broken off, but the trim still works just fine. My guess is it won't be working just fine if this piece ever comes off. Wondering what this piece is..what it attaches to, and where I need to go to replace it.. or an easy way to fix it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8253694...n/photostream/

That is the Mercathode. Screw it back up or you will have a major leak

Funny you say that Marc, As much boatwork as I have done over the years, it was mostly race stuff. Never seen a Mercathode. Ray and I figured out he has one a few weeks ago as another guy assembled it when we put the boat back together, and used a bolt that was too long and not seating the block under there.

Thanks you guys. Some idiot ripped the Mercathode unit off the motor on the inside, looks like I can fix this piece without having to buy a new one. And yes..it's dripping.. I've probably lost a few tablespoons of fluid.. I judged it to be Gear Oil by the Blue/green color of it.

That would not have anything to do with gear oil, it would be a water leak into the boat. If you have gear lube down there you need to see where it is coming from. When was the last time you pulled the drive off the boat?

If you are not going to use the Mercathode you can install the anode that would normally come with an Alpha drive. It comes with a seal and will cover the hole. Part number is 821631Q1

It's a Bravo 1 with the Powertrim xd, recently installed by the previous owner to replace the Alpha that kept needing rebuilt behind a 454 Mag. So an Anode on the bottom of the Trim Unit is another place where water can enter the boat?? I knew the cable Bellows and drive bellows were an intrusive point, and I have thruhull exhaust, other than that..that was all I was concerned about. (My first boat) I've owned it for just over a Month and and close to having it fully restored. I guess I am just unsure as to the basic differences between sacrificial Anodes and an electronic unit. Don't the both provide electrolysis the path of least resistance thus allowing the metals in the Anode to deteriorate rather than the different types of metals that make up the drive and motor??

*footnote about fluids* I did just replace all the oil in the Bravo and it was sitting over a blacktop driveway in the sun when the leakage occured..a couple tablespoons at most..over a weeks timespan. The outside temp was 109 and I'm guessing in the 140-150 range 12 inches above the blacktop. Is it possible the drive vented some fluid somehow??

#10 32x.875 allen Bolts. 2 flat washers and 2 Lock Washers and a shot of silicone sealant and Tah Dah! That's One thing Fixed! 454/502 Oil Cooler, new Mercathode Unit, 4- 1 1/2 in oe coolant hoses, one OE Mercruiser Flame Arrestor, 4 braided stainless hydraulic hoses with flared fittings, replacement back plate for the shift/throttle control, and a USCGA Fire Extinguisher.. $1689.17. Having my Boat ready in time for my 40th Birthday... Priceless!!