Kicker - rinse engine or zinc to mitigate internal corrosion (Nissan 25hp)?

[the force]

I’ve got a 2003 Nissan (Tohatsu) 25hp 4 stroke kicker. The cowling seems to be well sealed though it may have gotten some salt water in it while back trolling in bigger waves. It’s quite clean inside for its age but some of the non-painted metal is showing a bit of corrosion.

Can/should I consider washing this down? Can I do that safely considering all the electrical components?

Should there be an engine compartment anode somewhere? I can’t find it if so. The is one under the cavitation plate and one on the bottom of the mount.
The engine is older so not sure if this is worth worrying about - someone here surely knows better than I. Thanks.

 

[Max123]

You are overthinking it - its a 21year old outboard and everything looks fine. Even the anode is fine - maybe hit it with a wire brush (stainless) to take off the oxidization.

If you start messing with the electrical fittings, odds are you break something and kick yourself. 20 year old plastic with untold heat cycles doesn't love being messed with. If you really can't leave well enough alone, just make sure you don't start hitting it with carb cleaner - use electrical contact cleaner.

 

[the force]

lol, that’s the easy answer. As long as I’m not missing any obvious preventative maintenance I am happy. Thanks, appreciate you reigning me back in.

 

[wolf]

Spray with corrosion block or fluid film or protectant coating if you want thats awesome stuff thats what I do.
(NOT WD-40)

 

[InterMechanico]

Spray with corrosion block or fluid film or protectant coating if you want thats awesome stuff thats what I do.
(NOT WD-40)

Me too, and reapply after inlet removes it to complete my annual service

 

[searun]

There may be an internal zinc, my Suzuki has one. I change it every season. There must be a service manual on line somewhere.

 

[searun]

Here's what one season looks like (100+ days mind you).