Volvo Penta SX Sterndrive Zinc Anode Kit – 3588770

Volvo Penta SX Sterndrive Zinc Anode Kit – Part Number 3588770

Brand: Volvo Penta (Genuine OEM)
Part Number: 3588770
Official Product Type: Zinc Anode Kit
Supersedes: No superseded number identified in current references
Replaced By: No replacement listed — 3588770 is the current active part number

This is a genuine Volvo Penta OEM zinc sacrificial anode kit for select SX and DP-SM sterndrive applications. Zinc anodes are designed for saltwater use and protect the drive by corroding first, sacrificing themselves to shield the drive's metal components from electrochemical corrosion. This kit replaces the main drive anodes as a complete set and includes mounting hardware.

Kit Contents

• Complete set of zinc sacrificial anodes for SX / DP-SM sterndrive
• Mounting hardware included

Specifications

• System: Corrosion Protection
• Anode Material: Zinc (for saltwater use)
• Drive Compatibility: Volvo Penta SX sterndrive / DP-SM
• Approximate Weight: 1.1 kg (complete kit with hardware)

Compatible Applications

Fits select Volvo Penta SX and DP-SM sterndrive applications. Confirm fitment by drive model and serial number before ordering:

• Volvo Penta SX sterndrive (select models where 3588770 is specified)
• Volvo Penta DP-SM sterndrive (select applications where specified)

Serial Number Notice: Always verify fitment by drive model and serial number using the Volvo Penta parts diagram. Matching by OEM part number 3588770 is the safest method, especially on drives that have been previously serviced.

Alternate & Cross-Reference Part Numbers

• 3588770 — Volvo Penta OEM (this part, active number)

Related Parts

• Volvo Penta OEM Anode SX Sterndrive – 3586461 — Individual SX drive anode
• Volvo Penta Sacrificial Zinc Anode – 3863193 — Related zinc anode reference
• Volvo Penta SX Zinc Anode Kit – VPSXKZ — Aftermarket alternative anode kit for SX drives
• Volvo Penta SX Gimbal Plate Zinc Anode – CMT-3854130Z — Individual gimbal plate anode
• Volvo Penta SX Transom Plate Zinc Anode – CMT-3855411Z — Individual transom plate anode
• Martyr Zinc Bearing Carrier Anode Volvo Penta SX – CMT-3852970Z — Individual bearing carrier anode
• Martyr Zinc Dogbone Anode Volvo Penta SX DP – CMT-832598Z — Dogbone anode for SX/DP drives

When to Replace

Inspect anodes at every haul-out and replace when they are more than 50% depleted, pitted, cracked, loose, or significantly reduced in size. Do not wait until anodes are fully consumed — a drive with no anode protection is vulnerable to rapid corrosion. Annual replacement is common for boats in active saltwater use.

Installation Notes

• Install anodes on clean, bare-metal contact surfaces — remove any paint, corrosion, or coating from the mounting area
• Do not paint the anodes themselves — paint prevents the electrochemical reaction that makes them work
• Ensure good metal-to-metal contact between the anode and the drive for proper protection
• Torque mounting hardware to the Volvo Penta service specification for your drive model
• After installation, confirm all anodes are secure and making solid contact

Service Interval

Inspect at every haul-out (at minimum annually). Replace when 50% or more depleted, or at least once per season for boats in active saltwater use. Refer to the Volvo Penta service manual for your specific drive model for full anode inspection and replacement guidance.

Technical FAQ

Why zinc and not aluminum or magnesium?
Zinc anodes are the correct choice for saltwater environments. Aluminum anodes are preferred for brackish water, and magnesium anodes are used in freshwater. Using the wrong anode material for your water type reduces protection effectiveness.

Can I replace just one anode instead of the full kit?
You can, but replacing the full kit ensures even protection across the entire drive. Mixing old and new anodes of different depletion levels can result in uneven corrosion protection. A full kit replacement is the recommended practice.

Do I need to remove the drive to replace the anodes?
Some anodes are accessible with the drive in the water; others require haul-out. Refer to the Volvo Penta service manual for your specific drive model for the correct procedure.

Parts Desk Insights

Anode replacement is one of the most skipped items in annual sterndrive service, and it’s one of the most expensive mistakes you can make. We regularly see SX drives with significant corrosion damage that could have been prevented with a $100 anode kit. If you’re already hauling the boat for service, replacing the full kit at the same time is always the right call — the labour is already there. One thing to watch: make sure the mounting surfaces are clean bare metal before installing. Anodes mounted over paint or corrosion don’t make proper electrical contact and won’t protect the drive effectively.