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Replacing Engine pencil zincs

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Dave Stranks, Dec 2, 2012.

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  1. Dave Stranks, Dec 2, 2012
    #1
    Dave Stranks

    Dave Stranks Member

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    Its time to replace the engine zincs and this year i just bought the zinc part not with the brass caps
    How do you get the zinc piece that breaks off in the inter thread of the brass cap' Tried a small drill and then ramming a flathead screw driver and twisting Like a pain is there a easier way
  2. K1W1, Dec 2, 2012
    #2
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    Drill a hole and use a fluted easy out.

    Easier still change them before they get that worn and you still have something to grip.
  3. Marmot, Dec 3, 2012
    #3
    Marmot

    Marmot Senior Member

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    Soak them in muriatic acid for a few hours.
  4. dsharp, Dec 4, 2012
    #4
    dsharp

    dsharp Senior Member

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    That's the way I've always done it. Be sure and don't breath the fumes.
  5. Capt Ralph, Dec 5, 2012
    #5
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I can't wait to try that. What a great idea.
  6. dennismc, Dec 5, 2012
    #6
    dennismc

    dennismc Senior Member

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    Depending on you engine and cooling system set up, you may find that the salt water cooling actually drains down below the level of the zincs on engine shut down and the zincs are only getting worn by the velocity of the cooling water flow, in which case they actually are redundant, worth checking, mine have been eliminated for 15 yrs now and I drain the residual from the hex after every shutdown, so far all is well.
  7. Dave Stranks, Dec 30, 2012
    #7
    Dave Stranks

    Dave Stranks Member

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    The zincs were not eaten away as bad as the first time i changed out but still it was impossible to unthread without breaking it off at the flush
    Tried sulmamic acid for a couple of hours did really cut it
    Looked up on the net that brass melting point was around 800 and zinc 400 so i used a propane torch to heat it up and knocked it on the stainless engine room countertop (cold so instant cooling) came right out noooo problem
    New one went in real easy
    Learned something to day
  8. Opcn, Mar 19, 2013
    #8
    Opcn

    Opcn Senior Member

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    Be careful knocking around hot metal components. They get soft at a much cooler temperature than they melt.