I note there has been some discussion on this topic in past forums but can anyone advise me of the correct length of the HE zinc.
The Universal Zinc (P/N 11885) I purchased for my M35B HE was about 1 3/4" (45mm) long - not including the tapered brass pipe thread. .
I tried to estimate depth inside the HE with a piece of wire but I am curious to know why the standard product is too long.
I was worried I might punch a hole in the HE core because with the tapered pipe thread, its hard to know if the zinc is bearing on the HE core as it tightens.
To be on the safe side I cut about 3/8" (10mm) off which reduces the zinc somewhat.
Thanks in anticipation.
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Peter Taylor Melbourne Australia. Altair #2227 2005 C36 Mk11
Peter,
I cut my zinc down to 1.25", but every H/E is slightly different, due to the angle which the zinc meets the internal ribs. I suggest that you close the thru hull for the raw water intake, and take the end cap of your heat exchanger off. It is attached with only one bolt. Carefully peel off the rubber gasket, and make sure you don't lose the small O-ring on the bolt. With the end cap off, you can install the zinc and see how long it can be. Hope this helps.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
Tom
I did in fact have the end off the HE to clean it out,but could'nt see inside as the end is pretty close to the engine compartment side and I didn't have a mirror.
Your point about the slight differences due to different angles is a good one so there is no exact universal solution.
I was a little conservative when cutting 3/8" but I have just realised is that I can fit a camera down the side of the engine. So I'll take the end off again and take a photo ofthe zinc in place as I have cut it. I'd like to get it right for the future.
If it works out I'll post it - it may be of interest to others.
Thanks once again.
Peter Taylor Melbourne Australia. Altair #2227 2005 C36 Mk11
Peter,
Cutting 3/8" off the zinc is probably about right for many situations. If you could post a picture of your cut-off zinc installed, with the end cap off, that would be great!
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
I should have thought to ask this question a few months ago! Would have saved me some heartache. Anyway, the zinc that I ended up using in my heat exchanger was also too long so I just cut it down. It took a little trial and error since the old zinc was long gone (thanks previous owner!), but I eventually got it short enough. Have had no issues with it since.
Does anyone happen to know if there are any more zincs on our engines? I could only find the one in the heat exchanger.
I believe that is the only one.
Allan Rex
# 2216