Shaft nut anode screw installation

[maury]

Install anode attempt #2: my first anode came off …

I have read to use thread lock or teflon tape to keep it from coming off. Being boat is in the water install is underwater so looking for advice accordingly.

When I installed the first time I thought thread lock needs heat to remove screw in future so seemed off assuming I would be doing it underwater. Don’t recall how I did it. Underwater does it work to wrap teflon tape above water then go under water to install?

What are some of successful installation recommendations? Also the bolt which came with the nut has a blue coating on part of it.

[Wotname]

The blue coating is a thread locking compound.

In simple terms, thread locking compounds come in various grades and while there are many specialist compounds, the most common (Loctite) makes a blue and a red locking compound. The blue can be removed with hand tools, the red (mostly) can not. It needs heat to soften it enough to release its grip.

[boatpoker]

Teflon tape on the shaft under the anode ?
If thats what you mean, the Teflon is non-conductive and defeats the purpose of an anode.

[maury]

Good point about the teflon. Since the bolt has blue already on it is that sufficient or do I need a fresh coat?

[fstbttms]

I have installed many thousands of shaft anodes over my 30 career as a hull cleaner. No extra measures besides seating the anode halves with a hammer and torquing the screws well are needed. If you find you have to use a thread locker, you're doing it wrong.

[maine-cruiser]

When I installed a line cutter it came with a small tube of vibra-tite VC3. This is a polymer that stays soft and flexible so screws stay tight but are easily removed and reused. It's my go-to thread locker.

Bill

[maury]

@Fstbttms , When I installed the prior cone I did have the screw so tracked the correct size down but when I noticed zinc is gone so was the screw so I can only assume it came off. That screw probably didn’t have a thread blocker, this one does.

So I will just install as is. Also I don’t believe I have the ring which goes at prop end of the zinc cone., will search spare parts.

[markxengineerin]

That design is a complete POS. I had 3 in a row fall off, for various reasons, and went back to the kind the clamps around the shaft. I didn't have enough room, so had to grind the length down a little. Still a far better option that that atrocity.

[NorthCoastJoe]

Teflon is a lubricant. Teflon tape seals pipe joints but also makes it easier to take apart. I would never use teflon tape on anything I want to stay together, above or under water.

I would try putting a 316 SS lock washer on the screw, that might be all you need to prevent it from backing out.

Also use a longer Allen wrench so you get more torque tightening it.
A short ( 10" ) length of 1/4" pipe on the Allen wrench could make it work better.