make your own pencil zinc ????

[arch007]

bought zinc rods 3/8 inch diameter.


cut off 1 inch zinc rod.


after cutting the threads the pencil zinc threads will not fit in the bolt.


betamarine specifies an E-OBZ pencil zinc which is 3/8 diameter.


What am I doing wrong ?????


thanks,

[Bruce K]

Thread should be 5/16" UNC

[billknny]

Originally Posted by arch007

bought zinc rods 3/8 inch diameter.


cut off 1 inch zinc rod.


after cutting the threads the pencil zinc threads will not fit in the bolt.


betamarine specifies an E-OBZ pencil zinc which is 3/8 diameter.


What am I doing wrong ?????


thanks,

All "zinc" is absolutely not the same. Zinc anodes are not pure zinc metal. They made from alloys that are designed to be best at what they do.

Is your rod "pure zinc" or is made of an anode alloy? If the later, fine have at it, and cut the right threads.

If if the rod is pure zinc, or some alloy of unknown provenance,... geez... it's $5 every 6 months. It's your engine. It is worth it. If that is breaking the bank you are in the wrong hobby.

[Emmalina]

When in the bot yard collect old zincs get a blowtorch and melt it in a piece of steel tube and pour it into a tube (dry) to the diameter you want. Will not be pure zinc but will be the alloy you want !

[Orion Jim]

Originally Posted by billknny

All "zinc" is absolutely not the same. Zinc anodes are not pure zinc metal. They made from alloys that are designed to be best at what they do.

Is your rod "pure zinc" or is made of an anode alloy? If the later, fine have at it, and cut the right threads.

If if the rod is pure zinc, or some alloy of unknown provenance,... geez... it's $5 every 6 months. It's your engine. It is worth it. If that is breaking the bank you are in the wrong hobby.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Emmalina

When in the bot yard collect old zincs get a blowtorch and melt it in a piece of steel tube and pour it into a tube (dry) to the diameter you want. Will not be pure zinc but will be the alloy you want !

Chinese zincs have been known to eat themselves due to impurities.
Not much chance of getting a clean anode by this method.

Best stick to Mil-Spec anodes, they are cheap and you know whats in them.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Emmalina

When in the bot yard collect old zincs get a blowtorch and melt it in a piece of steel tube and pour it into a tube (dry) to the diameter you want. Will not be pure zinc but will be the alloy you want !

It actually won’t as the anodes will lose some metals and retain others.
Plus I believe melting zinc can be extremely hazardous to your health, similar I’d assume to welding galvanized metals.

It’s really not worth trying to save a few bucks this way, buy aluminum “zincs” and you will be happier anyway, be sure they meet Mil Spec standards though.

[mickt243]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Plus I believe melting zinc can be extremely hazardous to your health, similar I’d assume to welding galvanized metals

Metal fume fever can be so much fun.....

[HopCar]

If you are reusing an old plug, and you are sure the threads you cut in the zinc are correct, the remains of the old zinc might still be in the threads of the plug. An acid bath might clean them up.

Just curious, how much money are you saving by making your own zincs?

[senormechanico]

I know sailors are known for being cheapskates, but this takes the cake.
Even if the metal mix was correct, you will probably spend the same for the energy to heat it enough to melt it.