when to replace the zincs

[fireant]

So I done the service on the engine and pulled the zinc out to see the condition. Its a raw water cooled Yanamar YSM8.
there was about 80%+ left on the zinc. Some pitting and white crust that covered most of it. I took a file and cleaned the crust off. cleaned the threads and put it back together.
The question is at what point I should replace the zinc?
Its easy to reach and replace in less then 5 min.

Thank you,

[Wotname]

Opinions vary but I consider it should be replaced when 50% of the original has gone. Keep a record of the calendar time and engine hours (if you can) and you will build a picture of how fast it is disappearing.

[fireant]

Thanks Wotname, I guess I'm good to go for a long while longer.

[Compass790]

FWIW Our ysm8 zinc lasted about 5 years but it gets fresh water flushed on return to slip.
Two things to watch for are exhaust elbow & oil pump clearances.
It's common for the exhaust elbow to leak water so that it goes on top of exhaust valve.
Oil pump rotor can wear down into case so clearance btwn case & cover becomes over spec.If oil pressure light goes off very fast when cranking its likely ok.

If you want a workshop manual PDF for free you can PM me.

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by fireant

So I done the service on the engine and pulled the zinc out to see the condition. Its a raw water cooled Yanamar YSM8.
there was about 80%+ left on the zinc. Some pitting and white crust that covered most of it. I took a file and cleaned the crust off. cleaned the threads and put it back together.
The question is at what point I should replace the zinc?
Its easy to reach and replace in less then 5 min.

Thank you,

About 1/3 left is the rule.
But if your in there might as well refresh the zinc.
SV Cloud Duster

[LittleWing77]

Originally Posted by Wotname

Opinions vary but I consider it should be replaced when 50% of the original has gone. Keep a record of the calendar time and engine hours (if you can) and you will build a picture of how fast it is disappearing.

Wottie is King!

Glad to see you're getting out there, fireant!

How are you liking sailing your new boat?

Fair winds,
LittleWing77 (aka "Madame President")
Wotname Fan Club

[arcticmonkey]

cheap insurance.... I did mine everytime hull was exposed to air

[fireant]

Compass790,
Wotname send me workshop manual previously and i been using it every time. I appreciate the offer.
How do you flush with fresh water?
I still have more then 2/3 of the fuel tank and that's after motoring all the way from Marina Del Ray and using it here as well.

LitteWing I must say we both love the boat and think we made a great choice by getting this boat. Its in better shape then I expected, Some maintenance is needed nothing big.
We still manage to take it out in between work.
Done plenty of mistake handling sails and now so happy its a small boat with small sails. While getting sea sick its nothing like before where I wished for death.
Both of us sure learning a lot more about boats in this short time.
I think everyone on here gave me a great advice and now I can see the benefit of the advice given.

[Compass790]

Fireant,
For freshwater flush we put a tee in the intake hose with a valve & a hose that we run out into the cockpit. Use a dock hose to fill up the bucket & suck from that. You have to turn off the salt water intake of course to suck from the fresh water bucket. Dont forget to shut off the fresh water valve at tee & open the salt water valve afterwards though. Its probably not necessary to do fresh water flush if you keep up the anodes but I want the engine to last for a century even if I wont.

Lucky for you Wottie sent you the w/shop manual, it's pretty good.
I think we use only 600cc of diesel per hour, about 20 fluid ounces in yr lingo.

Overall, apart from being noisy & shakey, they are good little engines, easy to fix too once you know them.

[sailingchiro]

For fresh water rinse, I just take cover off strainer and fill with shower hose while running and shut off before strainer empties. Thru-hull is closed.

I never put a used zinc back in, I figure if it is out, change it. One less thing to worry about. Typically with oil change, impeller replacement, belts, fuel filters, air filter, and bad hose clamp replacement. I do all at once.

[fireant]

thank you