Pencil Zincs

I changed the zincs on the engine for the first time yesterday. The engine is a Cummins 5.9 that came from Cummins as a 315HP. The ones I removed have a threaded insert. The ones that were with the spare parts when we bought the boat are zinc including the threads. I broke one trying to tighten the zinc to the brass plug. The label says CME2

I tried to find zincs with inserts but haven't been successful, yet. Where would I find zincs with inserts? Is this something I should be worried about?

Thanks Tim

Not sure what you mean by inserts. There is a the anode, which has a male thread on one end, then the cap which has a female thread for the anode and a male thread for screwing into the engine component the anode is protecting.

The old zincs had a metal insert that the zinc was molded over. I snapped the zinc off the threaded piece on the second anode. The fourth anode is the new one I broke tightening with very slight pressure, thus my concern.

Thanks for the photos. I don't have as much experience as most, but I've never seen anodes like that. I've only seen anodes like the new one. I've also never see a new anode break at the threaded portion that screws into the cap like that. However, odd things can happen all the time.

Generally, the anodes that screw into the cap, which then screws into the engine are the only thing you are going to find. I do tighten an anode into the cap before I I use it, but have never had one break in the process. It doesn't take a lot of torque to get it tight. Some folks will simply use some Locktite on the the anode threads to secure them in the cap and just get new caps each time.

Your looking for secure core anodes from performance metal products

helm said:

Your looking for secure core anodes from performance metal products

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2245/5025/files/Securecore_flyer.pdf

Click to expand...

I agree as those are what I use, but I haven't seen the anodes that the OP shows in his pictures.

tcoop said:

The old zincs had a metal insert that the zinc was molded over. I snapped the zinc off the threaded piece on the second anode. The fourth anode is the new one I broke tightening with very slight pressure, thus my concern.

View attachment 157537

Click to expand...

Google "engine anode pencil" and you will find numerous suppliers that sell them.

Ted

helm said:

Your looking for secure core anodes from performance metal products

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2245/5025/files/Securecore_flyer.pdf

Click to expand...

Those are the ones I've used and had the best luck with.
Some supply houses carry them but I've also ordered direct from them. When I called they checked my area to see if I had a supplier nearby and when they couldn't find one they said to just order direct.
I've also had the best luck just buying the complete anode / cap unit and not worrying about the small incremental cost.

I use the Performance Metal anodes as well. Since I can't find the anodes I want from a retail outlet, I end up ordering direct. Typically just call them and tell them what you want. They don't have an online store available for retail. Often I end up talking directly to Martin Wigg who is Caldwell Casting's VP of Anode Products.

I wonder if anyone wanted to start a small online business if they could become a distributor for the Performance Metals line of Caldwell Casting products. think there would be a great market for their anode products if they were easy to order online.

Thanks everyone, I will checkout the Securecore anodes. I will also keep an eye out for one with the threaded inserts.