Engine zinc lube

[sea hag]

Doing routine check of engine zincs, and out of recommended CAT thread lube. Suggestions on quality alternative that is perhaps cheaper and readily available ? Thanks.

 

[hmason]

The CAT lube I believe is made by Loctite by I'm not sure which one.

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Whatever lube you use it must be electrically conductive. Do NOT use Teflon tape. It will insulate (electrically) the zinc from the metals it is meant to protect.

 

[Bacchus]

Doing routine check of engine zincs, and out of recommended CAT thread lube. Suggestions on quality alternative that is perhaps cheaper and readily available ? Thanks.

I've always been a big fan of Never-Seez

The Regular Grade Anti Seize is the old stand-by
"The "original" anti-seize compound and extreme pressure lubricant formulated with copper, graphite, aluminum and other ingredients to protect metal parts against rust, corrosion and seizure up to 1800ºF. "

They now have Mariners Choice Anti-Seize "Never-Seez® Mariner's Choice is a heavy duty anti-seize and extreme pressure lubricant formulated to assure absolute parts protection against seizure, galling and corrosion in fresh and salt water environments. Contains 7-13% Copper & 1-5% Alum Powder"

as well as other for SS & other specific applications... any of these should do the job - I keep a tube in each of my tools boxes.
Available at most marine & auto parts stores.

 

[O C Diver]

Use whatever you like including Teflon tape. After your done, take a multi meter and check for conductivity between the zinc holder and what it's screwed into. I always check conductivity when installing any zinc. I use rtv silicone when installing zincs.

Ted

 

[BlueYonder]

Cummins told me to use rectorseal no. 5. I've been using NO-OX ID which is an electrically conductive grease. I'm leaning towards staying with the NO-OX ID.

 

[Capt.Bill11]

You shouldn't really need to use anything on the threads if you're checking your zinc a couple of times a year. It's highly unlikely they would seize up in that short a time.

But almost any lube will work, including Teflon tape (which I really don't recommend). Just use whatever you use sparingly and only put it on the last few threads.

 

[jleonard]

I use Teflon paste for items that need to be conductive such as zincs and senders.