zinck anode stuck cant get it out

[Patrick4002]

Hello, on our cat 3208 there are 7 pencil anodes,5 on the main cooler and 2 on the transmision cooler

the sb-engine anode replacements went fine
on the port-engine one of the anodes on the transmision cooler is stuck,
i even broken a bit of the square head

anny tips how to git it loose ?

Best regards,
Patrick

 

[Bacchus]

Which part is stuck?
Is it the cap... can't unscrew it from the engine / cooler? Or
Does the cap unscrew but leaves the anode rod stuck in the cooler?

If the latter... I've has success grinding the threads off an old cap so it will screw onto the anode rod and you can continue tightening to rotate the anode rod inside the cooler housing breaking it free ( hopefully not breaking it off).
Gripping the modified cap w vise grips will allow you to wiggle it while trying to extract while rotate it to break it free. Even tapping on the modified cap can help loosen up the rod w/o risking breaking it off.

 

[C lectric]

Maybe try drilling the cap so an Easy Out can then be used.
Apply a bit of heat just before to the area around the plug, not on the plug.

Not a lot , just enough to get it to expand and loosen the grip somewhat. For things like this I would use a small hand size torch to have better control. You will need to work quickly as the heat will dissipate into the cooler body very quickly. Have everything at the ready so you are not scrabbling for tools.

Drop the mini torch into a saucepan. These little torches will go out when you release the trigger but will still be very hot at the tip and are usually not stable. Thus the pot suggestion.

 

[Bacchus]

Never tried a torch on anodes ( have in other situations) but would guess the water, oil, coolant in the heat xchgr would limit usefullness unless drained.

 

[C lectric]

Actually the heating may break it free enough for the wrench to be used without the Easy Out. Play the torch on ONE part of the housing right next to the zinc cap. While warm try the wrench.
It may only take a bit of expansion to loosen the grip.

 

[C lectric]

In the future use a sealer such as Rectorseal #5, Home Depot. Not gobs.
Then test for good electrical contact between the zinc cap and the housing.
Should be less than 1 ohm showing.