CAT 3126 - Zincs and Aftercooler cleaning

[Turtlesboat]

Here is the information I received from the Service Manager at my marina/storage today regarding zincs:

Randy did inspect all the zincs on the mains and generator. He found 6 per main engine for a total of 12 and with 1 on the generator. He is confident he did not miss any. He inspected them all and all were in great condition with the exception of one that was broken off. This broken one he replace, cleaned all the others and reinstalled them. With Randy's 26 yrs. of experience at this marina alone, I would highly recommend his advise on not needing to replace them.

They just don't break off for no reason, the thing was shot to the point that it snapped like a cheese puff. I hope he fished out the loose piece. Try and snap a new zinc in half and see how hard it is. And has been said, he missed about half of them. I hope he didn't cost very much. Because for about $100 you could have put all new zincs in and be done with it. The other thing you have to worry about is the bolts seizing up if they aren't checked regularly. Then you have a bigger mess on your hands. The exhaust elbow zinc, if it hasn't been changed... ever... will probably have to be drilled out at this point.

 

[markrinker]

I am a few hundred miles separated from the boat (and all manuals) during the winter layover. As a result, some of the CAT technical data hasn't been at my fingertips, only some of it has been available online.

In the spring, there is a long list of items to complete in a short period of time after the boat comes out of heated storage, and before she goes in the water. Certain tasks I have delegated to the service crew. "Trust and verify" is my motto.

Thanks for all your input, patience and help.

 

[markrinker]

Update: Aftercoolers were removed last week and sent out for cleaning by a marine knowledgable radiator shop. They found debris from the impellors, and light to moderate buildup from combustion and oil residue.

From the service records I was given (and a few more I was able to locate)

• 0-200 hours first owner, unknown
• @200hrs (2004, CAT 30W),
• @284hrs (2005, CAT 30W),
• @376hrs (2007, Rotella 15/40W),
• @440hrs (2009, assume CAT 30W),
• @480hrs (2011, Rotella 15/40W).

...progress!