I'd say open the end cap and get it out.  WHile there, clean the tubes with a piece of wire.  If this one did it, then in the last 30 years another probably did, too.  The end cap comes off really easily and goes back the same way.  Don't over-tighten it as you'll bend the cap ensuring it will leak.

Bob

On Tue, Jul 28, 2009 at 9:56 AM, Rodd Leeds < ([email][/email])> wrote:

while changing the pencil zinc in the heat exchanger over the weekend I noticed that about 1/3 of the zinc was missing.  i looked down into the heat exchanger and saw the missing piece.  unfortunately when I tried with a grabber tool to get it out it disappeared into the abyss!! 
 
Do I need to open the end cap to try and retrieve this piece of zinc or will it dissolve?
 
Thanks.
 
Rodd
Windseeker

—
Bob Fine
s/v Pelican
Hull #8

Post generated from Pearson424 Forum using Mail2Forum

Only water. Coolant is separated within jacket around rods.

Adam Silverstein, iPhone

On Jul 28, 2009, at 10:34 AM, Rodd Leeds < ([email][/email])> wrote:

Hi Rodd,

When you open the cap all that will come out is salt water.  Maybe some yucky stuff.  If coolant comes out, you have bigger issues – you'll need the heat exchanger repaired or replaced.  Really, it's no big deal to take the end caps off.  I think it's a 1/2″ or 9/16 ” bolt about 3/4″ long.  You may have to pry it gently with a screwdriver to break the seal of the rubber gasket, but if it takes you more than about 2 minutes, you're trying to remove something else….

Close the thru-hull first….

Bob

On Tue, Jul 28, 2009 at 11:11 AM, adam silverstein < ([email][/email])> wrote:

Rodd, you might consider taking the entire unit to a radiator shop for cleaning and testing.  The metal is very soft and will develop pinhole leaks at the brazed areas.  A good shop might charge less than $100 for a thorough service and should add years to the live of the exchanger.  These things are frighteningly expensive to replace.  I took all mine up at the same time, they found a number of tiny leaks.  They all were returned cleaned and painted.
Also, they used a bead material and some sort of agitation unit to clean the insides, rather than acid or brushes. 
Chuck

On Tue, Jul 28, 2009 at 11:15 AM, Robert Fine < ([email][/email])> wrote:

Rodd
It will eventually dissolve. This happened to me with my old W60 and the end cap on that end of the exchanger doesn’t open. As a minimum, you’re supposed to loosen and then retighten the zincs every few months to keep them from seizing to the inside of the exchanger. Who does that however?

If you can remove the end cap and get at the zinc, I suggest that you do so. Sending it out for a cleaning is good advice. You can try and clean out what you have with pipe cleaners and a toothbrush if you don’t want to pull it off.

Regards
Rich

Post generated from Pearson424 Forum using Mail2Forum