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07-28-2010, 07:31 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Clearwater Beach, Florida
Posts: 46
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Zinc Anode in Radiator (thoughts/opinions)
Ran across Flex-A-Lite's new Zinc Anode ( Flex-a-lite 32060 - Flex-a-lite Zinc Anode 1/4"NPT - Quadratec) and was wondering what the opinions were on this subject.
I run a stock radiator in my 2000 TJ Sport (4.0)
Thanks
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05-09-2013, 10:10 PM
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Phoenix, az
Posts: 25
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Bump!!
I'm about to replace my water pump and saw this guy, do they work at all and is it worth it???????
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05-09-2013, 11:38 PM
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: San Jose, CA, Hammerspace
Posts: 4,735
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RockJeepTJ
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It's called a "sacrificial anode," and it works quite well. The idea is used extensively in marine applications (especially saltwater marine,) and most home water heaters made in the last ten years or so have removable/replaceable zinc anodes - check 'em once a year, replace PRN (depending on local water quality, they're good for 3-7 years, usually.)
Why anodes? Because the zinc anodes will corrode faster than the weld metal for the chimney and tank seals, extending the life of the heater tank!
I have no trouble with the idea. I've been kicking around ideas to fit them into RENIX as well, once I get on with the refit of my 88.
__________________
"recon" (sic - reckon)(tm) "hihgly"(tm) "seceed"(tm)
"Outback AIDS - Alcohol-Induced Dizzy Spells"
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05-10-2013, 01:35 PM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Posts: 258
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RockJeepTJ
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Ive only ever seen them in massive OTR and heavy equipment radiators. I dont know why I never thought to look into one for my personal vehicle. They work extremely well in my experience.
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05-10-2013, 05:50 PM
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Stationed VA Beach, VA From Dubuque Iowa
Posts: 165
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My thought / opinion is to just flush you coolant system every 2-3 years and replace with a 50/50 mix of Zerex G05 and Distilled water and you shouldn't have any problems.
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05-10-2013, 06:05 PM
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Harrisburg, PA
Posts: 405
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flying2275
My thought / opinion is to just flush you coolant system every 2-3 years and replace with a 50/50 mix of Zerex G05 and Distilled water and you shouldn't have any problems.
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^this
I'm sure a zinc anode can't hurt, but coolant (anti-freeze) is loaded with corrosion inhibitors to begin with, so as long as you change it when you're supposed to an anode shouldn't be necessary, and likely won't make much of a difference.
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05-10-2013, 06:59 PM
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: San Jose, CA, Hammerspace
Posts: 4,735
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmill89
^this
I'm sure a zinc anode can't hurt, but coolant (anti-freeze) is loaded with corrosion inhibitors to begin with, so as long as you change it when you're supposed to an anode shouldn't be necessary, and likely won't make much of a difference.
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So the anode lasts forever.
Consider it cheap insurance - best kind. Once a year, you pull the anode and check it for erosion, just keep another one in your toolbox for if & when.
__________________
"recon" (sic - reckon)(tm) "hihgly"(tm) "seceed"(tm)
"Outback AIDS - Alcohol-Induced Dizzy Spells"
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05-11-2013, 04:48 AM
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#8
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Posts: 258
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 5-90
So the anode lasts forever.
Consider it cheap insurance - best kind. Once a year, you pull the anode and check it for erosion, just keep another one in your toolbox for if & when.
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No. They dont last forever. As stated before, they are sacrificial. They will need to be on an inspection schedule. Specific applications will dictate how often it needs to be changed.
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