Engine Room Discussions

[OASIS]

Hello, I have a 97' Azimut with 3208 TA's and need to find the engine zinc locations.  I looked through all of my owners Caterpillar documentation and manuals but could not find an illustration showing all the engine zinc locations. I found 7 visually but know there are more. Does anyone know if there is documentation showing zinc locations throughout the engine.

Additionally, In my search for zinc locations, I came across several bolts (just a bolt with no thread for a zinc) that I thought would hold a pencil zinc but they were just bolts. Raw water came out when I removed them.  I was wondering if these locations accommodate additional zincs that were never used. Is this caterpillar's way of providing additional ports for zincs depending on the type of water you are in??.

Thanks,

Joe  

[MarkHam]

Hello Joe,

Unfortunately I don't have a response for you but I would suggest to get in touch with your nearest dealer. I guess they can provide you with any information...maybe also some documents that might help.

Here the page you can search for a dealer

http://marine.cat.com/cda/layout?m=214789&x=7

Hope this helps

Regards

Mark

[OASIS]

Thank you Mark, I was able to go to a boat yard where someone knowledgeable told me where to find them. There are 4 at the rear of the engine and 3 at the front.  I'm all set. I don't understand why Caterpillar doesn't publish a diagram that can be easily resourced from there hard copy manuals or online.

Thanks,

Joe

[dboater]

Can you tell me what purpose the zinc serves?  Should I be monitoring or replacing?  I have CAT 3208 DITA's.  Thanks!

[amer_27606]

Hi dboater,

The reason of adding Zinc Rods in CAT marine engines is to protect the internal surfaces of the cooling system components from getting corroded.

The Zinc Rod is more susceptible to wear out before any other parts of the cooling system.

If you have a CAT marine engine, yes you need to inspect the rods as recommended in its Operation & Maintenance Manual.

Hope now you have an idea about what the Zinc Rods are for in CAT marine engines.

Regards,

amer_27606