Beta zinc anode

Jul 10, 2009
125
I tried replacing the zinc anode on my Beta engine only to find the
threads on the spare are not quite the same as the origional. I can
only get about one turn on the new anode. The engine was supplied from
the U.K. and I ordered the spare anode from the Beta people in the
U.S. The wrench size is metric on the origional whereas the new spare
is 9/16" if my memory is correct. So I suppose the thread is a metric
on the engine and the supplied spare from the U.S. is not. Anyone had
this problem? I will probably tap to the "standard" as we call it
here! Colin V-703...
 
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
Hi Colin

Just contacted Beta and they only supply one type of anode that is the
standard metric size. It may be that Stanley Feigenbaum has had some
made locally. The thead will have to be metric on the heat exchanger so
I expect that Stanley may of made a wrong 'un....

If you need any anodes then let me know and I will get one to you.

Cheers

Steve Birch (Technical)
 
Nov 2, 2003
198
Hello Colin, I was surprised that the wrench size was diferent as
well. I had no problem screwing in the new anode. Try it again
carefully. Try replacing with the old anode. Maybe you just
crossthreaded at the start. I would not tap the heat exchanger. At the
worse put in the old one an order a new one from Beta US.I inspected the anode after four months use. It was more than half
gone! I replaced it. I will have to get another spare. Alan & Felicity Critchlow V1639 'Vola!'
 
Jul 10, 2009
125
Yes Alan most of the anode material has wasted away after about a year
in service. The 1/4" NPT must be very close to the metric size as I get
only 1 turn or so before it jams. I have put the old one back in for
now. I think Steve's explanation is correct and someone tried making
their own. Not really a problem, the engineers where I work make the
anodes they need from bar stock. I wonder if the zinc is screwed into
the brass fitting or perhaps epoxied? Did you get yours from the U.S.?
Colin... V703, Isis

alan_critchlow wrote:
 

mnhdl

.
Oct 31, 2019
83
Hi,

Talking about anode, it seems to me that there is no room for one on the
combi system. What are you doing for that?

Thank you!

Marie
 
Nov 2, 2003
198
Hello Colin, Yes I bought it from Beta USA. I was concerned that it
would not fit. A lot of plumbing fittings share common sizes in
metric and sae. I am no expert especially when the odd British sizes.
Even when fittings have the same threads there is a sometimes a taper.

Alan Critchlow
 
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
Hey, what do you mean "ODD" Britsih sizes!! We are all metric now and
very confused! All new (last 10 years or so) stuff is now metric and
must admit things are getting a lot easier and simple but still cant
work out kilometres and miles very quickly. Luckily us Brits are still
using miles for the foreseeable future....

Cheers all

Steve Birch (Technical)
 
Apr 3, 2006
19
Hello all'

Oh, the horror of it all ! I once sailed as chief engineer on a coastal tanker acquired by a Canadian company from Shell (UK) After three years or so on this side of the Pond, we had metric, SAE and Whitworth, on board. When the ship was built, some German made equipment was installed; (metric) most of the other original machinery was British; (Whitworth) and as new replacement motors etc., were installed after her arrival in Canada, they were invariably SAE (As Canada had yet to undergo the awful pains of metric conversion.)

Try as one might, it was almost impossible to keep the nuts and bolts, for example, in their respective bins

Best regards,

Don
 
Jul 10, 2009
125
I had several Triumph motorcycles years back and I remember the pre 1969
bikes were BSW (British Standard Witworth i think) bolts and thread. I
had a special socket and spanner set for them. After 1969 they went to
American NUC and NUF and some time later on to metric. Some of the
automobiles here were (possibly still are) a combination of metric
engine bolts and American sizes elseware. Colin...

Steve Birch wrote:
 
Aug 27, 2004
17
Marie,

There is an anode bolted on to the propeller boss of my combi. As I
couldn't obtain a replacement, I had to set up a home foundry to cast
one in a Plaster of Paris mould. This anode is now getting a bit
thin, and I'm worried about burning my garden shed down. Does anyone
on the group knows of a source of replacement anodes?

Regards
John Buchanan
Houlet 2253
 
Oct 31, 2019
562
Hi.:)
Why don't you get a big anode and bold it to the keel
somewhere next to the keel's water drain and run a wire
through the hull. There are some big ones on the market,
sort of egg-shaped.
Wilhelm, V-257
 

mnhdl

.
Oct 31, 2019
83
Hi,

What series would be hull 3199? It is a 1977.

Do you know from wich number they've change the MD6B for the 13HP engine?

Thank you very much,

Marie
 
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
Hi Marie

Yours is either a very late Series II or early Series II. If she has an
MD6B then she is a Series II If she has an MD7A then she is a Series
III

Cheers

Steve Birch (Technical)
 
Oct 31, 2019
84
Vega Puffin #2137 looking for engine instrument panel to a Volvo md6a. any imfo appreciated. Pat

Steve Birch steve@... wrote: Hi Marie

Yours is either a very late Series II or early Series II. If she has an
MD6B then she is a Series II If she has an MD7A then she is a Series
III

Cheers

Steve Birch (Technical)
 

mnhdl

.
Oct 31, 2019
83
Hi Steve,

Then she is a series II. Is the engine the only difference between these two
series? (II and III).

Bye the way, the deal has been closed today at Transport Canada so "Elvire"
is officially mine now ;-).

Marie
 
Feb 28, 2006
127
Here's some info Steve Birch sent along to me last
year:

Series I = 1967 - 1972

Series II = 1972 - 1976

Series III = 1976 - 1978

All approximate.

From Vega number 1 (Wooden boat called Mahogony) to
about V1380 is Series I. This can be checked with
engine type as they would have an Albin 021 or 022 as
original equipment.

Series II started with some Series I mouldings but
different engine bearers and used the Volvo MD6A
Diesel. From about V1450 the moulding was changed
slightly but still used the Volvo MD6A. From V2900 ish
the engine was changed to the Volvo MD6B which is the
same as the MD6A but uses a starter motor with a
toothed flywheel instead of the Dynastart. This lasted
to about V3075 ish....

Series III Vegas carried on and used the MD7A which is
a bored out version of the MD6B giving 12HP instead of
the 10HP from the MD6A/B. The coaming around the
cockpit is much wider making comfortable to sit on but
this is at the expense of the very small toe-rail. The
anti-slip area on the coachroof etc is much coarser.
There are also very small differences inside with the
furniture etc.

In short:

V0002 - V1375 = Series I (Albin 021/022 Petrol Engine)

V1376 - V3075 = Series II (Volvo MD6A or MD6B Diesel
Engine)

V3076 - 3450 = Series III (Volvo MD7A Diesel Engine)

These numbers are approx. so please dont shout at me if
it is slightly off.Garry McKevitt
"Raven" V. 2427
 

mnhdl

.
Oct 31, 2019
83
Hi Gary,

This is very helpfull thank you!

So my Vega is an Hybrid I think because she has the larger coaming but still
has the MD6B. Number is 3199 built in 1977.

Marie
 
Oct 30, 2019
77
marie, the windows (portlights) are different designs and sizes. This is just one of many subtle differences.
Dave
V3233
 

mnhdl

.
Oct 31, 2019
83
Hi Everyone,

Yesterday I had my first experience with the vega and I have to say that it
was quitte funy. I've never been able to get out of the marina! She just
refused to turn, not only in reverse gear but also going straight. After
half an hour we've decided to go back to our slot and we manage to do it
without doing any dammage to anybody wich is quitte a miracle ;-).

Would you have any advice on how to tame that wild horse with her combi ?

Thank you,

Marie