I put in a new pencil zinc 2 weeks ago. There is a slow leak that wasnt there before. I'm little hesitant to tighten it much more, dont want to break something....is it OK to use some plumbers thread sealant in this application? thanks -steve
dripping pencil zinc
- Thread starter fox islander
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No, never, don't use plumbers thread or
anything else. Ever. Clear enough? Reason is: contact needs to be made between the zinc holder and the HX. That's the reason it's there to begin with. If you have a loooong zinc, you may have to trim it after inserting a short (real) pencil to find out how deep it can go. If it's not hitting anything inside and you don't have to trim the zinc, just tighten it up some more. Shouldn't have to get it so tight that you can't get it off, just enough to stop the leak. Engine?? M25 or M25XP series??? 2 or 3 inch HX? A little more info would also help.
anything else. Ever. Clear enough? Reason is: contact needs to be made between the zinc holder and the HX. That's the reason it's there to begin with. If you have a loooong zinc, you may have to trim it after inserting a short (real) pencil to find out how deep it can go. If it's not hitting anything inside and you don't have to trim the zinc, just tighten it up some more. Shouldn't have to get it so tight that you can't get it off, just enough to stop the leak. Engine?? M25 or M25XP series??? 2 or 3 inch HX? A little more info would also help.
I'll crank it a bit
It's a M25XP with the 3" exchanger...I checked for zinc length...I'll try cranking it down a bit. Brings back bad memories of snapping off a head bolt on a '71 Triumph Spitfire :-0 Thanx
It's a M25XP with the 3" exchanger...I checked for zinc length...I'll try cranking it down a bit. Brings back bad memories of snapping off a head bolt on a '71 Triumph Spitfire :-0 Thanx
Bottom out
Stu is right the zinc is bottoming out, you have to cut .5" or so off the end with a hack saw.
Stu is right the zinc is bottoming out, you have to cut .5" or so off the end with a hack saw.
See the link for a picture
I continue to suggest that the "shaving the zinc" is an urban myth. YOU have to open up your HX and find out how much space you have. Alternatively, use the pencil method. But, as the link notes, shaving is essentially one way to deal with having bought the wrong zinc! So, figure out what you do need, buy the right one, or shave the wrong one, but know what YOU need.
I continue to suggest that the "shaving the zinc" is an urban myth. YOU have to open up your HX and find out how much space you have. Alternatively, use the pencil method. But, as the link notes, shaving is essentially one way to deal with having bought the wrong zinc! So, figure out what you do need, buy the right one, or shave the wrong one, but know what YOU need.
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