Operation and Maintenance Manual
C18 Marine Generator Set
Media Number -SEBU8118-06 Publication Date -01/03/2015 Date Updated -12/09/2018
i03996033
Zinc Rods - Inspect/Replace
SMCS - 1388-040; 1388-510
Caterpillar requires the inspection of the zinc rods every 50 service hours until a wear rate is established.
Corrosion in sea water circuits can result in premature deterioration of system components, leaks, and
possible cooling system contamination.
Zinc rods are inserted in the sea water cooling system of the engine in order to help prevent the corrosive
action of salt water. The reaction of the zinc to the sea water causes the zinc rods to deteriorate. The zinc rods
deteriorate instead of engine parts for the cooling system that are more critical. Rapid deterioration of zinc
rods may indicate the presence of uncontrolled electrical currents from improperly installed electrical
attachments or improperly grounded electrical attachments.
The zinc rods must be inspected at the proper intervals. The zinc rods must be replaced when deterioration
occurs.
Inspect the zinc rods within 24 hours of initially filling the plumbing with sea water. If no significant
corrosion is noted, inspect the zinc rods weekly or inspect the zinc rods after each 50 hours of engine
operation. If no significant deterioration is noted, inspect the zinc rods weekly or inspect the zinc rods after
each 50 hours of engine operation.
Locations of the Zinc Rods
The number and the location of the zinc rods may vary between engines.
Illustration 1 g01937139
One or two zinc rods may be located in the transmission oil cooler.
Illustration 2 g02182894
One zinc rods may be located in the fuel cooler.
Illustration 3 g01937142
One zinc rod may be located on top of the auxiliary water pump.
Illustration 4 g01937141
One zinc rod may be located in the intake for the heat exchanger. One zinc rod may be located in the outlet for the heat exchanger.
Illustration 5 g01958134
View of the top of the engine
One zinc rod may be located in the lines group.
Inspect the Zinc Rods
1. Remove the zinc rod.
Illustration 6 g00104048
2. Tap the zinc rod lightly with a hammer. If the zinc rod has deteriorated, or if the zinc rod flakes, install
a new zinc rod.
Replace the Zinc Rods
Illustration 7 g00104049
1. Unscrew the old zinc rod or drill the old zinc rod from the plug. Clean the plug.
2. Apply 9S-3263 Compound to the shoulder of a new zinc rod. Apply the compound only to the
shoulder of the zinc rod. Install the zinc rod into the plug.
3. Coat the external threads of the plug with 5P-3413 Pipe Sealant. Install the zinc rod. Refer to the
Specifications Manual for more information on torque specifications.