I recently purchased anodes and oil filters for a routine refit. Some of the prices were " like Gold '.
Anodes for a Mase genset aro' $30. Found a very similar anode in the BLA catalogue , actually for a Merc o/b. Just needed to cut it shorter, $2.50. Lesson , Zn is Zn and there are numerous sizes in the o/b catalogue.
Oil filter for ZF gearbox $80 ( has 'Volvo ' printed on it ?) Havn't found an alternative.
Oil filter for a Yamaha jetski - Genuine $70 , From an alternative jetski parts company $20. These are not ex China , at least the buying isn't.
Recently read a statement on the internet saying words to the effect " all filters are not filters "
Anyone have an opinion?
I used to buy engine anode rod, came in about 2' lengths. Use to cut off the required length and cut a thread.
My Volvo Md7a uses a Baldwin filter No B7165. Made in USA. These are high quality filters used for industrial use but are very reasonably priced.
Where do you get the rod from Ramona?
Also, can zinc be melted down and moulded as easily as lead?
Depends on what diameter zinc rod your engine can accept.
Many engines have a steel plug with a bolt tapped into it that takes a zinc collar.
The price of anodes supplied by engine manufacturers is outrageous.
You can buy from your local plumbing shop a zinc anode about 1.5 m long for fitting to your electric hot water system for about $60. However it does have a steel rod up the guts of it about 3/16" dia but it does illustrate the price of popular zinc.
Visit your local metal dealer and inquire about diameter sizes available and cost. A metre of rod cut into appropriate lengths could give you enough anodes to last you for the next 20 years.
Zinc is very easy to drill/work. Forget about trying to cast it. Not worth the trouble.
Select to expand quoteToph said..
Where do you get the rod from Ramona?
Also, can zinc be melted down and moulded as easily as lead?
Used to buy from commercial fishing supply businesses.
Now I pick up old anodes and ones laying around the workshop and melt them down and mix with lead for sinkers. I also used zinc melted down into the weighted point of the SS anchor I built.
Not sure how much zinc costs to buy these days, think its similar to lead price wise. Mate had a piece he picked up of the side of the road years ago. It was about 30 kilos. Used it for years making anodes for fish and lobster traps. Never made anodes for our fishing boats though because the ones bought from our suppliers were so cheap.
Select to expand quoteToph said..
Also, can zinc be melted down and moulded as easily as lead?
Melting point for lead 327.5 C
Melting point for zinc 419.5 C
