Zink anodes in Seawater coolers: Will PTFE tape ruin the job?
Zink anodes in Seawater coolers: Will PTFE tape ruin the job?
(OP)
The old boys always say "Don't ever use PTFE tape (Teflon thread tape) on the threads of the bronze plug that holds the Zink anode pencil. It will isolate the contact between the Zink via the bronze holder to the casing of the cooler.
But surely the Seawater is sufficiently conductive to do the job and hence corrode the Zink rather than the cast iron cooler body with PTFE on the thread or without it?
Thanks
But surely the Seawater is sufficiently conductive to do the job and hence corrode the Zink rather than the cast iron cooler body with PTFE on the thread or without it?
Thanks





RE: Zink anodes in Seawater coolers: Will PTFE tape ruin the job?
RE: Zink anodes in Seawater coolers: Will PTFE tape ruin the job?
On the other hand it is quite possible to have electrical conductivity across a thread with PTFE tape. It is also possible that it will insulate. Why would you want to use tape in such a joint?
RE: Zink anodes in Seawater coolers: Will PTFE tape ruin the job?
RE: Zink anodes in Seawater coolers: Will PTFE tape ruin the job?
RE: Zink anodes in Seawater coolers: Will PTFE tape ruin the job?
RE: Zink anodes in Seawater coolers: Will PTFE tape ruin the job?
The outside of the plug that holds the anode, also seals the Sea Water from leaking out and flooding my engine room and sinking my ship, that is why somepeople uses teflon tape.
Usually the pressure is very low so it will seal on the threads alone.
RE: Zink anodes in Seawater coolers: Will PTFE tape ruin the job?
RE: Zink anodes in Seawater coolers: Will PTFE tape ruin the job?
So finally, yes, (too much) teflon tape does interfere with the cathodic protection.
Gracias.
RE: Zink anodes in Seawater coolers: Will PTFE tape ruin the job?
RE: Zink anodes in Seawater coolers: Will PTFE tape ruin the job?
Even at low pressure, I would not skip the thread sealant. Tiny leaks have a way of getting worse.
RE: Zink anodes in Seawater coolers: Will PTFE tape ruin the job?
Wrapping only part of the thread with teflon tape is the best option I can think of. Checking the resistance of the finished assembly would be a good idea.