ANODO LAPIZ CARTERPILLAR Ø12,5mm 38mm (Z

Function and technical context

Caterpillar engine pencil anodes work within the water cooling system, protecting it from galvanic corrosion that occurs when metals in the block, heat exchanger and cooling circuits come into contact with salt or brackish water. This zinc sacrificial anode, with a diameter of 12.5 mm and a length of 38 mm, acts as a preferential electrode: it corrodes itself before the metal parts of the engine do so, preserving the structural integrity of the internal cooling circuit. Without effective cathodic protection, electrolysis silently attacks the water passages, pump bodies and exchangers, generating internal leaks that can lead to severe overheating or water entry into the engine.

When to replace this pencil anode?

A pencil anode must be replaced when it has lost more than 50% of its mass or presents a completely oxidized and disintegrated surface, unmistakable signs that it no longer offers sufficient protection. For marinized Caterpillar engines, inspection of the pencil anodes should be carried out at least once per nautical season, although in areas with high conductivity water or vessels with electrical installations on board a semi-annual inspection may be necessary. Replacing this component preventively at each seasonal tune-up is the most economical measure to avoid irreversible damage to the cooling circuit.

Compatibility