Zinc anode bolt help!

[kaliona]

I've finally gotten around to starting my outdrive repaint job. While going through the prep work of cleaning and sanding I see the zinc anode at the bottom of the gimbal housing and decide to remove it so I can really get in there and clean the metal. It came off pretty easy with a pair of channel locks. Then I thought, well how am I supposed to put this back on? If I use channel locks, will I crush the zinc when I try to torque it down? Was the bolt supposed to stay on? And the anode was just supposed to pop off? Also, there was a bead of Lifecaulk sealant around the washer when I took it off. When I reinstall it, do I need to use some kind of sealant? And when I reinstall it, how much do I need to torque it down?
It's a 1978 165HP Mercruiser. I've included a pic in case I'm using the wrong terminology.
I'd appreciate some guidance.
Thanks.

 

[TowRoper]

Re: Zinc anode bolt help!

hiya, you can put it on just as you took it off. tighten it up as snug as you can with out squishing it as far as the sealant Ive never seen anyone do that and i haven't my self either so i hope there isn't something I'm missing too lol

 

[Bondo]

Re: Zinc anode bolt help!

Ayuh,.... Those are Aluminum Bolts/studs,...
Not to much Torque needed when screwin' them back on.... They're only holding their own weight...

It's all part of the boats Bonding System,....
Don't put any sealants on it, it'll interfere with the continuity,...

It wouldn't hurt a thing to Polish those anodes slightly to renew the working surface....
Just hit 'em with a wirebrush,....