Zamac and AC

[happy jose]

Engineers:I must be getting old because I cant think of the material used in Tyco / Varney loco boilers. anyway I have an item over 50 years old. I believe its made of Zamac. It crumbles if rough housed. It is cracking and I need a glue of some type to repair it. Anyone out there have an idea? Happy Jose

[jimrice4449]

This is a constant problem w/ zamac. I've heard of and experienced the problem w/ stuff from a number of manufacturers but I've never heard of a cure.

[Anonymous]

I've heard of the problem being referred to as "zamac rot", and doubt if there is anything you can do about it.

Bob Boudreau

[CNJ831]

Zamac "rot" or "pest" is indeed a progressive condition that can not be arrested. Gluing or filling any of the cracked surface with CA will only form a temporary bond at the given location. The bonded portions will continue to degrade and nothing can cure the problem. Zamac rot or pest results from impurities in the zamac's original composition and continues until the model eventually just falls appart.

CNJ831

[Anonymous]

More consumable goods should be made of Zamac. That might help solve our land fill problems.

[nfmisso]

Using CA will accelerate the deteriation. CA gives off chlorine as it cures, which is highly corrosive.

About the only thing to do is make a copy using plaster or latex for a mold, then pouring a low temp alloy in the mold such as Bear Metal.