Frank Langer
1984 Ericson 30+, Nanaimo, BC
Hi,
We have the Raymarine Wheel Pilot Autohelm 4000+, the older model with the black wheel drive on the steering wheel (the newer ones are gray). It works fine when the autohelm is engaged (ie. push autohelm button and shift the lever down). But once it is disengaged, the plastic belt in the wheel drive continues to catch a bit when I turn the wheel, especially to port. It makes a chattering sound and makes turning the wheel less smooth. This can continue for several hours or for just a few minutes, and then suddenly stops and all is well again. It can also reoccur spontaneously and stop again.
I have taken the wheel drive apart and everything looks fine there--the 7 wheels inside turn freely with no sign of salt buildup or corrosion. The belt was replaced two years ago (and has had little use since) and still looks as new.
I spoke with Raymarine Technical Support and they no longer provide support as these are about ten years old and have been replaced by the newer model. He suggested adjusting the clutch, and when I told him the older ones don't have a clutch adjustment he insisted I was wrong and to check the manual. I am right and there is no clutch adjustment. I have seen what the clutch adjustment looks like on the newer model. He also said that I should buy the newer model and not waste time on the old one--fine for him to say, but they are not cheap, and installation is a pain!
I have taken it apart numerous times, even sprayed it with McLube dry spray (they say not to use petroleum lubricants), but that hasn't helped. It only goes together one way, so there isn't anything else to adjust. I am so frustrated with it that this afternoon I removed the plastic drive belt and put it in a drawer and reassembled the wheel drive--the steering wheel turns smoothly now with no problem, confirming my assessment that the belt was catching. But I would really like to be able to use my autohelm periodically.
Has anyone had a similar experience? Does anyone have any ideas on a possible solution?
Thanks for any ideas.
Frank
We have the Raymarine Wheel Pilot Autohelm 4000+, the older model with the black wheel drive on the steering wheel (the newer ones are gray). It works fine when the autohelm is engaged (ie. push autohelm button and shift the lever down). But once it is disengaged, the plastic belt in the wheel drive continues to catch a bit when I turn the wheel, especially to port. It makes a chattering sound and makes turning the wheel less smooth. This can continue for several hours or for just a few minutes, and then suddenly stops and all is well again. It can also reoccur spontaneously and stop again.
I have taken the wheel drive apart and everything looks fine there--the 7 wheels inside turn freely with no sign of salt buildup or corrosion. The belt was replaced two years ago (and has had little use since) and still looks as new.
I spoke with Raymarine Technical Support and they no longer provide support as these are about ten years old and have been replaced by the newer model. He suggested adjusting the clutch, and when I told him the older ones don't have a clutch adjustment he insisted I was wrong and to check the manual. I am right and there is no clutch adjustment. I have seen what the clutch adjustment looks like on the newer model. He also said that I should buy the newer model and not waste time on the old one--fine for him to say, but they are not cheap, and installation is a pain!
I have taken it apart numerous times, even sprayed it with McLube dry spray (they say not to use petroleum lubricants), but that hasn't helped. It only goes together one way, so there isn't anything else to adjust. I am so frustrated with it that this afternoon I removed the plastic drive belt and put it in a drawer and reassembled the wheel drive--the steering wheel turns smoothly now with no problem, confirming my assessment that the belt was catching. But I would really like to be able to use my autohelm periodically.
Has anyone had a similar experience? Does anyone have any ideas on a possible solution?
Thanks for any ideas.
Frank