Furlex 100S lost its bearings

[Ken13559]

I've a Selden Furlex 100S that losses all its lower ball bearings when I raise the headsail. Apparently, the whole drum unit gets lifted off the Ball Bearing Sockets as the sail goes up. The Ball Bearing Tube is still secured to the bearing socket, hence this suggest the upper part of the bearing tube is NOT secured to the drum assembly. Tried as I might, I could not figure out how the drum could be open so that I could tighten the drum to the bearing tube. I wrote to Selden but as I await their reply, I wonder if forumers here have done this before and could offer some help or advise. Appreciated.

 

[Warren Milberg]

On my Furlex, there is a black cone shaped fitting that sits atop the drum and connects to the extrusion/foil. The trick to properly securing this fitting is to gently lift the extrusion while sliding a thin rod (I use a piece of wire coat hanger) into one of the two holes on either side of cone) in order to line up the cone holes with the screw holes in the extrusion. When aligned, I put in and secure a screw on the other side, slide out the wire from the other side and then put a screw in that hole. Some owners don't realize there are tapped holes in the extrusion and so they screws are only pressed against it rather into precisely tapped holes. This may result in the drum rising. Hope this helps.

 

[Ken13559]

Warren, so if I could get the screws in at upper portion/cone, it'll will bite the forestay wire preventing the drum from riding? Hmmm, worth a try. First got to look for the two screw holes. Let me know if I misunderstood your reply. Thanks.

 

[Warren Milberg]

Ken: Yes I think you got it right. Give it a try and see if that works. Good luck.

 

[Ken13559]

Ken: Yes I think you got it right. Give it a try and see if that works. Good luck.

Yet to get to boat to try. Will do.

 

[alexco38]

Yes the drum rise because of the 2 set screws not inside the tap holes. I found out the hard way when replacing a bent foil section.

Use red Locktite on the two set screws. It's documented in the manual.

It's a bear to put the bearings back on. They are expensive. One trick is to use lots of grease to stick the balls. For a 100 unit, there are 10 balls on the top and 10 balls on the bottom.

The local Seldon dealer has a service to repair them. As I recall, it was pretty expensive. Seldon owns Furlex.

 

[Ken13559]

I noted the bottom set screws. Had this problem before. Didn't realise there are 2 more at top part. Now, thinking back, notice the top screw was flushed with cone body. That is to say, its probably not gripping the forestay to hold down the furler. What a pain to fit the bearings. Will be using grease. Thanks.