Autohelm 4000 sticking

[Eric M]

I had to replace the belt on our autohelm 4000 as the old one was down to the wire core in places. Now the new belt worked fine for about a half a day of intermitent use and then started to stick even when the lever was disengaged and the unit was in standby. Upon closer inspection you could see the belt jumping over the teeth on the drive gear when you turned the wheel (in standby mode) I even completely removed power to the autopilot and still had the same issue. I thought I remember that turning the wheel turned the gears in the drive train in standby, but can't remember. So, when in standby and you turn the wheel, does the belt slip on the ring attached to the wheel and not move over the drive gear, or does the drive gear turn as you turn the wheel?

 

[alexco38]

Autohelm 4000 uses the same drive as the 3000 which I had. When you turn the belt tension off, the belt just slip over the drive shaft with just a little drag. May be your new belt is a little too tight. You should be able to adjust.

 

[kloudie1]

In "standby", as noted on the screen, my motor turns when I turn the wheel with the pilot engaged.. but ya shouldn't do that.. disengage by throwing the engagement lever to release the belt to slip easily. If the belt is jumping teeth when you turn the wheel in "standby" with the lever engaged, then the belt is too loose and the little eccentric needs to be adjusted.

 

[Eric M]

Thanks for the feedback, I guess I was not clear, with both the lever off and the unit in standby, I am getting the belt jumping teeth on the motor gear. What does your unit do in this config? I am trying to figure out if I just need to get the belt looser or if I have another issue.
Thanks