Autohelm 4000

[Carpe Diem12966]

I own a 30' Hunter mfg. in 1990. I am the third owner and have a problem
with the Autohelm 4000. The locking lever on the helm wheel will not engege the unit because it has a small crack in it. I called Raymarine (who purchased Autohelm) and
they have no parts and do not service Autohelm products. Does anyone have a solution.

Bruce Jones
Carpe Diem
Whidbey Island, Wa.

 

[Rick D]

Is It The Locking Lever Itself?

If so, take it off and get some epoxy, the kind you cut off with a knife and kneed with your fingers to mix. Put it all around the lever, taking care to not make the lever thicker in width. I did it with my old Autohelm while waiting for a new lever, only to find it lasted for seven years and was still going strong when I finally did replace it. Rick D

 

[Gary]

Me too.....question?

My lever broke off last weekend. I was thinking that the shaft froze up, so I tried using pliers to turn and it really didn't want to turn. I quit in fear of ruining it. Apparently this is characteristic of these units, but sure would like to get it going again, as all else works well with the unit. Anyone had this happen? Sorry for hijacking this post, but any assistance appreciated.

 

[Gary]

Roll Pin Broke

For the archives.....there is a very, very small roll pin which goes thru the lever and shaft for strenght. It broke into thereby placing way too much pressure on the plastic lever and it split. Hopefully I can find a replacement roll pin and epoxy the plastic lever.

 

[Rubicon 1983-31']

Take care of the belt - not available any longer

Be prepared for a major difficulties when trying to get a replacement belt.

They wear in one spot repeatedly and tend to break. No company is making replacements any longer. The best bet might be finding one in Great Briton.

 

[Rick D]

Belt Repacement

Check the archives. A replacement was found, and it may have been through McMaster=Carr, but I'm not sure. It had the part number. Rick D.

 

[Carpe Diem]

Autohelm locking pin

Gary-Any lick in finding a replacement?

 

[Carpe Diem]

Epoxy fix Autohelm 4000 lever

Rick-I have not tried the epoxy solution yet. I did apply pressure on the locking lever by closing up the crack with small vise grips but found that with this pressure although the lever would turn the holding pin that goes through the locking lever it would not engage the autopolit wheel. Something else must be wrong. Any ideas?

 

[Del]

autohelm belt

I found the source for belts in Australia. Just bought some for my 4000. Can provide web site and part number if someone needs it.