I will do my best to descibe the iisue I am having. What a PITA this simple project has been. I wanted to inspect the additional accessory wiring that was run through the edson pedestal. I removed the compass and the "4 DECK PLATE SCREWS" just under the compass plate and that exposed the steering chain or the top interior of the pedestal. All was well and I lightly oiled the chain. The problem is replacing and aligning the 4 screws and getting them to bite or tighten the compass plate. I spent three hours trying to align the last two of the four screws and finally gave up for the day. Anyone have experience with a simple way of aligning these 4 screws or is it just a PITA job? One more thing, the compass would seem to be off about 10 degrees. Any advice on adjusting the compass? Thanks, Jack
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I have removed
my compass and was told to put a peice of tape down the side, then slice it were the compass and the plastic base clamp meet. That way you can re-align the compass to its original setting by lining up the tape. I have been having a problem though getting the 4 screws out. Finally got three to move, however the 4th is giving me some trouble. I removed the plastic washers and keep putting penetrating oil down there. I think the trick to putting the screws back in is patience.
my compass and was told to put a peice of tape down the side, then slice it were the compass and the plastic base clamp meet. That way you can re-align the compass to its original setting by lining up the tape. I have been having a problem though getting the 4 screws out. Finally got three to move, however the 4th is giving me some trouble. I removed the plastic washers and keep putting penetrating oil down there. I think the trick to putting the screws back in is patience.
Be very careful..
Removing the screws into the pedestal base. Many times these bolts are frozen because when installed there was no never seize or Tef-Gel used and the early Edson bolts were stainless steel into aluminum which is a bad combination. Edson now sells a coated "black stainless" screw for the compass base instead of regular stainless. I've used an impact screw driver, about $40.00 at Sears but less than a new pedestal, with decent success to break them free and PB Blaster or Thrust penetration oil. Most likely with a standard screw driver you will strip the heads. Even if you do get them out without breaking them they may take so much corroded aluminum with them that you may need to re-tap and go one size bigger on your bolts. Use Tef-Gel for the re-assembly..
Removing the screws into the pedestal base. Many times these bolts are frozen because when installed there was no never seize or Tef-Gel used and the early Edson bolts were stainless steel into aluminum which is a bad combination. Edson now sells a coated "black stainless" screw for the compass base instead of regular stainless. I've used an impact screw driver, about $40.00 at Sears but less than a new pedestal, with decent success to break them free and PB Blaster or Thrust penetration oil. Most likely with a standard screw driver you will strip the heads. Even if you do get them out without breaking them they may take so much corroded aluminum with them that you may need to re-tap and go one size bigger on your bolts. Use Tef-Gel for the re-assembly..
Rad
The screws go in and tighten without the compass plate in place. Its only when I have the whole thing together and try to align the screws with the holes that is is difficult to do. I will never remove that piece again. What a bit^*. Thanks for the reply, Jack
The screws go in and tighten without the compass plate in place. Its only when I have the whole thing together and try to align the screws with the holes that is is difficult to do. I will never remove that piece again. What a bit^*. Thanks for the reply, Jack
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