Edson Steering Failure

[tgrass462]

Back from two weeks sailing in the North Channel - great sailing location!

In returning to Little Current, Ontario - I had my Edson steering system lock up just as we left the marina at Kagawong, Ontario on our way 15 miles down wind. We stopped the motor, anchored and started to diagnose the problem.

The starboard Pulley in the fuel locker had the cable come out of the track. I removed the pulley assembly and then the pin holding the pulley in and was able to re-seat the cable.

I then discovered that the port side pulley beneath the steering pedestal also had it's cable come out of its track. I attempted to push the cable back onto the track from the access port in the deck - between the seat and the pedestal - but could not make it go on. After a couple of minutes (while the wind was continuing to build) I elected to install the emergency tiller which allowed us to motor sail back to Little Current.:dance:

Question - how best to access the pulley's beneath the pedestal? Should I remove the pedestal at its base? Is there another way of getting the cable onto its track? Any advice would be appreciated.

I now know what caused this ... not keeping the steering cable sufficiently tight.

Thanks All.

Tom Grass

 

[Stu Jackson]

There should be idler pulleys underneath the binnacle, under your deck. These turn the wire from up & down to fore & aft around the quadrant. What access do you have down there?

www.edsonmarine.com has the installation manual online.

Good luck.

 

[twalker H260]

You might want to check out this owner modification - put in an access port to underside of helm from the aft berth.

http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...id=267&cat_id=20&aid=8216&page=article&mn=260

 

[MaxinCalgary]

I also installed a inspection port. The only problem I had was the port is hard too open and install if mounted on top off the hole.
I mounted it upside down . It's easier to install but pools water that leaked on the aft bunk into the bilge. I added an acrylic cover over the top to help with runoff. I was surprised how much water got down their.
I had a seized pulley from new because it was jammed agains the fibreglass. Also the Edson binnacle bolts can only be tightened from the bottom.
The inspection panel in the roof off the aft bunk makes you think the plan was always to have one but costs must have played a part.

 

[tgrass462]

Is the consensus that if you have a jammed pulley beneath the pedestal - the ONLY way to fix it is to have an access port beneath the pedestal? Has anyone had this issue and fixed it without cutting a new access port?

 

[woodster]

If you have proper tension on the cable and proper alignment on the cable to quadrant across the deflector shiv you should have no problem for a long time ther

 

[woodster]

If you have proper tension on the cable and proper alignment on the cable to quadrant across the deflector shiv you should have no problem for a long time

there instructions on the Edson site

 

[tgrass462]

I have learned my lesson - from now on - part of my annual checklist will be the adjustment of the cable tension.

Regarding the immediate problem however - has anyone accessed the pulleys beneath the pedestal by removing the pedestal from the deck?

 

[Regular Guy]

tgrass462,
Please look at this thread.
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=160142
It talks about the installation of an Edson Steering Wheel Brake but involved what you seem looking for. Hope it will help.
Hart

 

[Kermit]

I'm gonna forward this thread to Uncle Crazy Dave.

 

[twalker H260]

I haven't tried to do anything with the steering cable but did find running new wires up/down the pedestal was doable when on the trailer. A bit easier if the motor was removed as well. Much easier than trying to do it hanging upside down on the cockpit sole.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I have spoken with this fellow and he is going to send me a photo tomorrow. I suggested loosening the one side of the cable to start off with. Then insert a long stick with a small v or metal rod thru the engine side and slide forward and under the gas locker lid. I told him to remove the gas tank. Then push upward with the rod and try to dislodge by pushing forward and holding the cable to dislodge it. Did this a time or two. Otherwise I suggested taking the top deck plate off as there is no way to get the pedestal off without that plate coming off. I do not recommend cutting holes unless he wants to do this by cutting out a 4 inch hole and installing an inspection port. However, this does cause weakness in the deck plate allowing the possibility of it flexing.

the cockpit floor plate came in two styles one which was beefed up for wheel steering vs. the other for tiller. I have seen a hole cut into a wheel steering plate in the past and it did allow some flexing when using the wheel steering.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

will keep you all posted.

 

[njlarry]

If I understand your post, you had difficulty getting the cable on the idler wheels. Did you fully loosen the cable ends at the rudder radial? Afterwards they have to be retighened and check for alignment. We all should inspect our steering system more often.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Tgrass462 sent me a photo with the pedestal which showed an inspection port in front of the pedestal. Although clearance is not much, with the help of another person, he was able to free the cable by pulling up and down freeing the stuck cable. That is basically what I use to do when I lifted the deck plate to get at it with the help of an employee. I have advised at this point since the issue is fixed and now knows to inspect the steering cable in the back or transom for tightness on a regular basis, I would not go any further.

However, Regular Guy knows what he is doing and he went another route which I do not suggest for the squeamish.

My inspection port is 6” (not 5”). 6” is the clearance measure for the opening.


Inspection Port:
Original I bought the port at Duckworks.com but couldn’t find the one there anymore with a clear lid as I bought it.
But they are other stores to get the clear glass port (lid):


http://www.apsltd.com/6-quot-inspec...E8p0I7wg7YTln045X68ASukDkdbGgpyk2saAq2Y8P8HAQ


or


http://www.grabyourtackle.com.au/de...plates-inspection-ports/inspection-ports.html


Saw:
The cutter is a 6-3/8” saw for recessed light holes.


http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...ht-Hole-Saw-49-56-0305/202327775?N=5yc1vZc268


Tread:
We were talking about this thread (Edson Steering Failure): http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=173700
There is a older thread by me about pedestal guard installation which explains some of how to install the port.
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1095323&highlight=Inspection Port


Basically you have to cut the ceiling liner direct under the lid below the pedestal steering inside and then thru the deck pan which is thick being very careful. Food for thought.