How to loosen/lube a roller furling?

[cristberry]

I have a 1985 Hunter 31 with a CDI roller furling unit. It is VERY stiff--have to crank it out/in.
The boat sat for at least 2 years before I bought it.
Does anyone know how to "loosen" it up--or lube it. I would rather fix than replace if possible

 

[Seattle Scott]

i have one of those same vintage. The plastic drum comes apart ( splits vervically) and you can grease the "seat" perhaps with a silicone based lube.

 

[Nelsonhow]

I bet you have salt and crud in the derilan bearing. If you know the model you can go on line to CDI and download the diagrams. They help in showing you where everthing fits but are noot essential. Take the unit apart ang clean it with dawn dish detergent ang a scrubie bad. Reassemble it with a little silicone lubricant on th bearings. If it's still tight you might take it apaet again polish the bearings with 200 grit emery cloth or sand paper. Wash the bearings after sandpaper to make sure you've removed the grit.

If you don't know the model take a pic and email/call CDI. They are very helpful.

 

[Zman18]

I had a similar problem with a used 27' I just purchased. Found out the main problem was that they had the jib halyard was too tight. Took off some tension and it works great.

 

[jtm]

Yo ! Zeman18 I've got a question- On my H28.5 I have a FF7 drum with a FF6 foil. And since it was installed last Spring, I've noticed that my rigging is somewhat looser (probably they didn't tension the forstay as much) as I can see some slack in the lee shroud in a good wind.

So did you mean his "forestay" needed to be backed off - as my jib/headsail "halyard" was orphaned (not needed anymore) when they installed the CDI.
I have been considering giving the forestay another turn or two to tighen the shrouds.

But my CDI rolls out and pulls in very easy.