My AP came with my 1983 H34 when I bought her in 2001. I have no idea how old it is and I've not been able to find anyone to service it. It's a belt driven model with the motor attached to the cockpit sole and the compass located next to the companionway. It worked fine until last year. The problem is that when I set the course it will hold for a few seconds then either go to standby mode or start turning to starboard and put me in circles. The only changes I made last year to the cockpit were adding a remote VHF mic several feet away and adding a adapter to the sole so that I could run my GPS off the battery bank rather than the AA battteries. Both these additions are within two feet of the motor but several feet from the AP compass. Before I go and spend another bunch of cash for a new AP can anyone give me any idea's on what the problem might be? Thanks, Joe Mullee
Need Help With Auto Pilot - Navico WP 4000
- Thread starter Joe Mullee
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Could be voltage problems.
APs will act like that when there is a voltage problem. Do you have access to a terminal that you could meter? Did any of the new wiring connect where the AP wiring was connected? A loose connection or a bad ground would give you the same symptoms.
APs will act like that when there is a voltage problem. Do you have access to a terminal that you could meter? Did any of the new wiring connect where the AP wiring was connected? A loose connection or a bad ground would give you the same symptoms.
I have 2 Navico WP5000 and can make a guess
I would guess that the little O ring that is mounted around the compass base to stop it from tumbling, broke, and is jamming your compass. You can easily take the unit apart to check. It is sealed with Silicon so after you remove the screws you have to pry it apart slowly, and reseal it when you are done. I had an O ring break on my 5000 and the compass tumbled, and it started turning every which way. The compass will work without the O ring but you can pick one up at any auto parts store for cheap and fix it right (of course if that is the problem). Navico was bought out by Simron and Rob Bright in their customer service used to crew for me. He's a great guy. Simron no longer makes either of the wheel pilots but they may service them, but thats something I don't know. Anyway take a look, it won't cost you anything but a little silicon caulk. BTW these units are generally very reliable. The only other problem I have ever had was a broken wire in my remote when it was stepped on and pulled by a crew member. Good luck Joe S
I would guess that the little O ring that is mounted around the compass base to stop it from tumbling, broke, and is jamming your compass. You can easily take the unit apart to check. It is sealed with Silicon so after you remove the screws you have to pry it apart slowly, and reseal it when you are done. I had an O ring break on my 5000 and the compass tumbled, and it started turning every which way. The compass will work without the O ring but you can pick one up at any auto parts store for cheap and fix it right (of course if that is the problem). Navico was bought out by Simron and Rob Bright in their customer service used to crew for me. He's a great guy. Simron no longer makes either of the wheel pilots but they may service them, but thats something I don't know. Anyway take a look, it won't cost you anything but a little silicon caulk. BTW these units are generally very reliable. The only other problem I have ever had was a broken wire in my remote when it was stepped on and pulled by a crew member. Good luck Joe S
Thanks For The Help
Ed & Joe, I will check out your idea's next time down to the boat. Any other thoughts are appreciated too. Joe Mullee
Ed & Joe, I will check out your idea's next time down to the boat. Any other thoughts are appreciated too. Joe Mullee
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