Raymarine ST4000+ Issues

[Dana Point Steve]

Hi,
I have the ST4000+ unit on my boat and was out sailing a few weeks ago and was hit by a blast of wind which made the boat round up. The unit tried to correct and I heard it popping like skipping gears.

I went to Catalina this weekend and while under power it seemed fine but as soon as I started to sail it went to "standby". I turned the wheel and can hear and feel a grinding noise.

Anyone gone through this? Help!!!

 

[Calif. Ted]

The drive belt is usually most vulnerable, the metal gear on the motor takes a couple teeth off the belt or shreds it. Some units may have a plastic gear which is damaged instead. Is your autopilot black or gray ? Are you on J dock, coveside by any chance ?

 

[Dana Point Steve]

Hi Ted,

I pulled the steering unit off the boat and found it is all gears. I didn't see any broken gears and will call Raymarine Monday AM. The piece that goes on the wheel is sealed. It is an all black and I believe it is an older ST4000+ model. Yes, I am on J-cove. Have we met?

 

[gpd955]

Steve

The piece that goes on the wheel is very deceiving. The two halves of the wheel drive actually just snap together and all you have to do is separate them to get to the belt. Replacing the belt is easy, just make sure you have the right size. It takes longer to unscrew the drive from the wheel and the gear covers inside than it does to replace the belt.

Here is a source for replacement. I keep extras on board.

http://shop.polybelt.com/Belt-for-ST4000-Autohelm-Raymarine-Autopilot-BAT750AUTOST4000.htm

 

[Calif. Ted]

I believe we have, Steve, I have a 320 on I dock with a San Francisco hailing port.
I also have a spare AP with a new replacement belt from the link in Jack's post, you can swap the drives or belts quickly without even unclamping the front section from the wheel.
The head unit going to standby is usually a separate issue with the head, but even a power break will send it to standby. Once you get the wheel drive running you can figure out what the head unit is up to.
I expect to be at the boat tomorrow thru Wednesday AM, I'll bring the spares with me, if you are going to be around.

 

[Dana Point Steve]

Raymarine Autopilot

Hi Ted,

Was down at the boat today and called Raymarine. They explained they don't make components for the ST4000+ any more. They gave me the address of another company that sells the belts. I pulled the unit apart as you discribed and found that the belt was not to bad but a couple of the wheels on the inside had snapped off. That is why it sounded like grinding rocks. I think I will be able to super glue and through bolt it back together. Wish me luck!!!! Hope to see you down there soon.

 

[Calif. Ted]

We had a change of plans and will be down for the Santa Anas Friday, good luck with the super glue, if nothing else those drives are available on Amazon from several places for $575 to $650. Be nice to find one at Minney's for less. See you this weekend probably.