Raytheon Autopilot lever won't stay put.....

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S

smallsloop

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May 1, 2009
15
2 309 Key West
I have a Catalina 309 with a factory installed autopilot.

My problem is that the lever that engages my Raytheon autopilot with the steering wheel won't stay in place.

It doesn't help to adjust the autopilot belt tension by loosening the allen head screw and clicking the square adjuster knob one click at a time either tighter or looser).

When I turn the adjuster knob tighter, so the lever engages the belt onto the wheel well, and the lever stays in place, but the autopilot motor drags (it remains still slightly engaged) even when the lever is disengaged. This is no good

When I turn the adjuster knob looser, so that the lever engages the belt onto the wheel well and the steering wheel turns freely when the autopilot lever is disengaged. Then the lever pops loose in the first minute that the autopilot steering. This is also no good

A bit of background: I had this problem ever since I purchased the vessel in 2009. A year ago replaced the belt with a genuine Raytheon spare part (the old belt had frayed cords coming off one edge that had tangled in the mechanism). Every thing behind the belt cover looks in good order.

I work around the problem now by slipping a loop of twine over the lever to hold it in the up position.

Any ideas? Anybody have a similar problem with the autopilot lever popping out ?
 
M

mortyd

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Dec 11, 2004
952
Catalina 30 easy living
this problem and others. my raymarine autopilot is the only thing on my well equipped i would not buy again. somewhere buried in the unreadable owner manual is the statement not to use the autopilot except in calm water!!! among other things, rayarine's solution to most customer problems seems to be not to answer the telephone. i like to remember that when raytheon owned beechcraft airplanes came factory delivere with garmin avionics.
 
Anonymous 121765

Anonymous 121765

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Jan 6, 2010
1,520
Small,

I too had similar problems with my Autohelm st4000 a few years back.
Same problems with the lever, and belt drag when not engaged.

There was a kit I believe I got with parts for the cam lever and pulleys. I've noticed recently that my belt is beginning to drag. I flip the lever a few times and it stops, but I will need to pop the cover off and look at it.

When I got the kit, I also picked up two spare belts. Some of these internals are a (dreaded) plastic type material. Plastic wears, weakens and deforms over time from use and UV damage.

I would inspect the cam lever assembly closely and look for wear. Friends of mine recently replaced theirs with a Simrad system. He did say it was quieter and the price better. Garmin makes a system, but I can't tell you if it is dependable. My pilot has lasted for years because I keep it covered when not in use to protect it.
Good luck,

CR
 
B

Brad on Vashon

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Jan 27, 2012
65
Catalina 30 Vashon
I just purchased a1990 Mk II and during the seatrial this same problem occurred. The surveyor saw it, did not note it in the report, but did say that you can send it in to Raymarine for service.

We looped cord over it, but I wondered if this was something I could adjust. Sounds like no. There must be some kind of cam, or tensioner or something that holds the lever in the engaged position-- Ron your advice to look for wear is good, but where?
 
Anonymous 121765

Anonymous 121765

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Jan 6, 2010
1,520
Brad,

I have the Autohelm 4000 on my boat.
The problem is probably the belt and/or clutch lever mechanism.

Over time, the belt is attacked by weather & UV. This will eventually cause hardening & shrinking of the belt. This in-turn is what is probally causing your clutch to pop out.

It's not difficult changing out. Check your manual, pop the cover off and you will see what's happening. Order the parts you need and replace them. The problem should be fixed then.

On my unit, I also purchased a clutch replacement but you will need to check it out.
I also ordered a spare belt, but I keep it at home so the UV will not get to it while it sits.

Hope this helps pal...

CR
 
B

Brad on Vashon

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Jan 27, 2012
65
Catalina 30 Vashon
captnron said:
Brad,

I have the Autohelm 4000 on my boat.
The problem is probably the belt and/or clutch lever mechanism.

Over time, the belt is attacked by weather & UV. This will eventually cause hardening & shrinking of the belt. This in-turn is what is probally causing your clutch to pop out.

It's not difficult changing out. Check your manual, pop the cover off and you will see what's happening. Order the parts you need and replace them. The problem should be fixed then.

On my unit, I also purchased a clutch replacement but you will need to check it out.
I also ordered a spare belt, but I keep it at home so the UV will not get to it while it sits.

Hope this helps pal...

CR
Click to expand
Hey Captnron-

Hope this finds you well. Do you have a source for parts for the 4000? Raymarine isn't servicing anymore.
 
Anonymous 121765

Anonymous 121765

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Jan 6, 2010
1,520
Brad,

If you look in the manual, and/or some belt manufacturers show a plastic pry-open tool. I didn't have one but used a large flathead screwdriver and a putty knife together. The cover popped off pretty easy.

I did recall that a gear came off when unbolting the bottom plate to free the belt, but the plate is what encapsulates it.

CR
 
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