ST4000 autohelm belt

[jlp]

If you own a Raymarine ST4000+ autohelm you are likely aware they no longer provide replacement drive belts. While my original belt was still functioning I thought I'd see if I can locate a suitable replacement before it failed. The results of my search might be useful to others.Here is what I learned about synchronous (toothed, timing belts).The original belt was labeled “Synchroflex AT 5/750”. Some time on the web and discussions with local suppliers decoded it as a 750mm long (circumference), 5mm pitch synchronous timing belt. The “AT” apparently means “American Trapezoid” which describes the tooth shape. The only thing missing is the width which doesn't appear in the label but was measured at 9mm.A search of major belt suppliers was close but no exact match was found. Gates has belts identified as T5-750-10 which describes a trapezoid toothed (not “American Trapezoid”) belt of the correct pitch and circumference but 10mm width. They also have a 8mm belt. Note: some manufactures specify number of teeth instead of circumference/length. 750mm/5mm=150 teeth.A local supplier was able to locate a 5/750/9mm belt from Ametric. There was no reference to tooth profile. The Ametric part number is 5.750.9. I ordered ($31 + shipping) one and installed it today. The pitch/width/circumference is correct however the tooth profile is slightly different. I didn't have time to take the boat out for a test spin but tests at dock were positive.Taking the boat out for a week downriver in a few days so will find out if it is a suitable replacement.Hopefully useful information to ST4000+ owners. If anybody has found an exact replacement please let us know.Regards,JeffC30 MkIII,TRBS, 6431

 

[Tsehum Pete]

Well Done Jeff!!

My boat too has a cranky ST4000+. I was getting to throw it out when I read your post. You have given me hope that there is life still in this unit. I have owned this boat for 4 years and the Autohelm has worked flawlessly over that time. Lately, it has become a little noisier but still works OK. Maybe it is time for a new belt. I have encountered the dreaded Raymarine pricelist before when the tiny pin which holds the black plastic lever to the unit broke and cost as much as an AC boat to replace. Their mission in life is to sell as much new gear as possible while abandoning previously loyal users. Thanks for doing your research on behalf of myself and other users,Pete

 

[Napa Ed]

Stock Drive Products

try https://sdp-si.com/eStore/ look up timing belts (set the units to metric first)Prices are better, CAD and/or PDF files on all the products to check dimensions. Very fast service. I've bought drive components from them in the past and always correct service and product.

 

[Jayhawk]

Ed is right

SDP is definitely the place to get your belt. But first I would try a hobby shop you might be surprised. Many of these belts are interchangable with R/C products. If they don't I'm sure they will know about SDP and help you measure your replacement, that's how I found them.

 

[Steve Dion]

Motion Industries

Check Motion Industries. If you have a belt, they probably can cross reference it.

 

[AXEL]

The belt is still available

I just bought a new drive belt for my ST4000+ from Raymarine. I don't have the manual handy right now but the replacement part number is right there in the manual. I went to the Raymarine website and looked up a local distributor I live on Long Island). I gave him the part number from the manual an about 3 weeks later the belt arrived. It's the same part number that is mentioned in the manual so I don't know what the original post means when he says Raymarine doesn't provide this part anymore. The cost was $45 and it was very easy to remove and replace the old belt.

 

[jlp]

Now I'm confused.

When I checked the Raymarine site I am able to find reference to the belt (Part No. A18083) but for at least for the last year or so there has been no stock. I visited the local Raymarine repair center hoping they might have one in their stock. Not finding any, the service technician called his sources at Raymarine and was told it hasn't been available for quite some time.Over the last year there has been others in this forum looking for this belt after failing in attempts to get them from Raymarine.??????????Regards, JeffC30 MkIII, TRBS, 6431

 

[AXEL]

That's the number

Yep, Part No. A18083, that is the part number. The only reason it took 3 weeks for my local guy to get it is because he wanted to save me shipping. Apparently Raymarine charges him a flat rate of about $40. So he will wait until he has a bunch of orders and then he'll place them all at once. But he replied back right away when I asked that the part was avaiable. He also told me I could have gotten it through West Marine who are also autherized Raymarine suppliers.So in short, the part is still avaiable. It is the exact replacement, Part No. A18083, cost $45. Was a piece of cake to remove & replace.

 

[jlp]

will try and order one.

AXEL...thanks for info. I did try my local West Marine store last week and they didn't know anything about it. A search of the database was no help. Did have a reference to some other (older) Autohem products that they don't stock any longer.Am going to visit my local Raymarine service center this afternoon. Will see if I can have them order one even if their system says it isn't available.Jeff

 

[AXEL]

Contact info

Jeff, if your local guy is having problems locating the belt send an email to the guy I got mine from and ask him how he was able to so easily get a hold of one. Or you can call him. Here's his contact info;CMIRIGGED@AOL.COM(631)-225-3672Remember this is on the east coast. His name is Roger.He should remember me, I was just there last week.Gaspare

 

[Levin]

Black Mark I ring vs Grey Mark II ring

Hello all... I think I can help you all sort this out as I have been through this ST4000+ belt thing many times over the course of the last couple of months. The ST4000+ has come with two different types of drive mechanisms in the time that it was produced. Early on it came with the older (MKI) black wheel drive system which took a different replacement belt than the newer (MKII) grey wheel drive which it came with in the later years of its production. The older MKI wheel drive system requires a different belt part#: D169 which is no longer available through Raymarine, but the newer MKII wheel drive (which is still in production and which will be used with their new X-5 Wheel pilot system coming out in June) requires the A18083 belt. The older D169 belt for the MKI is still available overseas. I bought one from "Yachtbits.com" and it cost me about $50. Although I haven't looked into the newer belt I imagine it is easily available through any West Marine or Raymarine itself as the drive motor is still in production.Hope this helps.-Levin

 

[jlp]

That explains a lot.

Levin....thanks for the info. I'll be ordering one from yachtbits.I did get some time on the water yesterday to see if the belt I got from Ametric worked. After a few solid hours under autohelm everything was working well. The big question is if the slight difference in tooth shape will result in early failure. Will be heading out Sunday for 5 - 7 days on the boat, hope it last that long.Jeffhttp://home.teleport.com/~salmo/DejaVu/