Wheel doesn't turn upon start-up

[Roc]

Bill,I have an ST4000 plus. It is 2 years old. A friend was at the helm and flipped the lever, disengaging the drive, without putting it on standby. He did this several times until I noticed how he was doing it. Now when I power up the autopilot, the wheel doesn't do its usual turn to port. I hear the usual noise, but the wheel does not turn like it's suppose to. Under use, it still seems to work ok. Can you tell me if this is an easy fix??Thanks,Roc-

 

[Bill Boudreau]

What's Wrong?

I am not sure there is something wrong. The motor will run initially, but if the clutch is not engaged then the wheel might not spin. You said the pilot is working underway?

 

[Roc]

Some clarification, Bill

Bill,Thanks for the reply. When the autopilot is powered up, as you know, the wheel will do about a quarter turn to starboard (I mistakenly said port) to change the orientation of the belt for even wear. The manual explains this procedure. The clutch is not engaged during this(I never keep it engaged when the boat is put away). Now, after my friend messed around with it, the wheel doesn't do it's traditional quarter turn upon start up. Yes, in all other respects, the autopilot works. Can you tell me why the wheel isn't doing the required turn upon start-up?? I hope this clarifies my question, if not is there a number where I can call you.Thanks,Roc-

 

[Michael McCann]

ST4000 startup

Roc;The wheel may not turn, but is the motor moving the belt inside the unit? With the unit disengaged the wheel may , or may not turn. Mine does not, though it looks like it is trying. It has always acted this way (since new in 93). If it is moving the belt then it is doing what it is supposed to do.Mike

 

[Roc]

It used to turn, now it doesn't

Michael,You say that yours never did turn. That's interesting because I seem to remember in the manual, it says that it will turn upon start-up. The reason I am asking this question is that my wheel used to turn when the autopilot powers up, now it doesn't after my friend kept flipping the clutch in and out while the unit was in auto mode (not standby). Actually, he didn't just flip the lever quickly, he held it in his hand and kept it inbetween engaged and disengaged. I suspect something could have worn. I really don't know if the motor is moving the belt when the unit powers up. When the wheel used to turn, I figured it did. Now I don't know.Roc-

 

[Michael McCann]

Roc Wheel doesn't turn

Roc;The manual says that the pilot rotates the belt on startup, if the pilot is not engaged the steering wheel shouldn't turn. Mine rotates the belt everytime I turn it on, but the wheel does not move. Quite possibly yours was tight enough to actually move the wheel, but it should not. The only time it should move the wheel is when it is engaged. If it is moving the belt, then it is functioning properly.Mike

 

[Alex]

The wheel shouldn't turn on startup..

..only the belt. I was told it was designed that way so friction on belt and moving parts will not be in one spot all the time.