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Old 01-09-2013, 06:04   #1
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Autohelm 4000

My Autohelm 4000 has gone from working very well to hardly at all. It can no longer keep a course. The most tell tale symptom is that in the past motor used to make a gear sound when adjusting course but now it just squeaks. I checked to see if the house battery had gone low but that doesn't seem to be the case. Any help is appreciated.
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Old 01-09-2013, 06:22   #2
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Re: Autohelm 4000

Have you checked the belt? The gear can wear out the belt so I carry a spare.
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Old 01-09-2013, 18:14   #3
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Re: Autohelm 4000

I haven't as yet but that would be a good place to start. Thanks, MB
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Old 06-03-2014, 06:22   #4
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Re: Autohelm 4000

Hi… I have this same unit and have a help question for anyone who may know.., I'm in the Bahamas now and this thing has broken down on me. The problem appears to be with the small pinion gear that guides the belt. Evidently, something broke off that holds the pinion gear tightly to the stem, or post, that is inserted into it. The parts schematic does not show any parts that attached it to the stem… and I wonder why the hole in the pinion gear has "ears" on each side of the hole… all mechanics work, except you can hear it trying to grab,, but it can't because it is slipping on the pinion gear… something has go to be there that holds that gear snug to the post… but I can't find it on the schematic for the life of me… any suggestions anybody?? I can send photos if needed. thanks,

Joe S/V Glory Days
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Old 06-03-2014, 08:14   #5
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Re: Autohelm 4000

If I remember correctly, there's a stainless pin through the shaft which is held in place by the pinion.
I haven't had mine apart for a few years so I might be wrong.
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Old 06-03-2014, 08:24   #6
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Re: Autohelm 4000

Had the same trouble had to have it drilled and used a roll pin to re pin it. Another problem was the connector and pins were corroded some wd and a tooth brush fixed that.
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Old 06-03-2014, 16:03   #7
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Re: Autohelm 4000

you are so right… thank you for your help… it was right under my nose… I was able to jury rig a new pin by cutting off a drill bit of similar diameter…. back in business! thanks so much. joe
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Old 06-03-2014, 16:04   #8
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Re: Autohelm 4000

you are so right… thanks for your reply… I was able to jury rig a new pin by cutting off the end of a drill bit of similar size… back in business! thanks!
joe
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