Harken Cars Stick on Mast Track

[svrevelations]

Just about every time we go sailing, when dropping the main sail, the Harken cars stick on the mast mainsail track. When we want to drop the main sail, the sail drops by a couple of meters and then get stuck and then it is a real MISSION to get the main sail down. The mainsail should drop in seconds but in our case, it becomes a 20 minute battled to eventually get the sail back in the stackpack.

What can be done about this? Are we missing something in terms of maintenance or lubrication?

[Hannah on 'Rita T']

Try Sailkote.

[SailFastTri]

Originally Posted by Hannah on 'Rita T'

Try Sailkote.

No NOT Sailkote. It makes the tracks/bearings too slippery and the bearings can slide, leaving flat spots. McLube now has a product called OneDrop Ball Bearing Conditioner made for bearings.

Also -- clean your tracks, and flush your bearings well with fresh water from a hose. Go up in the bosuns chair with a damp rag and force it into the cracks to get the grit out.

Your problem will be solved.

[Jon D]

First question do you have Battcars??

If so you need to go up to the top of the mast and work you way down and make sure none of the fasterns holding the track to the mast are backing out. if they are.. you need to tighten them and next time rig is off remove them and put new locktite on the screws.

If that is not the problem then you need to check the ball bearings and replace as necessary [they acquire flat spots over time] and clean the track all the way up. Then apply lube.

[S/V Illusion]

There is clearly something wrong as our Battcars have been trouble-free for years with only minimal maintenance and the sail drops like a rock.

[blgklr]

Check track joints to make sure they line up properly each side to the other. Any burrs anywhere file off.

[Bash]

do the cars jam in the same spot every time? If so, then you've probably got a problem with the track, most likely with a fastener backing out. If not, then you've probable got a problem with car bearings.