Autohelm 4000+ Clutch lever pops

[SRQsailor]

The clutch lever on my Raymarine Autohelm 4000+ pops open frequently, especially when turning the wheel to port. I use a velcro strap to hold it down and the autohelm works well otherwise. Can someone tell me if there is an adjustment I can make or a repair I can do to the unit?

Thanks in advance!
Mike

[Capn Dan]

For the earlier Mark I BLACK drives: Open the cover and check the cam roller that is atached to the lever. Make sure that it turns smoothly. If not, you will need to remove it and clean and lube. I think this is one of the major causes for the clutch lever popping.

A new belt may help and the belt tension can be adjusted. There is a small black plug on the back of the wheel next to the motor. Pry the plug out and you will see a round nut with an allen type bolt in the center. These are for adjusting the belt.

[Mark Johnson]

If the adjustment knob is snug, and belt doesn't slip when the handle is firmly in position, AND the handle's axle screw snug... Then, the problem is that the handle's detente, (on the back side where you can't see it), has elongated from use. Remove it to confirm this, then order a new one from Ray Marine. I have one on order from them now, for my 3000+, and they are currently on BO.

Good luck with it,
Mark

[highseas]

The "detente" prematurely fail on heavier boats.Mine failed after 3 months,new one has lasted all the way from B.C. to Mexico 2 years ago and still works fine.The secret is to keep a bungy on lever,right from out of the box.I also carry complete spare drive unit.

[Wyoming pirate]

Hello highseas,
Where did you get a drive for your 4000+ ???
I need a spare.

[highseas]

Boatersland online used to sell them seperate ,not sure if they still do.

[SRQsailor]

Wow! Less than 24hrs and I have several useful suggestions! Thanks all! These agree with the suggestion to check the belt tension from Ratheon. I will not at the boat until next month, but will report results when I try these fixes.
Thanks again! Mike

[kassbab]

i read the article because my autopilot had a broken belt that i had to replace and the autopilot was still slipping ... i opened the small access cover behind the stationary cam and found a cam adjuster wheel (frozen) but with some penetrating oil i was able to break free. Turning the adjuster just slightly corrected the problem and now my autopilot with the new belt is working great. if anyone needs to do the same thing ... the access cover is not easy to take off . i took a small screw and drove it into the center of the plastic cover to give me a handle ... just keep the screw small because you do not want to drive it into the allen head adjuster. ... good luck