octopus linear drive

[kevingeerts]

Recently we installed a new octopus linear drive (OCT-OCTAF1212LAR12).

When I completely lock down the connection to the tiller arm by tightening the bolt, I can hear some noise when moving the rudder. The noise is the rod pushing to something inside the cylinder I think.
When I loosen the bolt just a bit there is no issue and the autopilot moves smoothly.
However because the bolt/tiller pin is not tightened securely it also wiggles around a bit when moving directions? But the attachment to the tiller arm should not allow for any movement I'm sure of.

Do you see what I could be doing wrong?

Any insight would be appreciated as I'm currently out of ideas.

[GordMay]

CMP’s “Octopus” Autopilot Drive Downloads, including Manuals, Service Procedures, & Technical Bulletins:
Downloads ➥ https://octopusdrives.com/downloads/

Contact Octopus:
7733 Progress Way
Delta, BC
Canada V4G 1A3
Phone: 1-604-940-2010
Fax: 1-604-952-2650
Email: sales@cmpgroup.net

[kevingeerts]

Hi GordMay,

I indeed have all that information and have also already sent the question to Octopus. But am reverting to the forum to get additional insights.

[SailingHarmonie]

It sounds like (so to speak) the actuator arm is rubbing against the bottom of the quadrant. The fix could be as simple as adding a spacer washer between the actuator and the quadrant. Or as complex as reorienting the ram's angle to the quadrant.

I am assuming that the actuator arm has a universal joint at the bolt through the quadrant, and not just a simple eye bolt?

[kevingeerts]

Originally Posted by SailingHarmonie

It sounds like (so to speak) the actuator arm is rubbing against the bottom of the quadrant. The fix could be as simple as adding a spacer washer between the actuator and the quadrant. Or as complex as reorienting the ram's angle to the quadrant.

I am assuming that the actuator arm has a universal joint at the bolt through the quadrant, and not just a simple eye bolt?

I've indeed tried that washer already, but no luck there.
Not sure what you mean with universal joint or eye bolt but these are the parts.
I've also seen that are special tiller pin/bolts, maybe those are better for this purpose?

[pdx_sailing]

does it squeak when tight throughout the entire sweep or only part of the sweep? The item in the bottom of the picture is a rod eye which SH referred to as a universal joint. The bushing in the rod eye should be clamped to the tiller arm and not move, the body of the eye should rotate around the bushing. The rod end also allows some angular misalignment. How is it connected at the other end of the cylinder? How much do you have to loosen the bolt to stop the noise? It might just be a bad rod eye, can you put a bolt through it and move the bushing vs the body? There shouldn't be any noise.

[skipperpete]

In your first photo it looks as though the body of the ram is either perilously close to or actually touching the stringer (or bulkhead) , any chance of the ram being attached to the wrong side of the quadrant arm?….. there seems to be a cutout to accomodate the movement of the ram body in the proper direction……hard to tell from the photo.

[TheOffice]

Does the bolt wiggle in the tiller arm hole? if so, you need a bushing so the bolt does not move.