A tale of the failing autopilot

[PRH]

Just in case this helps anyone else:

Bought the boat (F43) in March with the Autopilot not working (no drive!). Looked at the linkage (rudder to sensor) and found one end off. Clicked it back on with a smile at how simple that fix was, it worked.

Next time out - it failed when Autopilot engaged. Looked at the linkage, it was off. Suspected a crack in the cup but nothing found so searched google found a great site that said if you have a worn cup then put some plastic sheet over the ball and push the cup back on.

Did that, clicked on a treat. Next time out - it failed when Autopilot engaged. Looked at the linkage, it was off.
Fitted a thicker piece of plastic.
Next time out - it failed when Autopilot engaged. Looked at the linkage, it was off.

OK thought I, better take a more serious look. Whilst alongside turned from lock to lock and, yes, it came off.
It was only when I looked really closely that I noticed the rod between the two cups rest and then push on a bolt sticking out of the bulkhead.

Took rod off, bent it a bit, realigned the sensor and guess what - all works well....

 

[omega2]

Well done I bet the original owner sold because of that.

 

[davedpc]

I had a similar problem with the rudder position sensor [outdrive] where the arm kept pulling off at full extension. I made up a large diameter fine spring which i attached twix the arm and sensor so now on full extersion the cup does not detatch.