auto-pilot

[dave_b]

our nic 39 has wheel steering with a neco autopilot fitted- the problem is that the steering is very stiff when steered manually, we,ve greased and oiled everything in sight but no joy !! anybody with any ideas please??

 

[pvb]

If you mechanically disconnect the autopilot drive from the steering system, then if manual steering is OK it would point to a problem with the autopilot drive.

 

[colvic]

PVB is correct; there should be a small lever to take the tension off the drive belt and this should free up the wheel, though it won't reach quite the same state of "freedom" as it would without any belt.

If you're not sure then take the belt off the drive or drum and if there is no problem in the steering system your wheel will turn quite freely.


Phil

 

[Tradewinds]

If your neco is like the one on my nic39 it could be the cabling not the unit despite all the greasing. When the unit is switched off the clutch should disengage positively, I don't think there's a 'halfway house" when the clutch could bind. The wire cables run in conduits to the drive chains/quadrant etc. If any of the wires have fish-hooks on them they will make the steering stiff. You won't notice it with the drive unit running as the unit has a fair bit of torque. I had this happen to me - just replaced the offending wires & hey presto! Also you could check (if you haven't already) the bearings/bushes/brake in your steering pedestal for binding. If you do think it could be a drive unit problem you could try contacting Derek Coventry on 01243 377868 - he's an ex-Neco man who supplies parts and repairs these units (or he still did when I last talked to him 12 months or so ago).