Fixing an autopilot - or is it time to replace?

[cpedw]

The boat is a Westerly Falcon, 34 foot sloop from 1986 with mechanical wheel steering. It has an ST4000 wheel pilot but the motor and gearbox have just packed in. For some time, the heading display has been a bit suspect but it was still useable. It seems that I could replace the faulty parts from MESL - gearbox and motor for a bit more than £100, though I need to check these are the right parts, or I could go for a whole new S1 wheel pilot (about £700). Do you have any strong views? Is the S1 a lot better? Will I be able to use my existing fluxgate compass and rudder transducer? Will the old wiring be reusable?
What would you do in my situation, bearing in mind I would like to get the pilot working again in less than a day's work before the end of the season.
I look forward to receiving your advice.
Derek.

 

[Danny]

You could probably still get a spare ST4000 Mkll drive unit, which I'm fairly sure is compatable with the older ST4000 instrument head (check with Raymarine, though). Less than half the cost of the S1 but considerably more than the rebuild you're thinking of.

 

[captainslarty]

Hi Sir
Heres what to try
remove the motor and gearbox unit.....
clean the gearbox in alcohol... no no... just the boots stuff.. not vodka...
reassemble the gearbox WITHOUT lubricating it...
re the motor..
remove.. unsolder...
bend the tabs on the end plate... remove the end plate...wash all parts in alcohol
Clean the commutator surface with 1000 wen n dry...
Check the brushes.. if greater than 5mm ok..
reassemble and no probs.. hopefully.
Do not lubricate the rollers in the wheel drive, just clean them.
Many autopilots restored to full working order this way..
Have fun, and best wishes
Joe n Jayne
S.V Ruddles
La Coruna