IYE Backstay Tensioner

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oldestgit

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Hi All:

I have an IYE backstay tensioner that is frozen and under extreme pressure it will unscrew the lower section rather than move the main top section. it seems to have come about because of a split in the top boot, thus allowing water in to the upper thread section,

Any one with a similarly previous history on one of these and freeing the thread, also any ideas where I can get the boot replacement as I will do the inner forestay at the same time.

Thanks.... Peter
 
I suspect you may be describing galling of the s/s thread. Others will be more knowledgeable but I dont think there is any way of 'freeing' the action. Replacement of the duff thread is the only option.

I have the same problem which will require replacement of my standing rigging. Its due to be replaced which makes it an easier pill to swallow.

Donald
 
Many thanks for your swift reply.

However, Pro Boat don't provide any spares and only deal with trade but would send mine back to IYE for £100 or provide a replacement through a chandler for £350.

You can see why I would like to free it off and replace the rubber boots myself.

Thanks anyway... Peter
 
Thanks Donald:
But I am not familiar with the term (galling of the s/s thread), is it corrosion or salt ingress?.

My rigging is only 6 years old so desperately don't want to throw anything away just yet.

Thanks... Peter
 
Galling is neither salt ingress or corrosion, but where stainless threads, under pressure, effectively 'weld themslves' to each other. It is a function of the surface characteristics and metalurgical properties of stainless steel. Its one reason why better quality bottle screws have bronze bodies and stainless threads.

You can avoid galling by always lubricating the thread.
 
I had same problem as yours (different tensioners). Could not solve it. In the end efforts lead to broken handle. I had to replace the whol lot /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif. i really does make me /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif to have a great piece of s/s sitting there that I can't get loose. Sorry to be harbinger of bad news
 
Thanks John,
If this is the case, it seems to me absurd that an item like a tensioner that will be, by definition uder great tension, would be made by S/S threads. Or is it that this way they will sell more because they keep jamming up? What do you recommend as lubricant?
 
I got some IYE traveller end stops from Alladins Cave ( N.B. The shop on the main road not the big store next to Deacons boatyard ). They may possibly have other IYE parts in stock ?

I hope this isn't considered as thread drift, but does anyone know why companies like ProBoat refuse to deal directly with the public ( how can they tell you're not a wholesaler anyway ? ) ?

If I was in business I don't think I would care where the money came from as long as I got paid.
 
The IYE rig tensioners have factoty sealed boots over the thread and the lubrication of the thread is therefore not a possibility as the boot encloses it and IYE insist on fitting them themselves (according to Pro-Boat) so as they will not leak?. (or take more money from the product?

...... Peter

PS. I would stick a photo on if someone could advise how to do it.
 
Just guessing from description but I would say that you need to be able to get the tensioner off and into a vice. Heat on the threaded area may free it along with lots of lubrication and persistent working back and forth. I suggest that rather than a boot to keep water out that you use grease and exercise through it s range it often.
Rather than buy a new tensioner at 350squid I would suggest you consider one of the other options like a pulley system for fractional rig.
For mast head rigs... The backstay is split into two about 2metres up from the transom. A box holding 2 pulleys between plates is fitted to the twin backstay sections such that the backstay wires pass inside the 2 pulleys. When the box is hauled down it forces the 2 backstay legs together thus tightening the backstay.
You will probably need bottole screws in each leg for coarse adjustmnent.
Which leads to the final suggestion that you apparently don't adjust the backstay tension when under way so why not replace with bottole screw. (lubricate and exercise the screw at least every year.)
 
This is an old thread, but a new problem for me.
On my iye adjuster there are two allen headed grub screws which come out quite easily, but don't seem to release anything.
I was hoping to get into the barrel to apply lubrication.

Any clues anyone?

Thanks
 
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