Raymarine linear Type 1 ram

[Lightwave395]

I've got a Raymarine instrument setup including a ST6002 control head, S1G pilot and type 1 ram, all around 17 years old now and all still working very well.
I'm starting to wonder whether I ought to do some kind of maintenance on the ram which has, and still is working faultlessly or leave it alone unless or until it breaks ?
Is there any specific maintenance I can / should do for which parts are available ? I'm probably closer to the leave well along camp currently...

 

[Graham_Wright]

Ask RM.

 

[surfernan]

I am wondering the same as you. Maybe take apart ,check brushes, clean,grease and reassemble.

 

[lustyd]

I believe Delos stripped one in a video a while ago which may be useful for reference. Theirs was a bit rattly after a circumnavigation but still working. He eventually swapped for a new unit but kept the old as a spare.

 

[Kelpie]

We recently replaced ours. It had become very stiff and grumbly. When you moved the ram in and out by hand it would reach points at which the resistance was almost too much. I was surprised it was still working at all.
The problem I had was to do with the recirculating ball drive. All of the advice I received was that it was futile to attempt to open it up for repair.
I decided to keep it intact as a last resort backup, and then bought a new unit. And cancelled Christmas.

 

[MontyMariner]

When I stripped my type 1 LD unit down after about 20 years use, the only thing that needed doing was to remove the carbon dust from the motor. The brushes were worn to about half length, so I took the size and ordered a set for when they need replacing.

 

[KeelsonGraham]

We recently replaced ours. It had become very stiff and grumbly. When you moved the ram in and out by hand it would reach points at which the resistance was almost too much. I was surprised it was still working at all.
The problem I had was to do with the recirculating ball drive. All of the advice I received was that it was futile to attempt to open it up for repair.
I decided to keep it intact as a last resort backup, and then bought a new unit. And cancelled Christmas.

Hi Kelpie. How old was it when you replaced it

 

[michael_w]

Just unclip the rose joint and move it in and out by hand whilst giving it a squirt of McLube every few months. Sometimes I'll open it up and clear out all the dust.

This treatment was recommended by Oyster Yachts after sales guys.

 

[Kelpie]

Hi Kelpie. How old was it when you replaced it

I don't know for sure, but it says Autohelm on it. The boat is from 1978 so there's a good chance it's original. Replaced it this time last year.

 

[colhel]

If the piston rod is pitted or scratched this will damage the seals. If you've still got a good smooth finish and no leaks, I'd leave it alone.

 

[Roberto]

I've got a Raymarine instrument setup including a ST6002 control head, S1G pilot and type 1 ram, all around 17 years old now and all still working very well.
I'm starting to wonder whether I ought to do some kind of maintenance on the ram which has, and still is working faultlessly or leave it alone unless or until it breaks ?
Is there any specific maintenance I can / should do for which parts are available ? I'm probably closer to the leave well along camp currently...

Same situation, mine is old (>20y) and works very well too.
As spare parts, I bought the internal belt, the motor carbon brushes and the outside rod end (though not in stainless steel), which probably means something else will break.

 

[colhel]

If the piston rod is pitted or scratched this will damage the seals. If you've still got a good smooth finish and no leaks, I'd leave it alone.

I posted this as I assumed it was a hydraulic drive. Google has told me otherwise

 

[Graham376]

Common fault with old (IIRC pre-1996) linear drives, is stripped plastic gears. Service kits are available to replace with either nylon or heavier duty brass.

 

[Richard10002]

Common fault with old (IIRC pre-1996) linear drives, is stripped plastic gears. Service kits are available to replace with either nylon or heavier duty brass.

Be aware that the gears have to be replaced the correct way "up". There is a raised bit on one side, and not on the other.

I can't recall which way is correct, but there are now diagrams on the internet which show this.

 

[Lightwave395]

Same situation, mine is old (>20y) and works very well too.
As spare parts, I bought the internal belt, the motor carbon brushes and the outside rod end (though not in stainless steel), which probably means something else will break.

Did the brushes come from Raymarine ?

 

[Roberto]

Did the brushes come from Raymarine ?

No, the motor is from Fracmo, I asked them directly with the reference stamped on the outside case; I can find the details if you want. Likewise the belt (identical replacement from Gates iirc), the rod end is galvanised from Dunlop, cost around 15e instead of >100e for the Raymarine stainless one.


Just digged into the forum and found this old thread I opened; at the time I eventually had the brushes made to order
AH/Raym. autopilot brushes joint purchase anyone ?

 

[MontyMariner]

Did the brushes come from Raymarine ?

Same as Roberto, I sourced mine from a carbon brush supplier for a couple of quid.

 

[Lightwave395]

Found these online - 6 X 10 x 20mm here at £11.95 a pair: Carbon Brushes ca-03-113 Stayer - Free Delivery - Carbonbrushes.uk