Selden Rodkicker queries

[send54sail]

Hi,
Selden information very difficult to track down so grateful for any help please.
I have a seized gas strut in a Selden rodkicker on a 44’ yatch (built 2006).
First, just trying to identify the parts:
RODKICKER ITSELF
• Kicker itself has a serial number on it 591-300 and I was advised by a Selden dealer that this means it is a Type 05 kicker but the Selden information sheet http://www.seldenmast.com/files/1380874888/excerpts/595-808-E-92-94.pdf shows that Type 05 is for smaller boats (3.9 tonnes whereas my boat is over 10 tonnes) and is only 1150mm long whereas my rodkicker is 2250mm (that measurement is when disassembled, so is the length of the two sections together placed end to end, including the rivetted end brackets)
• Therefore it appears the serial number is wrong and I am guessing that the kicker is in fact the Type 20. Does that sound right? It would have been pretty wasteful to have fitted the Type 30 as that is for 20 tonne boats.
• I see that the Type 20 comes in a long and a standard size and the measurements are quoted in the Selden information sheet as the “Min. length” (1720mm and 2260mm respectively). Obviously the kicker comes in two sections so “Min.” would presumably mean the overall length when the two sections are assembled and compressed together? Rather unclear, as is whether the measurements include the end brackets. I assume its a Type 20 Standard that I need but grateful for any other know how?
GAS STRUT
• Inside the kicker, there is the gas strut itself which is very badly corroded (amazed that it seems to be made of internal quality mild steel, not at all suitable for marine use). It so badly corroded that there is no serial number or information visible on it at all. The black corroded “cylinder” section is 375mm long and 30mm diameter. The stainless steel “piston” section is 300m. Does that sound like the correct dimensions for the gas strut inside a Type 20? There is also an aluminium spacer 460mm long so I guess that supports the idea that the Kicker is a Type 20 Standard Length?
• There is no clue at all as to what kNewtons the strut should be pressurised to. With a choice of 1.2, 2.5 and 5 kN I guess I’ll go for the middle one at 2.5kN. Any thoughts?
• I am aware that cheaper and better products can be obtained from gas strut companies not Selden – any tips on which companies are most “in the know” about the Selden product would be gratefully received, given all this confusion.
OTHER BITS
• The existing strut has black plastic end pieces (extrusion end plugs?) and these are, of course, completely corroded on to the strut and will not unscrew so I need to replace. These look like Selden products even though they do not fit in any sensible way to the aluminium spacer tube that they must compress against at high pressures in use. The end pieces serial number is 319-587 and I cannot find any sign of those parts on the Selden web site. Any ideas?
• I also see there is black plastic buffer that springs in place against the join between the two sections of the Rod Kicker and ideally it needs replacing as it doesn’t grip the kicker properly. Again there is no serial number but, even if I can track this down, it looks as though I would need to remove the wire cable that runs through the kicker which involves new riveting etc so I don’t fancy doing that but any view welcome on if there is any other way of dealing with this.
All the best
Andy

Here are the other very useful sources I have found –
http://www.seastream.co.uk/owner-advice/selden-rodkicker/
http://svjohannarose.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/repairing-broken-selden-rodkicker.html
http://www.hisse-et-oh.com/forums/commentaires-np/messages/1523277-hale-bas-selden

 

[alteredoutlook]

You don't say whether your kicker has the older round tubes or the more modern rectangular tubes?


Buy your new gas strut from www.sgs-engineering.com. That was the cheapest company i could find when I replaced mine. They are also happy to post abroad.

They do various lengths - so measure your existing one.

They do both stainless steel and mild steel struts.

You can also buy struts where you can evacuate some of the pressure by undoing an allen key grub screw - this way you can get just the right amount of support to your boom. So you don't need to know the exact pressure of your existing one

If your kicker was anything like mine the best way to split the two tubes is as you've correctly said is to remove the wire cable. To do this I simply removed the sheave that the wire cable runs through - this then allows the cable to easily pass through the 'slot' - so no need to cut it/re-rivet.

The black end pieces are made of plastic (delrin?). They should unscrew (mine did) - perhaps soak in oil? If they dont come apart perhaps you can get some new ones manufactured?

Hope this helps

 

[JohnGC]

Not sure if you're in the UK Andy.

I replaced the gas strut in my smaller Selden kicker last year.

I purchased from SGS-Engineering in Derby. Half the price of a Selden and made of Stainless Steel. Adjusted to the correct pressure and delivered the next day.

Initially I made a web form enquiry and received a phone call within an hour. Very helpful chap and knowledgeable regarding Selden.

It helped that I was able to read some of the details on my old strut, but they may be able to identify the correct part from a description.

Have a browse here;
https://www.sgs-engineering.com/searches/?q=gssv14-

John

 

[dunedin]

Worth doing a search on this forum as quite a few threads on this, including one very recently.

And another vote for SGS engineeringnfor the s/s strut

 

[Cantata]

Hi,
Selden information very difficult to track down so grateful for any help please.
I have a seized gas strut in a Selden rodkicker on a 44’ yatch (built 2006).........................................

The existing strut has black plastic end pieces (extrusion end plugs?) and these are, of course, completely corroded on to the strut and will not unscrew so I need to replace. These look like Selden products even though they do not fit in any sensible way to the aluminium spacer tube that they must compress against at high pressures in use. The end pieces serial number is 319-587 and I cannot find any sign of those parts on the Selden web site. Any ideas?
I also see there is black plastic buffer that springs in place against the join between the two sections of the Rod Kicker and ideally it needs replacing as it doesn’t grip the kicker properly. Again there is no serial number but, even if I can track this down, it looks as though I would need to remove the wire cable that runs through the kicker which involves new riveting etc so I don’t fancy doing that but any view welcome on if there is any other way of dealing with this..........................................................

Just to directly answer these queries as I have just taken a kicker to bits to fix it -

Both the parts that fix on the ends of the gas strut, and the black plastic buffer, are available Selden parts, total cost about £50. The gas strut ends both have the same part number but it seems they only come as a pair - annoying as I only needed one new one. The one fixed to the cylinder end on mine was also seized solid - the insert is yellow metal of some sort, the cylinder threaded stud is mild steel, that's exactly where sea water would collect and pool within the insert, to rust the stud. Mine came off eventually after I had virtually destroyed it. Fix is to thoroughly grease the threads when adding the new parts, in particular fill the remaining thread at the top end with grease.
You may be right about removing the wire at the foot to fit the new buffer, although on mine you can get round that by removing the sheave from the top end and simply pulling the upper alloy section off, drawing the wire through it.
Hope this helps.

 

[JohnGC]

Just to directly answer these queries as I have just taken a kicker to bits to fix it -

Both the parts that fix on the ends of the gas strut, and the black plastic buffer, are available Selden parts, total cost about £50. The gas strut ends both have the same part number but it seems they only come as a pair - annoying as I only needed one new one. The one fixed to the cylinder end on mine was also seized solid - the insert is yellow metal of some sort, the cylinder threaded stud is mild steel, that's exactly where sea water would collect and pool within the insert, to rust the stud. Mine came off eventually after I had virtually destroyed it. Fix is to thoroughly grease the threads when adding the new parts, in particular fill the remaining thread at the top end with grease.
You may be right about removing the wire at the foot to fit the new buffer, although on mine you can get round that by removing the sheave from the top end and simply pulling the upper alloy section off, drawing the wire through it.
Hope this helps.

Yes, mine was ceased also. I drilled the stud out from the other side of the plastic/brass fitting where it was open. The I used a tap (8mm I think) to remove the remaining steel from the brass thread. As you say, grease it well before refitting.

John