Took advantage of some nice cool weather to do some chores that didn't get done due to the crappy 'spring' weather and late launch.
My steering has been making a creaking noise for some time; got worse when the cables were replaced (after breaking, not good). It felt/sounded like it was coming from the base of the pedestal. Last year, I'd oiled the idler wheels and cables, no change. When I looked at them this week, I noticed they were pretty loose; I could deflect the cable about an 1 and a half inches. And I noticed that when I pushed on the cable, it made the creaking noise, as the cable seated itself deeper in the groove in the idler wheel.
So I tightened the cables until I couldn't get that creak any more, and could deflect the cable about 1/2". Noise gone.
However, I'm not sure exactly how tight the cables are supposed to be. The description in the Edson documentation in the owners manual is vague at best. I don't think I over tightened; wheel still moves very freely. Does anyone know what the tension is supposed to be???
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
Have you tried edsonmarine.com? They have a great deal of useful technical information.
Jim Gibbons
S/V Just Add H2O #1503
Chicago-Lake Michigan
1995 C-36 MKII TR/SK M35AC
Thanks for your reply.
I found the same thing there that's in their document that came with the Catalina manual :
STEERING WIRE TENSION
A top quality roller chain to wire steering system can be kept in “as new” sensitivity by keeping the wire at a correct tension. To check for proper wire tension, lock the wheel in position by using the pedestal brake, or by tying off the wheel. Cable tension is best when you cannot move the quadrant or drive wheel by hand with the wheel locked in place. Over tightening will greatly reduce the sensitivity of the system.
I was hoping to find something more specific, eg., how much you should expect to be able to deflect the cable with your finger. The steering feels the same as it did before, so I guess from their description above, I have not over tightened the cables.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
[QUOTE=plaineolde;9015]STEERING WIRE TENSION
A top quality roller chain to wire steering system can be kept in “as new” sensitivity by keeping the wire at a correct tension. To check for proper wire tension, lock the wheel in position by using the pedestal brake, or by tying off the wheel. Cable tension is best when you cannot move the quadrant or drive wheel by hand with the wheel locked in place. Over tightening will greatly reduce the sensitivity of the system.
I was hoping to find something more specific, eg., how much you should expect to be able to deflect the cable with your finger. The steering feels the same as it did before, so I guess from their description above, I have not over tightened the cables.[/QUOTE]
I was looking forward to how much deflection is acceptable too.
I can move the quadrant probably just under 25mm. Of course like anything on boats, working on the quadrant is difficult when you are a tall person!
Cat375 - Rock The Boat - Hull 54
Lake Macquarie - NSW - Australia
[QUOTE=Rockman;9020]Of course like anything on boats, working on the quadrant is difficult when you are a tall person![/QUOTE]
I know what you mean. I'm 6 foot 230lbs. I can't even get my head through the access hatch in the aft cabin. I had reviewed Larry Brandt's in depth article in the Tech Upgrades section on installing his below decks autopilot and stared at the pics of him with his upper body through that hatch. I'm starting to suspect Larry used Photoshop ;) Either that, or it's really a Munchkin.
I'm going to need to replace the exhaust hose fairly soon, and would like to do it myself. That and be able to replace the steering cable, hopefully BEFORE it breaks this time. I'd like to have my skinny son help me; he could fit down there no problem, but he's legally inept with tools. It cost me big bucks to get that steering cable replaced last time, so I guess I'll have to go on some sort of serious diet.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay