My boat is a 2002 and has the original, black, auto helm piece on the steering wheel.

When activated, the auto helm searches and keeps creeping to port. Also when activated, I can turn the wheel against the auto helm which it seems I should not be able to do.

I changed the belt a couple of years ago so that is not worn or damaged. I took the unit off the wheel and snapped it closed after checking the belt and, with the clutch engaged, it did not turn against the holding force when on the work bench. However, when I replaced it on the boat, it once again wouldn't hold course and I can manually turn the wheel in the opposite direction against the auto helm force. .

A tech told me that my old, black, unit wasn't serviced by Ray Mariine anymore and he provided a  recycled gray unit which, he said , is what is now used. I installed this unit but now the clutch handle hits the instrument panel when trying to engage it and simply won't reach the "engaged" position. 

A friend has a C34 with the same auto helm unit (which was on his boat when he bought it) and the P.O. seemed to have the same problem as the top end of the clutch handle had been sawed off about 3" from the tip. This seems like an unprofessional solution.

Does anybody have any suggestions before I break out my hacksaw?
Thanks in advance.
Chuck Parker