Maintenance
Rudders
Rudders become less efficient as bush wear increases. Bushes should therefore be
checked at the end of each season and repaired as necessary. Rudders may leak
slightly as the 'O' rings become worn. These should be checked at the end of each
season and replaced as necessary.
Wheel
Steering
Systems_______________________________
Whitlock Cobra and Constellation steering systems are extremely robust, reliable
and relatively maintenance free. In order for the system to maintain its
performance, the following is recommended.
1 Periodically wash the paint finish of the pedestal with fresh water. Wax with
conventional car polish.
2 Check that water is not gaining entry to the inside of the pedestal assembly. A
drain hole is proveded in the lower housing to allow for draining of any
condensation. If large quantities of water are evident it will be necessary to
remove the top cover and reseal using a proprietary sealant. Take care to remove
all old sealant from the pedestal head and top cover before attempting to apply
new sealant.
Idf
a compass is fitted check that it is also properly sealed.
3 At lewast twice a season regrease the lower bearing via the grease nipple
Valvolene XL and Vickers Neox greases are recommended.
4 Inspect Cobra systems for security of tiller arm and draglink annually. Ensure
draglink joints rotate freely.
Constellation systems only
1 Inspect conduits and wire assemblies for wear and damage annually.
2 Periodically check the tension in the wires. To adjust, proceed as follow:
Slacken the lock nut and retaining nut. Pull the cable tight by hand and tighten
the retaining nut as far as possible by hand. Tighten the lock nut to
30ft/lbs
using
a torque wrench. Check steering for backlash. DO NOT
OVERTIGHTEN
as
this will cause excessive wear on the cables, heavy steering and loss of
'feel'.
3 At least twice a season and before an major voyage, check the security of
quadrant mounting bolts. Lubricate eyebolts and sheave bush with Silicone
based grease.
The stainless steel wire
used
has a finite life. It is recommended that it is renewed
after every fifth season.
Page 3.4 Issue 3
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