Auto Helm 1000 tiller pilot

[Gary M]

Hello,

The last time out sailing my Auto Helm would make a sound that sounded like the ram binding on something every now and then.

I'm headed to the boat this morning to pick it up and bring it home to check it out.

I plan on opening it up and seeing if there is anything that should be lubricated.

Any ides from the board?

Thanks,

Gary

[Gary M]

Tiller pilot is on my work bench and opened up.

I found a "screw drive rod" and on each side two "plain rods" that are connected together to drive the ram that attaches to the tiller.

The screw drive rod and the two plain rods had dried out white grease on them that was giving the movement more friction then lubrication.

I cleaned everything up with alcohol and reapplied a small amount of white grease to all three rods.

Everything is moving much better and I believe this should solve my problem. I hope to take the boat out and test it this afternoon.

Gary

[Gary M]

Sea trail went perfect and the auto helm is running like new.

The hard part turned out to be replacing the gasket between the top and bottom halves. I thought I had it but on my sea trail I saw a place that was wrong so back to my garage to try again.

Finally got the gasket on right. I just hope I didn't disturb something in the process.

I hope this post helps some one in the future who searches this site to solve the same problem I had.

Gary

[John Stone]

Nice job of troubleshooting and fixing your tiller pilot. Too many people might have tossed and replaced it. I wonder what it would have cost you to have sent it off to the manufacturer, repaired, and returned.

[Gary M]

Thanks John,

I believe I've heard that the manufacturer charges a flat fee of something like $200 or so plus shipping to repair the unit.

[John Stone]

I believe I've heard that the manufacturer charges a flat fee of something like $200 or so plus shipping to repair the unit.

Wouldn’t surprise me at all. Well done.

[Gary M]

A compliment from such a sailor and craftsman as John Stone is likely to make any sailor smile.

I am indeed smiling!

Gary

[Bob Ohler]

Great report Gary. Thanks!