Autohelm 3000 Motor Questions

[Haguesail]

I managed to find a reasonable working replacement motor unit for my Autohelm 3000 in Ebay, but it is missing the plastic mounting/tensioning um, thingy. The thingy for my old unit is for a hole on the motor bracket around 1 1/4". while the mounting hole on the replacement motor bracket is a bit under an inch. Any suggestions where to find a new thingy, or kluge something with spacers and a big wingnut? Second question is wiring. Old unit has four wires on the cable between the motor and head unit (Red, Blue, Yellow, Green), new motor unit has two wires (Brown and Blue). Do I connect blues and red-brown, or are the yellow and green also control wires?

Thanks, Chris in Monnickendam, NL
'88 Colvic Countess 33

[DeepFrz]

Sure, but make sure the thingy matches the do-dad and whatchamacallit.

[sailingdog]

Haguesail-

If the new motor only has two wires, and the old unit had four... it is very likely that the motor you have isn't going to work... as it sounds like you've got two different parts on your hands.

[chs1517]

Chris,

Regarding the tentioning thingy. West Marine still sells the tensioning handle. I bought an extra one for my boat a few months ago. The black plastic unit sell for aroung $10.88. Check out the following email site ( AUTOHELM 3000 - Froogle)

Secondly, I have had similar problems with my autohelm 3000. I purchased a remote that had four pins and my control unit has five.

The motor you purchased will most likely not work with the control unit you have. My unit has the two wires, brown/blue. I know for a fact as I have had to do some tightening of loose connections. I also found out what happens when you reverse the two wires. The motor works but 180 degrees opposite of where you want to go. It made for a quick U-turn on the water. I am not sure you can work around the other two wires. I tried to find a wiring diagram for the autohelm but was unsuccessful.

I know you can still get the working directions for the unit at Raymarine. It does not have any info on plug pins or two vs. four wires for the motor.

I was able to find a guy that had the four pin remote and have made arrangements to trade his five pin for my four pin. He sounded like he knew what he was talking about and said you have to understand it is a British thing? Don't try to figure it out?

Anyway, you probably have a motor that will not work with you control unit. You now have to find a new control unit. Happy hunting...

If you want I have the guys email. He has access to autohelm stuff. If you are interested I can send you his email address.

Chris S.