Autohelm 4000

Booher · #1 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003

My autohelm is not working right. The motor is runing or trying to turn the wheel but it does not move. I tried to get to the belt and gear but could not see a way to do it. Has anyone taken the autohelm 4000 apart. Im sure the gear on the motor is loose or stripped.

Sailmc · #2 (**permalink**) 10-06-2003

It is very easy to disassemble. All you need to do is gently pry apart the two halves. Either you have a bad belt or a bad clutch cam. The clutch cam will strip as it is too light for the job. Order two, and keep one for a spare. The belt should last at least 5 years.

gershel · #3 (**permalink**) 10-06-2003

The problem is definitly the clutch. The small pins that hold the clutch in position haved sheared. Before buying a clutch reair kit(way overpriced) try this.
Remove the old sheared-off pins, and replace with solid pins made from a drill bit of the same size. The clutch is probably fine, it just has to be re-secured with new pins. The factory pins are the weak link in this poor design. I learned this the hard way. After replacing all the pins I never had any more trouble. I now have a ST4000+ MkII, which was re-designed & is great so far.
Marc

Booher · #4 (**permalink**) 10-06-2003

Thanks for your reply. I was going to try and pry it but is is always good to ask first. I will fix it thie week and let you know how it went.

Booher · #5 (**permalink**) 10-15-2003

I did pry it apart and put in a new roll pin. Thanks for the info it works great.