Simrad wp 10 belt change

[inthesprings]

The simple question is how do you change the belt for the above auto pilot? For the long story, read on....

So the belt was stuck on the simrad wp 10 auto pilot (ive since learned this is somwhat common). Left the clutch on, went to go out, flipped the clutch off and the wheel won't turn. No amount of shaking/jiggling did the trick. Shoulda tried engaging the clutch and telling the ap to turn one way or the other, but I didn't check here first. Hell we were about to go sail.

The instruction manual I have is for installation only. I started undoing the bolts on the backplate, took a couple out all the way (and heard something drop inside the front and back cover, s!*t). I took out three bolts, heard three things drop, and the front cover popped off. I saw the clutch mechanism and figured the belt was just stuck, so I tried to put it back together. Found all the things that dropped (apparently called support wheels), put them back on the rear plate and tried to get the belt on with the front cover. FWIW, this it not the way to put it back on. I pushed too hard on the front cover and snapped a piece of plastic on one of the support wheels.

Tried calling SIMRAD, (now its navico) to get the part, but they only sell the back assembly as a whole, not just one of the wheels. Didnt find out how much because I woulda been on hold for 20 min, or so the computer advised me.

I think I can come up with something as a fix, but how are you supposed to put that belt back on, please?

[inthesprings]

Well its fixed. To take the front wheel ring off, you must partially back out the bolts that hold the ring support wheels. Then the support wheels can be tilted inward toward the center of the ring, thus releasing them from the groove in the front ring, and the front ring and belt come off. Getting it back on was is the reverse, but somewhat more difficult because you have to thread the belt through the clutch and drive gear, then get the front cover close enough to get the belt around it, then fit it over the back ring and then tighten the support wheels back up so they straighten out and grab the front ring by way of the groove in it.

Navico was of no help. They did not have any instructions on how to replace the belt. Just an exploded diagram they failed to send to me. I could not just order a replacement support wheel which I kinda broke, but only the whole rear ring assembly (with the support wheels) for $119.

Anyway, I works. I got it back together last evening in time for a nice sunset sail. There was a good breeze too.