6.0 MAINTENANCE
The autopilot is one of the most used and
hardest working items Of equipment on board,
and therefore
must
receive
its fair share-of
attention and
rOUthe
maintenance. The working
parts of the drive svstem are sealed and
lubricated for life during manufacture and
therefore do not require servicing.
Regular inspection of the installation is
recommended in the following areas where
applicable.
1. Check tension and alignment of the drive
chain and lubricate with good quality
waterproof light grease.
2. Check for the development of excessive lost
motion (backlash) in the steering gear and
correct if necessary. Lost motion at the wheel
should not exceed 2% of the total wheel
movement from lock to lock. This does not
apply to the Linear or Hydraulic drive systems
which are normally directly coupled to the
rudder stock.
3. Check that Hydraulic Steering systems are free
from leaks and trapped air. Bleed when
necessary to remove air from the system.
4. Check that all inter-connecting cable terminals
are fully tightened and corrosion free.
5. Check that external waterproof sockets are
capped when not in use and periodically spray
with WD40
(or
similar) to protect from corrosion.
6. Check that the heavy power supply cable
connections are tight and free from corrosion.
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