Raymarine ST4000+ Belt Tension

[off-the-grid]

I just put a new belt on my ST4000 wheel pilot. The tension is WAY too tight.

Does anyone know how to adjust the tension on the belt?

I don't see anything in the manual, and Raymarine's answer for everything, is "Bring it in for factory service." Which unfortunately may be my only choice, because their site also says it requires a special tool!

So can it be done?
Can I just buy this so called special tool?
Is there something I can pickup up at the local hardware store that would substitute for this "special" tool?

I just find it really hard to believe that there is no way for the user to do something as simple as a belt tension adjustment on this thing.

[Therapy]

http://www.raymarine.com/submittedfi...2_wheel_sm.pdf

Page 11

[off-the-grid]

I have a 4000+, though. AKA the OLD model.

I know the cover of that manual says MKII and 4000+, but they're not the same. I'll double check, but I don't think mine has that clutch knob, just 2 wheels I think. Although, if it's just an allen bolt, guess I could just try loosening one.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by grunzster

I have a 4000+, though. AKA the OLD model.

I know the cover of that manual says MKII and 4000+, but they're not the same. I'll double check, but I don't think mine has that clutch knob, just 2 wheels I think. Although, if it's just an allen bolt, guess I could just try loosening one.

OH!

I would guess one of the wheels is on a cam or offset somehow.

Dunno for sure sorry.


http://www.raymarine.com/SubmittedFi...00plus_mk2.pdf

This is the old book for the 4000+ but it looks just like the MKII. Same pic on pg 38.

The only other one I could find is:

http://www.raymarine.com/SubmittedFi...T4000Wheel.pdf

And I don't see any exploded views nor decent pics of the back side of the wheel.

[Therapy]

The only thing that comes to mind is that the lever drives the concentric cam and if it's screw is loosened then the lever may move on "teeth" to a different position allowing it to turn to "locked" but not as far. Does that make sense?

If all else fails call them. They sometimes are very helpful, even with old stuff.

603 881 5200

[off-the-grid]

That's what I'm thinking. I'm thinking it's an easy adjustment. First thing is to open it and see if it really easy an allen bolt, phillips head, etc. Or if it really is some sort of funky proprietary screw.

[Capn Dan]

If you have the older (black) wheel, the belt adjustment is on the back under a small plug next to the motor. Pry the plug off and you will see an allen bolt and a flat "nut" that has two holes in it. Use a pair of snap ring pliers to loosen the flat nut then adjust cam with the allen bolt. Retighten the outer flat nut.

[boatman61]

My Raymarine (a few years back in 'big boat days') I seem to remember had the adjustment on the clutch wheel... but what model it was I don't recall.
I did however have to replace the belt and like wise it was a tad tight.... but like most things... I could be wrong..

[off-the-grid]

Finally getting around to this. Here's what I have. It doesn't appear to be adjustable at all. The part you described isn't there. And as you can see there are 3 holes in the cover that part of the gear and the 2 wheels next to it have to fit through, hence I don't see any way any of them could be moved.

[Greg S]

Service manual for the ST4000+

http://www.ganssle.com/jack/st4000.pdf

[Capn Dan]

Look on the BACK of the wheel. Next to the motor, opposite side from the clutch lever, you will find a small 1/2 inch plastic plug. Remove the plug and you will see a round nut with two holes and a hex bolt in the center. Use a pair of snap ring pliers to loosen the nut. The cam is adjusted by turning the hex nut.

[off-the-grid]

Oh! Back of the wheel. Duh! Now I see it.

Now who can tell me what the trick is to getting the back plate and drive ring together? Never mind! Now it decides to snap together!

[off-the-grid]

Ok, someone please tell me the belt will stretch, a lot...FAST!

I retracted the cam entirely. Yeah really can't adjust it all that much. And this wheel is still VERY tight!

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by grunzster

Ok, someone please tell me the belt will stretch, a lot...FAST!

I retracted the cam entirely. Yeah really can't adjust it all that much. And this wheel is still VERY tight!

Capn Dan beat me to it.

Greg SService manual for the ST4000+

http://www.ganssle.com/jack/st4000.pdf

and see part #12 on pg 12 of the manual.

I don't know how much or fast the belt will stretch.

Wrong belt?
Cam actually tight instead of loose?
Hand stretch a little. (eek factor)

[senormechanico]

I have the same autopilot.
When I bought a replacement belt on Ebay, it was the right length, but it came folded in half.
I went through the same adjustment procedure as above, and it sloooooowly got better.
If I had it to do over, I would put the belt in HOT water for awhile to allow it to regain its shape.