Is my Facnor halyard swivel buggered?

[fursoc]

Hi, I have a Facnor LS180 furler. It has been incredibly stiff over the last 6 months when furling, so when I unstepped the mast I had a chance to see what was going on. The main drum was very stiff, but a bit of running water over the top loosened something and it now spins freely. The halyard swivel is another story. No matter what I do, I just can't get it to spin nice and smoothly. Is it buggered? Or is that normal?

If buggered, does anyone know what the part number is? And where I might get a new one in Aus?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ7hnu055Hw

[RaymondR]

It is sometimes the seals swelling in those things which bind them up and usually if that has occurred it is only a matter of time before the bearing inside seizes up from corrosion. Both the seals and bearings are stock items at bearing service centres. Any half decent mechanic should be able to tear it down and replace the seals and bearings, depending upon whether their is corrosion or not it's about a 1 - 2 hour job.

[fursoc]

Originally Posted by RaymondR

It is sometimes the seals swelling in those things which bind them up and usually if that has occurred it is only a matter of time before the bearing inside seizes up from corrosion. Both the seals and bearings are stock items at bearing service centres. Any half decent mechanic should be able to tear it down and replace the seals and bearings, depending upon whether their is corrosion or not it's about a 1 - 2 hour job.

Thanks for that. Why could a mechanic take it apart? Do they have special tools for this or something?

[fursoc]

Anyone have any ideas?

[RaymondR]

Originally Posted by fursoc

Thanks for that. Why could a mechanic take it apart? Do they have special tools for this or something?

No special tools but they have a couple of large circlips holding the bearing which need fairly large circlip pliers to remove. Easy enough to do yourself if your mechanically inclined. Be careful not to directly hit any of the aluminium parts with a hammer as they easily distort use a wooden block between hammer and part.

[Rigger Bruce]

If there is a lot of play in the swiveling part of the drum, it's stuffed.We find that Factnors , at least the older ones have a weak swivel and athey have corrected that with a more robust setup. Best to get a newer model if this is the case.

[Rigger Bruce]

I can arrange one for you if needed.

[Compass790]

looks pretty facd to me. cudnt resist.
yea bearing & seal job

[fursoc]

Any idea how to get the seal out? Is it just a matter of prying it out with a blunt knife?

[Compass790]

Originally Posted by fursoc

Any idea how to get the seal out? Is it just a matter of prying it out with a blunt knife?

If there is no retaining circlip or snap ring I normally pry seals out with a screwdriver but I dont know the Facnor swivel specifically

[david samuelson]

Hi,
When all else fails contact gaelle@wichard.com.au

[fursoc]

Originally Posted by david samuelson

Hi,
When all else fails contact gaelle@wichard.com.au

Thanks, I shot them an email.

[RaymondR]

Originally Posted by fursoc

Any idea how to get the seal out? Is it just a matter of prying it out with a blunt knife?

Get a 2.5 mm welding rod and knock the flux off by banging on it then put a 90 degree bend in one end about 7-8 mm long, push the bend through the lip on the seals ID then twist it 90 degrees, then you can grip the rod with vice grips or pliers and lever the seal out. Once you get the seal out you should be able to see the bearing retaining circlips.

[fursoc]

Originally Posted by fursoc

Thanks, I shot them an email.

I received a response from Gaelle and she said that this model has known issues and all that can be done is buy a new model, that apparently doesn't have the issue.

[fursoc]

Originally Posted by RaymondR

Get a 2.5 mm welding rod and knock the flux off by banging on it then put a 90 degree bend in one end about 7-8 mm long, push the bend through the lip on the seals ID then twist it 90 degrees, then you can grip the rod with vice grips or pliers and lever the seal out. Once you get the seal out you should be able to see the bearing retaining circlips.

I don't have any welding rods, but I think I understand where you are going. Since Wichard says it's a throw away item, I guess there is no harm in trying to get it apart myself.

Thanks.