Hi Richard, I just replaced my idler plate and chain and cables. The tension is not to be banjo string tight, but only tight enough that the rudder turns immediately when you turn the wheel, also no noticeable slack in the lazy cable. Here's a youtube video from Edson Marine. The tension is explained at 7:30 minutes into the video.
Chuck Resolute 1990 C&C 34R Broad Creek, Magothy River, Md ----- Original Message ----- From: "Martin DeYoung via CnC-List" <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Cc: "Martin DeYoung" <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2015 1:52:36 PM Subject: Re: Stus-List Question about steering cables Richard, The Edison web site may have cable tension information that would work as a guideline. A few months back a cnc-lister mentioned finding significant corrosion damage to the aluminum backing plates at the point the cable turning blocks were attached. If you notice the cables loosing tension over a short time that would be a good place to check. On Calypso I set the steering cable tension to have +-1/2” deflection at the middle of the longest run. I perform the first tensioning, rotated the wheel/rudder for a few minutes then re-check in case the cable needed to seat a bit more. Martin DeYoung Calypso 1971 C&C 43 Seattle From: CnC-List [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Richard N. Bush via CnC-List Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2015 8:58 AM To: [email protected] Cc: Richard N. Bush Subject: Re: Stus-List Question about steering cables Hi all, in getting ready for spring I noticed some slack in my steering cables in the area between the quadrant and the sheaves which turn the cable up into the helm; the play is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch; is there a norm or a standard rule of thumb for how much, if any flex, or looseness is considered standard, similar to the tension of an engine belt, (I'm thinking of the 1/2 inch flex for the alternator belt, etc)? I did tighten up the cable terminal on the quadrant and that seemed to tighten the cable a bit, but I can only reach on of the terminals, not both of them...: also, we got in our first sail of the season last Sunday and there was no noticeable play or slack in the steering wheel. many thanks to the group for your collective wisdom! Richard 1985 C&C 37 CB; Ohio River Mile 596; Richard N. Bush 2950 Breckenridge Lane, Suite Nine Louisville, Kentucky 40220-1462 502-584-7255 _______________________________________________ Email address: [email protected] To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go to the bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com _______________________________________________ Email address: [email protected] To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go to the bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
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