[C320-list] Edson pedestal throttle problem

[Scott Thompson]

I've been through this procedure, but it solves a different problem,
namely a throttle that won't stay put.  Mine stays put, but it won't move
easily, and it won't throttle all the way back to idle.  On my boat, at
least, only part of the throttle linkage is "clearly visible" when you
disassemble to this level.  The cable clamp itself is not easily visible,
and lives lower down, inside the tube of the pedestal, well below the
shaft of the wheel.  I'm fairly sure that's where my problem lies.

BTW, the main reason to not overtighten that set screw is not because you
might strip the threads, but because it's only purpose is to put friction
on the shaft.  If you overtighten you will end up with a throttle you
can't adjust at all!  So make sure that throttle friction is "just right"
before the Loctite sets.

Scott

> There is technical information on the 320 web page that may help correct
> your situation.  Unfortunately I can't relocate the article.  We used it
> not to long ago it to fix a problem we had with our throttle lever
> slipping and not holding a selected position. We had to physically hold
> the throttle open to add RPM to the engine.  Once released the throttle
> would return to an idle setting.   Apparently, over time, the throttle
> lever gradually moves from its normal configuration and has to be
> readjusted.
>
> This is the method I recall using to make the repair.  The throttle lever
> arm enters the inside of the binnacle housing and is located directly
> under the compass.  To get to the throttle linkage you must remove the
> compass. There are two screws that hold the collar around the compass at
> the light fixture.  Once the collar is removed you can access the 4
> compass mounting screws that also need to be removed so you can lift the
> compass from it's installed location.  The compass light fixture
> electrical power cord is routed around the lower section of the compass
> and was long enough that I could set the compass down on the port cockpit
> cushion with a towel situated around the perimeter of the compass so it
> wouldn't roll of the seat.
>
> The throttle linkage is clearly visible.  In our case there was a hex head
> set screw/bolt threaded into a collar around the throttle arm.  I loosened
> the bolt and the throttle re-seated itself in the full aft position.  I
> retightened the set screw/bolt making sure not to over tighten the set
> screw as the collar body is aluminum and over torquing the steel
> screw/bolt could strip the threads in the collar. It was recommended to
> use loctite as an added locking feature to prevent the problem from
> reoccurring.  Re-assemble in reverse order.
>
> The next time we went for a sail we found the throttle operated normally.
> I don't know if this will solve your problem but it may be worth the
> trouble shooting effort to try it first before attempting a more complex
> or expensive solution.
>
> Jack
> S/V Wetted Bliss
> #441
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com]On Behalf Of Scott
> Thompson
> Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 12:19 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] Edson pedestal throttle problem
>
>
> When I started Surprise's engine yesterday I noticed that she was idling
> rather fast.  When I tried moving the throttle lever it was stiffer than
> usual and the motion was rough and jerky as if something was hanging up.
> When I opened the engine cover it was clear that the throttle cable was
> not pushing the throttle lever on the engine all the way to its idle stop,
> explaining why the idle was fast.  (I was able to pull the lever on the
> engine to the full idle position manually, so the problem is definitely in
> the linkage, and not the engine itself.)  All connections at the engine
> end were tight so I assume that nothing slipped there.  Back on deck I
> disassembled the binnacle only to find that the push rod connecting to the
> throttle lever connects to something deep below the throttle lever itself.
>  This connection is not visible from above.
> I removed the cover from the steering pedestal mounting in the aft cabin
> and determined that the transition from throttle lever to red-jacketed
> push-pull cable is above decks, in the pedestal itself.  Does anyone know
> how I get access to that end of the cable?  Short of disassembling the
> entire steering system and binnacle/pedestal I hope.
>
> Is there a blow up diagram of the pedestal somewhere that might help me
> figure out what is going on?  Does anyone know the specific model number
> used by Catalina on a 1999 C320?
>
> I'm guessing that the mounting of the cable inside the pedestal has
> vibrated loose.  (Probably because of all the vibration I've been getting
> from my Gori two-blade folding prop, but that's another story.)
>
> Also, my recollection is that there was a thread on this list a few years
> ago about problems with the bolts securing the top of the binnacle siezing
> in the aluminum.  I have that problem with one of the bolts.  My
> recollection there was a fix involving replacement bolts of another
> material available from Edson, and this has been on my mental "to do" list
> for the last few years.  Does anyone have the specifics?
>
> Finally, the clamp ring on my compass would not tighten when I reinstalled
> it.  I think the threads are stripped on the little brass square that the
> bolt tightens into.  So I will need some replacement parts for this as
> well.  Does anyone know the model number for the compass?  I forgot to
> write this down when I had it apart.
>
> Scott Thompson
> Surprise, #653
>
>
>