[C320-list] Mast blocks reprise

[Chris Burti]

On Mon, Aug 17, 2009 at 12:45 PM, Martin Bayly <mbayly at telus.net> wrote:

> Can you clarify how the mast blocks are supposed to turn freely?  Did you
> mean the SS stud and nut are supposed to be able to turn together in the
> mast step, or that the SS stud must be able to turn in the threads of the
> nut?



Turn in the the threads...

>
>
> I checked mine this weekend and a couple of them were a bit tight so I
> unscrewed and greased etc.  But I couldn't see how the stud and nut could
> turn together once fitted.   Also if they could then I couldn't see how
> you'd be able to undo the stud.


Correct...

>
>
> So my assumption is that you are supposed to screw the stud into the nut
> then back it off a half turn or so to give it a bit of freedom to swivel?
> But that would seem like it's going to put pressure on the threads?
>

Pressure is on the threads when tight...just the opposite sides. A bigger
problem can come when they are over-tightened and result in galling.
Stainless steel is particularly prone to galling. Galling can be said to
be a form of welding and as such it is very undesirable on parts that need
to move and be removed.

>
> Anyway, thanks for the tip and for any additional input you can give.
>
> Cheers
> Martin
> Serendipity #1023
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Chris Burti
> Sent: August 9, 2009 5:44 AM
> To: 320
> Subject: [C320-list] Mast blocks reprise
>
> I was searching through some old emails and thought I would renew Jeff's
> wise admonition for the newer member on the list.
>
> See Below....
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Jeffrey Hare <Catalina at thehares.com>
> To: C320-List <c320-list at catalina320.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 10:37:27 PM
> Subject: [C320-list] Mast Step Blocks
>
> Hi All,
>
>  With a number of new owners on the list this year, and it's spring
> commissioning time for lots of us in the cooler climates, I figured it's
> time to re-broadcast the annual Mast Step Block maint. tip.
>
> Apologies for those who've heard this before.
>
> The blocks at the base of the mast have SS studs that screw into a SS nut
> that slides into a slot under the mast step.  Since the nut and the stud
> are
> Stainless, and the mast step is Aluminium, they are very subject to
> corrosion, especially in salt water.
>
>
> They need to be able to turn freely to keep from being bent under load.  I
> suggest you unscrew each block (counter clockwise of course),  coat the
> shaft of the stud and the threads with "TefGel" anti-sieze/anti-corrosion
> grease and reinstall them.  If they do corrode and freeze up, it could be a
> big job to correct.  After that, liberally spray the bearings of each block
> with "Sail Kote".  You shouldn't have to remove the lines  to do this, just
> have enough slack in them to allow the block to be twisted a half dozen
> times or so.
>
> -Jeff H.
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Chris Burti Farmville, NC
>
>
> http://www.Taglocity.com <http://www.taglocity.com/> Tags: Test1, Test2
>
>


-- 
Chris Burti Farmville, NC