[C320-list] Wheel-Rudder steering cables

[Bruce Heyman]

Jeff,
There really should not be any play in the cables and it is common for the
cables to stretch over time.  You have to inspect them and adjust them.  I
think officially Edison recommends you replace them once every five years.
However, before you adjust them I would recommend that you inspect the
sheaves in the aft cabin.  It is not unheard of them "sawing" right through
the sheave pins leading ultimately to steering failure.  
After inspecting them and lightly oiling them then it is a simple matter of
tightening up the cables.  When you take up on the adjusters you may change
the king spoke of the helm so you want to try to take up a little on both
adjuster.
Bruce
Somerset Dana Point CA
Bruce Heyman
(949) 289-8400
bruceheyman at cox.net

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Jeff Brown
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2013 2:22 PM
To: Catalina C320 List
Subject: [C320-list] Wheel-Rudder steering cables

I'm not quite sure of the technical term for this but need some advice on
the cables that connect the wheel to the rudder. I was running some new
instrument cables to the helm this weekend and I noticed there is a lot of
play in the steering cables, almost 1" of play and for the most part they
are almost rubbing the fiberglass wall between the back berth and the space
under the helm.  I see there are two adjustment screws to tighten up the
cables.  It's probably been like this since before we bought the boat two
years ago.  The amount of play in the cables is about the same no matter
what the position of the wheel and it just seems like there is too much play
in it although from the helm, I never noticed it.  So, does anyone know how
much play it should have, if any?  I have a video and some pics if anyone
wants to email me directly, I can send it.  Thanks for your help.

Jeff Brown
"Out of the blue" Dana Point, CA
Hull 78
oceanblues at mac.com