[C320-list] Fwd: Wheel Steering Safety Notice

[tharrison at innovations-plus.com]

Thanks Doug 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 24, 2015, at 10:42 AM, Doug Treff <doug at treff.us> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> OK - I decided to go straight to the horse's mouth on this one. These
> are Edson parts, so I thought a call to them was in order. I spoke with
> "Ed" in technical support and here is what he told me: 
> 
> "It is NOT a dissimilar metals issue. These parts are known to last 30
> years or more in a properly cared for system. What is happening in some
> cases is that water sometimes gets into the pedestal from above (around
> the compass, etc) and drips down onto the steel plate in question. Over
> time, especially in a salt water environment, the plate will rust and
> weaken, resulting in a failure condition if it is allowed to progress
> too far. Edson recommends regular inspection of the entire system and
> this plate is one of the inspection items. The inspection checklist
> actually calls for replacement of this plate if rust or corrosion is
> detected." 
> 
> I asked Ed, in particular, what should we be looking for with this
> issue? His response: 
> 
> "Carefully inspect the idler pulley plate from below and look for flecks
> of rust on the bottom of the plate. Also look for rust particles that
> may have collected inside the removable inspection cover. If you have a
> small mirror and a flashlight, it may be possible (depending on the way
> the system was installed) to get a peek at the top surface of the plate
> as well. If you find any corrosion or rust on this plate, then the
> replacement part would be recommended as soon as possible." 
> 
> Additionally, Ed emailed me an Edson publication titled "Sailboat
> Steering Inspection" which I have uploaded to the association site at:
> http://www.catalina320.com/filemgmt_data/files/EB372SteeringInspection.pdf
> This inspection should be carried out annually. 
> 
> Furthermore, Ed said that if any of you have additional questions, to
> feel free to contact Edson tech support at (508) 995-9711 and they will
> be glad to help. 
> 
> I hope this calms some fears and clears up any misinformation that may
> be out there... 
> 
> ---
> Doug Treff
> doug at treff.us
> 
>