Edson Rack and Pinion Steering - Older IPs

Hello all,

I have a fairly simple question - the Edson Rack and Pinion steering I have under the helm seat of my IP38 needs to be adjusted. I have almost a 1/8th turn of play in my helm before the teeth in the Pinion gear engage the teeth on the rack gear teeth. I'm concerned that this will become overly annoying in time, and more importantly, lead to unwanted wear on the gear teeth.

Question is - can I simply loosen the solid broze rack and lower it on the rudder shaft to more tightly engage the pinion gear? Or should I have my helm shaft bearing shimmed to "raise" the pinion to engage the rack in order to tighten this up?

Or...really, does someone else have this same issue and can attest that my concerns are unfounded?

Thanks in advance.

I don't have the answer but I do have a suggestion. In the past I have worked with the Edson people in doing a complete tiller to wheel conversion on one of our Catalinas. They are a serious wealth of information and have excellent customer service. I would go to Edsonmarine.com and contact their tech support folks. In fact, I just looked at the website, they have an FAQ for your question, the answer is to contact tech support.

Craig

Skipper I have the same system and the rack can be lowered on the rudder post . However there is a cam that rides on the top of the rack that is adjustable. This holds the rack down on the pinion and should be adjusted so that there is free movement through the range of movement (lock to lock) of the wheel. There is a lock nut on this adjustment. Lube the top of the rack for this cam to ride on
This might be just the time to take it apart clean out the old and hardened grease re lube and adjust, there should be a slight amount of play in the wheel, and the rack gear should be held down , not allowing it to move up away from the pinion gear. Truly hope this is helpful.
Fair winds
Thor

I just purchased a 1988 IP 38 and am interested in thoughts on how hard it should be to turn the steering wheel. In some areas I have read fingertip control. My wheel feels as if the wheel brake is on, it isn't. Any thoughts, suggestions, reference material? Thank you

mike cook.
is your pinion adjusted down to far on the rack/ quadrant?
You need some play between the gears, or they will bind- seems like the case
back off the adjustment nut , or pull up the entire clamp on the rudder shaft a little would work.

Alternately, do you have a rotary chain drive autopilot? if so, it could be ceased chain- lube it up…
Ed