[frers-list]re: Removal of fuel tank and pedestal

[frers-list@lists.frers33.com]

Rod:

I had some engine issues this spring (the engine would not rev to full =
RMP) and the yard diagnosed dirty fuel and drained and refilled my tank =
in place. This seemed to work fine. No further problems this season.=20

As to the pedestal it seems like it would be easy enough to disconnect =
the steering cables from the quadrant and engine control cables on top =
and unbolt it. I've had to disconnect both sets of cables in the past. =
While you are working on it, be sure to inspect the rudder stops which =
are also bolted into the cockpit sole. Mine were too built too lightly, =
bent and ultimately allowed the rudder to turn past the intended =
stopping point. This led to an abrupt full loss of steering when the =
control cable broke inside the pedestal where the cable meets the drive =
chain because it was being over-flexed at the swage. I can explain in =
more detail why and how this happened if anyone is curious, but bottom =
line is make sure your rudder stop has not bent, and still correctly =
engages the quadrant to stop the rudder. Also be sure you correctly =
re-install the rudder so that the drive cable centered when the rudder =
is straight or you could have the same over-flex issue on one side, even =
if the rudder stop functioning properly.=20

Out of curiosity, is there a piece of plywood glassed in under the =
cockpit sole as reinforcement for the pedestal on Equinox as there is on =
Pachyderm - or is this something that was added later, just on =
Pachyderm?

Edgar Smith/Pachyderm=