Check the nuts on the cockpit deck access plate to the bronze rudder post fitting w/zerk.
The four Phillps-head bolts of the deck access plate are actually what holds the upper rudder post fitting in place (i.e., much more than just an "access plate").
I'm installing a new water heater and just this afternoon noticed mine are loose again (!). I've tightened them four times in the past year.
Not to beat this to death, since it may not even be your issue, but the problem is that the Phillips-head bolts (machine screws?) cannot be held against a strong tightening torque on the nuts under the deck. Access below is difficult. The nuts and lock washers there are bathed in grease, which defeats Nylon insert nuts. Locktite, no dice either. The upper rudder post fitting bears all the strain of the rudder post while constantly rotating, plus the vibration of the diesel, plus getting so hot in the sun you can't step on it barefoot. Somehow the nuts manage to come loose.
I may go to regular hex head bolts, no fun to stand on, just to be able to tighten the nuts.
OK, over and out, I promise. But a ridiculous recurring small problem on my model, or boat.
Oh yeah, and its easy to install a new lower Zerk. I think getting grease down there is important.
The four Phillps-head bolts of the deck access plate are actually what holds the upper rudder post fitting in place (i.e., much more than just an "access plate").
I'm installing a new water heater and just this afternoon noticed mine are loose again (!). I've tightened them four times in the past year.
Not to beat this to death, since it may not even be your issue, but the problem is that the Phillips-head bolts (machine screws?) cannot be held against a strong tightening torque on the nuts under the deck. Access below is difficult. The nuts and lock washers there are bathed in grease, which defeats Nylon insert nuts. Locktite, no dice either. The upper rudder post fitting bears all the strain of the rudder post while constantly rotating, plus the vibration of the diesel, plus getting so hot in the sun you can't step on it barefoot. Somehow the nuts manage to come loose.
I may go to regular hex head bolts, no fun to stand on, just to be able to tighten the nuts.
OK, over and out, I promise. But a ridiculous recurring small problem on my model, or boat.
Oh yeah, and its easy to install a new lower Zerk. I think getting grease down there is important.
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