T&T: New Autopilot for 1990 Marine Trader 36 sundeck

[Truelove39 at aol.com]

Hi-
 
Likely it it just the brushes in the motor wore out. They are replaceable  
but it's likely too much damage has been caused now to warrant simply replacing  
them.
 
Replace the motor or the whole pump. If you aren't comfortable with  
hydraulics, have it done by a reputable dealer. Ask Simrad for a recommendation.  They 
have a free help line. (800) 426-5565.They will also answer your questions  
re: component interchange.
 
If you want to replace the whole thing, be sure to sell the other  components 
on eBay. If you have the AP300X model you should be able to get quite  a bit 
for it (I got $400. for mine). They are in heavy demand as  replacement units 
and none available from Simrad. Sailboaters want  them badly as the new 
control heads are not compatible - the the  AP-300X heads also are not very 
waterproof, which is why they fail on  sailboats. Be sure to state in your ad that 
yours were not out in the  weather if true. If you are sure that the J300X is 
okay, sell that too. If you  are not sure send it to Simrad to be checked ($75. 
as I recall) and then you can  say you did so in the ad. Worth it IMO.
 
I replaced mine last year with a model that has the AP26 head. All new  
packages come with the rate compass now - a nice improvement. The new J300X box  wi
ll accept analog input from your old compass as well as from the new  one. I 
installed the new one and wired the old one in too as a backup. 
 
No connection - just a happy customer.
 
Regards,
 
John
"Seahorse"
 
 

Need to replace original Simrad AP (doesn't work and smoke comes out of  pump
until it blows fuse.)
1. Brands, models to look at?
2. Current AP  has 2 sending stations, junction box, fluxgate compass and pump
.  Do  all components get replaced?
3.  Is it a DIY job or??
Bob Siegel  Annapolis





**************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family 
favorites at AOL Food.      
(http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)