[TowerTalk] T2X Tail Twister rotator freezes in place below 32 degrees ?

[Mike Reublin NF4L]

Don't forget the MOST important piece of rebuild equipment, a shallow cardboard box to catch the ball bearings that will fall out when you crack apart the 2 halves of the housing.

73, Mike NF4L

On Jul 21, 2014, at 2:37 PM, Dick <k8ztt at centurylink.net> wrote:

> Gary,
> 
> If your rotor has been up that many years, it is long due a complete
> overhaul!  I would suggest you take it off the tower, tear it down and
> completely clean out the old grease (that is most likely causing your
> problem).  While you have it in pieces, check out the gears for any damage,
> the brake housing for any damage, and check the top bell housing where the
> 500 ohm pot "tit" fits into the top of the housing.
> 
> I would bet the catch (holds the tit in place) is worn through, and you
> might need a new bell housing.  Also, I would replace the 500 ohm pot.
> While you are doing all this, it would be worth your while to replace the 8
> screw wire connector on the bottom with a new quick disconnect one
> (http://www.rotor-parts.com/catalogue/oscommerce-2.3.3.1/catalog/product_inf
> o.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=43).
> 
> I have been using Ham "X" rotors and Tailtwisters for more years than I care
> to remember;  at my present QTH I am using four Tailtwisters and one Ham IV.
> Ever since "day 1", Whenever I do tower or antenna maintenance, I
> automatically tear down and rebuilt the rotor.  A few months ago I rebuilt a
> Ham III for a guy that was so clogged up with grease, it would hardly turn
> (I use about a tablespoon of grease to do a whole rotor).  When you put the
> gears back together, it would be a good idea to have a few spare shims to
> space the gears.  The rotors are mass produced and the tolerances are on the
> very "liberal".  Spending about 30 or 40 minutes "playing with" the spacing
> and shimming will result in considerable less play (and wear) with the
> gears.   A good place for parts is http://www.rotor-parts.com (which is
> where I gave you the specific link to the quick disconnect above).
> 
> Have fun with the fixing the rotor; not hard to do, and well worth the
> effort!
> 
> Dick, K8ZTT
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Gary
> Marks
> Sent: Monday, July 21, 2014 10:32 AM
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: [TowerTalk] T2X Tail Twister rotator freezes in place below 32
> degrees ?
> 
> My Tail Twister rotator freezes below 32 degrees but this rotator has been
> up for 30-years and it just started freezing in place last Winter. The parts
> breakdown does not show a seal that could be leaking due to wear and age. I
> do not know if there is a moisture drain hole in the housing of this rotator
> that could get plugged. 
> 
> Any suggestions on what the problem might be ? I can't be the first to
> experience this problem and yes I did check the archives.
> 
> THANKS ahead of time for your help.
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