Warranty issue warning

[jas415]

I have a wear issue on the main shaft where the handle part connect to the shaft. I have had the machine at the beach 3 times in 2 years, and in the salt water only once and never had that area submerged. I took out the 7 or 8 screws to open up the shaft holder to see if I could maybe wrap some tape or put something in there to lessen the wear problem. I emailed the repair center in Chicago and was told that there is a part to put there that either stops the wear or lessen it. Was also told that 'technically' taking out the screws was 'disassembling the machine' and 'technically voided the warranty'! Darin said he would ignore that and send me the parts or I could send the machine in.

So, beware. Also, I wonder if the wear that already exists will be a factor with the 17" could I am getting. You can see in the pics that the main shaft has about a 1/16" deep wear areas on several places on the main shaft. I wonder if the shaft should be replaced now under warranty and install the new rubber parts to protect that area?

 

[McClod]

Thanks for posting this info jas415. My lower rod, the upper end of it, the part that has the lug that must be turned 45 degrees when inserting it into the upper rod has worn to the point that lug is no longer there and the top of the lower rod is shredded and I've never once had mine at the beach or in sand. I know this is a different issue but it's good to know what not to do with regards to trying to take anything apart and run the risk of voiding the warranty. I need to contact Minelab about mine as well, it is starting to slip when detecting, and with the 17 inch coil on it is even more pronounced. I noticed the lug part of the lower rod was worn off by the 6 month point on my machine, considering I cleaned it every time I take it out and wipe it down, on the outside, I was surprised as heck to see this wear, I only noticed it after purchasing the 17 inch coil when I went to put the larger new 17 on.

 

[nagov]

I'm wondering if the parts to put in there to stop or slow the wear are new.... I had my upper shaft replaced two months ago and already have wear showing on the new one....apparently either the parts weren't available when I sent mine in two months ago OR they didn't do the job they think it should.
I use the CTX in the saltwater at least 5 times a week.

Cliff

 

[jas415]

I was told that if I sent it in they would put a new upper shaft and new handle clamp plastics on the machine. The rubber 'gasket' cannot be installed in a new machine or in one that has no wear as it will not properly close around the shaft with the 'gasket' in there. The only logical solution to the wear points is to lessen the leverage there by making the mating areas larger. Instead of the 1/4" surface area of the edges of the handle housing mated against the main shaft it needs to be like a 1" surface area mated against the shaft.

Nagov, Darin also suggested I take some silicon caulk and run a bead all around the areas where dirt, grit, sand, can get under the clamp along the main shaft. That might be a great extra bit of protection for the beach guys to keep sand out of the places where the plastic meets the main shaft. I cant say for sure but I think mine is wearing there not because of sand or dirt, but because I unintentionally put my weight to some degree on it to balance myself when I dig a target with the small 'floral' shovel I use on demolition lots. Sort of stabilizes me as I use the left hand and right foot to cut the plugs.

 

[nagov]

I was told that if I sent it in they would put a new upper shaft and new handle clamp plastics on the machine. The rubber 'gasket' cannot be installed in a new machine or in one that has no wear as it will not properly close around the shaft with the 'gasket' in there. The only logical solution to the wear points is to lessen the leverage there by making the mating areas larger. Instead of the 1/4" surface area of the edges of the handle housing mated against the main shaft it needs to be like a 1" surface area mated against the shaft.

Nagov, Darin also suggested I take some silicon caulk and run a bead all around the areas where dirt, grit, sand, can get under the clamp along the main shaft. That might be a great extra bit of protection for the beach guys to keep sand out of the places where the plastic meets the main shaft. I cant say for sure but I think mine is wearing there not because of sand or dirt, but because I unintentionally put my weight to some degree on it to balance myself when I dig a target with the small 'floral' shovel I use on demolition lots. Sort of stabilizes me as I use the left hand and right foot to cut the plugs.

When I sent it in last, Darin suggested the silicone caulk to me to so that was the first thing I did, applying to all the possible entrance ways for sand.... needless to say, it didn't work. As a matter of fact, the silicone started coming off shortly after from the constant, normal torqueing of the shaft / hand grip from using it in the water. I really don't want to send it in now, peak season is here.
Sounds like they need to re-tool and make a permanent fix since it sounds like the gaskets are just a fix for worn upper shafts.
Thanks for the info!

Cliff

 

[Crusty]

Strange that they would tell you that just removing those screws could void the warrenty.......yet they are willing to send you that part to put in place yourself. Screws need to be removed to install that part so technically going by their annalogy you could be voiding the warrent by doing the work yourself. Doesn't make sence.

Dave

 

[jerseyjim]

Send it back, let them deal with it.

 

[jas415]

Got the form ffitted 2-piece rubber cushion/grommet in today and it took about 20 minutes to install them. Would have been a lot quicker if one of the 9 tork screws had not decided to strip out. I 'Southern Engineered" that and finally got it out. After figuring out the wire from the screen going down inside the hand grip area to the main shaft and then to the battery/head unit area, had to be pulled out a bit from the recess in the handle, then insert the rubber cushion, then put the wire back in the groove in the inner part of the cushion, then clamp it together. Fit exceptionally well! Tight, and absolutely no looseness in the area now. Totally pleased.

Now to train myself to not use it a a stabilizer while cutting plugs.

 

[nagov]

Good to hear, keep us up to date on future wear issues now that the grommet has been installed.

Cliff