CTX shaft issues

[MrMikeJackie]

Over time the lower shaft no longer has a snug fit where it joins the upper shaft. I find the coil rotates sideways, and the shaft slides up. I guess some of the carbon fiber has worn away at the tightening point. I was told I could brush on some women's clear nail polish and it would help. Other than buying a new lower shaft, any suggestions? Thanks, Mike

 

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[cdv1]

Mike, it is a two fold problem. You are right, the shaft does in time wear down but in addition, the cam on the shaft clamp wears from use and grit on it....slowly wearing down. I've had my upper shaft replaced twice and the lower rod once. I first tried clear coating the lower shaft and that helped some but wore out quickly. I wish Minelab would come up with a repair kit for the cam (at a reasonable cost....ha ha).
Ultimately, after the warranty is done I plan on drilling and pinning (bolt) the shafts together.


Cliff

 

[MrMikeJackie]

Thanks Cliff, I appreciate the feedback.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

Darned interesting the things you learn here = something to look forward to....

Mike & Cliff, how long have been using your CTX's?

 

[cdv1]

Darned interesting the things you learn here = something to look forward to....

Mike & Cliff, how long have been using your CTX's?

Just over 2 years of 5-6 days a week use at the beach and in the water when it wasn't in being repaired.

Cliff

 

[MrMikeJackie]

Darned interesting the things you learn here = something to look forward to....

Mike & Cliff, how long have been using your CTX's?

About a year now, 5-6 says a week, beach and dirt. I purchased the machine used in brand new condition. Mine isn't that bad but I can see it getting worse.

 

[MrMikeJackie]

I kinda think it's my fault however. For me the lower shaft is just a little too short, so I find myself putting a lot of force rotating the shaft at the end of its extension trying to get a little more length(stop laughing, it's not funny) That's right where the clamp stop puts pressure on the shaft to keep it tight. I might look into getting the lower shaft from the new GPZ 7000 as I'm told it's longer. I'll have to check it out.

 

[Mach1Pilot]

I know this is obvious, but if its under warranty Minelab will fix that up.... if the wear is on the lower shaft, not much can be done beside replace the shaft. However I'd think that the camlock could be replaced and fix up your issue.

As for the GPZ shaft.... it is quite a bit longer but I'd think there are two issues. One is the coil wire is probably not long enough to reach to use it on the CTX. Secondly the connection of the shaft at the bottom is signifigantly different so it may not bolt to the coil? I will have to compare them and see if its possible...

 

[MrMikeJackie]

Yes please let me know. I appreciate it.

 

[Mach1Pilot]

Ok, here are a few pictures. You can see how much longer the GPZ rod is as compared to the rod for the CTX 3030 and also how much different the end is on the GPZ as compared to the CTX where the coil bolts up. It would be a tough fit... I suppose you could make the coil bolt up but the cord would require a lot of stretching... Not so sure that would be a good idea with a several hundred dollar coil.

 

[MrMikeJackie]

Hey Keith man thanks for that. I appreciate the time you took to check. Yea I don't think I would want to stretch the coil that much either. I'll see how bad it gets and maybe just send it in. Thanks again, Mike

 

[cudamark]

Has anyone tried fiberglass resin to build up the shaft?

 

[cudamark]

Or maybe epoxy?

 

[jyt2017]

Mike, it is a two fold problem. You are right, the shaft does in time wear down but in addition, the cam on the shaft clamp wears from use and grit on it....slowly wearing down. I've had my upper shaft replaced twice and the lower rod once. I first tried clear coating the lower shaft and that helped some but wore out quickly. I wish Minelab would come up with a repair kit for the cam (at a reasonable cost....ha ha).
Ultimately, after the warranty is done I plan on drilling and pinning (bolt) the shafts together.


Cliff

Never had this problem. I take it apart and rinse thoroughly after every use. Not much wear from grit that way. My machine is still under a year old but used heavily. Hh Gl-Joe

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I know this is obvious, but if its under warranty Minelab will fix that up.... if the wear is on the lower shaft, not much can be done beside replace the shaft. However I'd think that the camlock could be replaced and fix up your issue.

As for the GPZ shaft.... it is quite a bit longer but I'd think there are two issues. One is the coil wire is probably not long enough to reach to use it on the CTX. Secondly the connection of the shaft at the bottom is signifigantly different so it may not bolt to the coil? I will have to compare them and see if its possible...

FBD is correct, if it is under warranty send it to Kellyco to get it fixed.

FYI if you drill the shaft remember it is carbon fiber, both upper and lower shafts will start splitting and shattering and you will need to replace both shafts......

I have contacts with Minelab, I am checking on the pressure block clips for the cam locks to see if they can be purchased individually and how much. I will post when I find out

 

[frogmaster-riviera]

I received 2 months ago a complete replacement (exchange) of my CTX. Probably get the latest version and shaft locking as been reinforced. Compared to the first CTX it should last longer, even if used with the CTX17 coil.

 

[Mach1Pilot]

I have contacts with Minelab, I am checking on the pressure block clips for the cam locks to see if they can be purchased individually and how much. I will post when I find out

I've tried getting lock cams for a customer's Etrac without success.... But that was doing with the main service center in Chicago. Not sure if your Kellyco Minelab service center will release a few In my experience they want it sent in and take care of it in house.

On another note, in the case of the Etrac, it's easy to add a shim to hold it tight to get you through the season. Given the curve of the CTX shaft, it may be tougher but I bet it would work there too. I've not tried it, but perhaps something can be slid in there to tighten up the shaft a bit.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I've tried getting lock cams for a customer's Etrac without success.... But that was doing with the main service center in Chicago. Not sure if your Kellyco Minelab service center will release a few In my experience they want it sent in and take care of it in house.

On another note, in the case of the Etrac, it's easy to add a shim to hold it tight to get you through the season. Given the curve of the CTX shaft, it may be tougher but I bet it would work there too. I've not tried it, but perhaps something can be slid in there to tighten up the shaft a bit.

I think I can get them, waiting to hear back. I have resource contacts within..... I will check on the ETrac tomorrow.....

 

[MrMikeJackie]

What can I say, the best forum on the net!!!

 

[cdv1]

On another note, in the case of the Etrac, it's easy to add a shim to hold it tight to get you through the season. Given the curve of the CTX shaft, it may be tougher but I bet it would work there too. I've not tried it, but perhaps something can be slid in there to tighten up the shaft a bit.

Any thin plastic can be used as a temporary shim to get you through the season, I've done it to get by for a few months. You only need a few mils of thickness....to make up for the worn off plastic of the cam and/or clear coat on the CF.

Would be interested in replacements IF available!

Cliff