Ratcheting Top Cover Problem and resolution

[tommygun2000]

I found that my top cover was not catching the way it did when new. the problem I found was the pawl binding on its toothed end. It also was not rocking far enough out to engage the teeth on the cover reliably.

Solution: I could see where the toothed end of the pawl was rubbing and binding, so I ground a very small amount of material off the backside end of the toothed end of the pawl. Maybe a few thousandths, then buffed it on a wire wheel.

Then, I ground a slight amount off the back end of the pawl, opposite the toothed end so the pawl see sawed more and projected the tooth further outward to the teeth on the cover.

I buffed this surface also to remove any burrs.

Then cleaned the entire assembly with Breakfree and wiped it clean with a clean cloth.

Reassembled the mechanism and it worked great.
This mechanism must be kept clean, lubed and grit free to work properly.

 

[KarlPMann]

Yes, I agree. Fitting, and then maintanence is necessary to keep the ratchet working properly. Another helpful thing to do is to add the bolt safety. Karl.