Krueger mark II Backstay adjuster maintenance
Hi Lars and everybody,

Pippus after 2 months continuing cruises, has the Mark 2 hydro tensioner leaking from the pump axle. Probably after our recent threads on what tension giving to the adjuster I have used it more than in the past.
In fact in the last half year cruising I have tensioned it up to 4000/4500 lbs. (as suggested with you) before each cruise and when moored I decreased to a lower charge of 2000 lbs. in order not to give too strength to the whole boat (is it right?)

I have red in a 2011 threads about the same problem in a 57, that you suggested to refer to an American company able to renew the Krueger.
Do you have some address in Europe too?

Many thanks

Alberto
Pippus 44-011

Dear Alberto
It would be advisable not to keep the full backstay tension when carrying a spinnaker off the wind in broaching conditions, because the high compression in the long top mast above the upper shrouds may make the top unstable sideways.
It is appropriate to reduce the tension in harbour, and you may go to lower numbers, 500 would be fine.
The USA company suggested for Krueger service had a connection to the original manufacturer.
In Europe there are no such companies, but very skilled service is available at www.sector.fi
Kind regards
Lars

Many thanks Lars, you are a living Encyclopedia !
;)

Alberto
Pippus 44-011

Hi, Alberto,

You should be able to service your Kreuger backstay tensioner yourself with off-the-shelf O-rings & seals. I have done ours on our Swan 44 a few times in the last 20 years. Once you open the unit carefully (there is a tiny spring in the bottom), it is pretty obvious. I tend to do ours in a bucket to contain the oil. Just be sure to orient the body exactly the same during reassembly. I have attached a list of seals I got from Mr. Kreuger many years ago before he retired but understand the drawing is NOT to scale. I hope this helps.

Kreuger Backstay Seals

Thanks Candy for your suggestions.

But where is it still possible to find those seals man o-ring?

Bst Rgrds

Alberto

Dear Alberto,

Candy kindly sent me a high definition file of the above drawing and I have uploaded it in the Maintenance section

Fair winds!

matteo (38/067 Only You)

Thanks, Matteo!
Jyrki

Hi, Alberto. Since the O-rings & seals are standard items, the part numbers are for Parker seals, not a Kreuger part number. Any good shop that carries this type of thing should be able to cross-reference for an equivalent part that meets spec if they don't carry Parker. I see Matteo has uploaded the better image I sent him so if you can print it out & take it to a shop, they should have no problem.