rudder cam question from new owner of '79 H16

Hello all -
I am refurbishing a '79 16 and have some questions in regards to the rudder cam(s) (even after reading previous posts):

1. The cams seems to be "locked" and do not move. Am I correct in that they are supposed to move, and the pin on the upper casting is supposed to engage the cam when the rudder is in the down and fully locked position? Should I be able to move the cams manually once I press down on the cam and therefore depress the plunger?

2. When the rudder hits something or I pull on the tiller arm are the rudders supposed to disengage and swing into the up position (thus implying that the cam is rotating and "releasing" from the upper casting?

3. If the cams are stuck, I have read Matt Miller's posting on FAQs on how to release the cam. How can I prevent this from happening again other than ensuring that the area where the plunger meets the lower part of the cam is lubricated?

Any suggestions/information would be greatly appreciated. I have not had a '16 before and have moved up from a Wave.

Thanks in advance.

Mitch

Pushing down on the cam will not push the plunger down. You may be able to get a flat blade screwdriver between the cam and the plunger and depress it enough to move the cam. The cams are usually riveted in but when a cam is replaced the rivet is drilled out and a special screw used in its place. If your boat is a '79, the cams have probably been replaced and you can take out the screw, remove the cam. Then you can clean a lubricate the plunger. If it were me I would replace the cams at that time.

When the rudder hits something, like the bottom near shore, the cam does rotate and let the rudder swing back and up. There are specifications for the force required and the plunger spring is adjustable. There are threads in this forum that give more details. I have never adjusted the plungers on my '85 (I bought it new) but have lubricated them and they work fine. I have replaced the cams more than once.

If the cam is locked but the rudder is not down, I have hooked my main sheet around the cam and pulled it to the up or unlocked position. It can be done out on the water if necessary.

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Howard