ASDASC wrote:
I would love to see the new vs old. My H16 is a fairly original '79, and am guessing it is the old style. It really doesn't like to move. I was planning to lube it up good before going out again, as last weekend I realized that my standard operating procedure during a tack was to kick (with my foot) the traveler from one side to the other as needed.
Steve, by 1979, the old-style traveler had been replaced with the new.
The old style was really, really bad. It was essentially a flat piece of stainless steel plate that fit into the track. No rollers - the only "bearing" was a thin piece of PFTE (same material and thickness as mast bearing chips) that lasted about two seconds before it disintegrated.
The problem with your traveler is probably bent wheel axles and/or a gouged up track. You can replace the lower unit of the traveler and that will take care of the wheels. But if the track is damaged, you'll need to replace it. If that's the case, get the new, deep-profile track that will accept the newest lower unit with the brass wheels.