Operating the Wheel Steering Disconnect on LM30

[baltics2]

Can someone tell me how to operate the wheel steering disconnect on my LM30?

At the quadrant end, I can see that there is a spring loaded lever with a stainless wire attached which runs through a brass tube through the underfloor in the direction of the helm position. I assume that it connects to the handle to the left of the switchboard (and which I had initially assumed was a fire extinguisher pull)

But how do you actually operate it?  Does it pull? Does it twist? Does it screw in? Or what?  I'm reluctant to mess about with it lest I cause some damage (or in fact activate the fire extinguisher)

Much appreciated

Alec

[baltics2]

I spent some more time looking at the teleflex disconnection mechanism on the steering quadrant and confirmed that it was moving properly. The wire connection with the operating handle appears to be completely seized however. As a temporary solution, I have installed an auxiliary comprising a length of dyneema tied to the spring-loaded lever on the release mechanism and a roller clam cleat. It works well, but it is a bit inconvenient to have to climb under the cockpit table to operate. Nevertheless it was very enjoyable to be able to sail the boat with the intended weight on the tiller while we were out last week.

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