WARNING Clark Pneumatic Mast & Freezing Weather
I hope this will help stop anyone having problems in the future!
I put up my mast several years ago, (see link) Building up the new Clark pneumatic mast
Because I keep the mast guyed and up permanently. I normally drain the water every few weeks.
This can be done using the 'Pressure relief/condensation drain valve' at the base of the mast.
Over this Christmas and new year I have not done this! Oops!!!
Now the weather has turned very cold -5'C last night. (Jan 2009) I noticed today that one of the guy wires had come away from it's wall fixing bolt. There are three steel guys on the mast, adjusted with 'turnbuckles'.
One end of the turnbuckle had snapped......(see Pic 1).
On inspecting the mast I noticed two of the sections were out more than normal. (see Pic. 2).
This had broken two of the securing screws that hold the 'clamp collar' in place. (see Pic 3).
I can only assume that any water in the mast has frozen, expanded and then pushed the sections apart. At the moment there is no water coming out of the 'Pressure relief/condensation drain valve'. also the mast will not retract because of this frozen water??
I have had to secure the broken guy wire for the moment with a strong section of polypropylene rope. Now hoping we do not have any strong winds until I can get the mast down and repair things.......
Pic 1. 
Pic 2. 
Pic 3. 