Auto pilot pump install

[whoover]

I'm finally installing my auto pilot and was looking at the plumbing instructions for the pump. I have the three line hynautic steering. I will be running new lines to the stern with refrigeration copper line. I plan to mount the pump in the engine room to keep electrical runs as short as possible to the breaker. My question is where to tee into the lines. The instructions say there is a check valve in the lines but the only valve I'm familiar with is the bleed valve at the stern near the ram . All guidance is appreciated. Also is it common to use high quality hydraulic hose for the short run from the pump to the tee's.

Thanks
Walt Hoover

 

[Boatsb]

What pump?

What setup and autopilot?

Did it not come with decent support instructions?

 

[whoover]

All raymarine equipment, type 3 pump, SPX 30 course computer. All 12 volt. Good instructions it's just that this check valve mentioned in the instructions has me stumped as I do not see it anywhere in my Hynautic drawings.

Thanks

 

[Boatsb]

That's a big pump for a 42.

And the rest will certainly not be too small either.

There's a valve in the steering system. Thats probably what they're referring to. Its a more involved ins they all than the current systems. And harder to integrate

 

[whoover]

The pump size is what was required for my steering ram size unless I measured the ram wrong. I had to use dimensions as there were no markings on the ram. From looking at the raymarine drawing I may have to relocate the pump or run a dedicated line from the relief valve to the pump. I was hoping I could keep the pump near the resevoir and tee the lines.

Thanks

 

[Boatsb]

Unless you have a different hynautic system from the others I've worked on the type II is usually more than large enough. In fact too big may cause problems.

Who designed the system and specified the items?

 

[whoover]

The steering system is all original hatteras 1973. All parts were chosen using raymmarine guide based on boats weight, steering system and length. Would not a larger pump work less?

Thanks

 

[Boatsb]

If you bought based on what you read on the internet go at it and have fun.

Its the usual lack of support, knowledge and experience.

Why take on a project you dont know about without having good support.

Autopilots are not plug and play.

 

[whoover]

Unfortunately I do not have the luxury of a lot of boat yards with full services so a lot of learning has to be done. The install has been going easy, connection to the steering system is the last step. I did not expect it to be plug and play but was thinking an experienced boater would have no issues. I can see more research will have to be done and I'm sure there will be a bit of trial and error along with a steep learning curve.

Thanks

 

[34Hatt]

When you install the pump put a set of valve in line at the pump makes for easy removal which then means you will never have to use them

If you leave them off you know you will land up having to remove the pump

 

[whoover]

34Hatt, great advice. Thanks. I will put valves on the parts list when getting the hoses.

Thanks

 

[sgharford]

I recently installed a Garmin GHP Autopilot last winter, which I happened to purchase from BoatsB (Thank You Sir). It took me about 24 man hours, plus time to source parts. I think it was about 60 NPT hose and barb fittings for the for the pump install alone and probably took the most time compared to hooking up the electrical side of it. It was a pretty big multi faceted job between getting everything sorted out electrically and hydraulically, hydraulics being something I never really messed with prior to this. The valves to isolate pump are great suggestion, do it now while you are in there. Below are some pictures from my install.

 

[sgharford]

Picture of Garmin GHP display

 

[Boatsb]

Come on Scott. Tell them how much the plumbing supplies cost. No one believes me what I tell them.

 

[sgharford]

I saved enough money buying the Garmin system from you I got the plumbing fittings for free and then some However, Parker was very proud of their hose and end fittings. If I remember correctly, the ends alone were $20 a piece and needed 8 of those.

 

[Boatsb]

I know that they also make the only hose and fitting that hynautic / teleflex approves.

I keep 6 or 8 in stock along with 20 foot of hose. Just the cost of doing business.

 

[whoover]

Thank you mister Harford, just what I was looking for. I especially appreciate the pic of the hose with the name so when I go the hydraulic shop I know what to specify. Not concerned about cost, its for the boat after all.

Thanks
Walt Hoover

 

[sgharford]

You're Welcome. I think Parker is the only one who makes steering hose. Note I believe you have too use the specific end fittings made for this hose by Parker, I would not use generic hose end fittings.

http://ph.parker.com/us/17573/en/marine-steering-fast-response-hose-msh

 

[whoover]

Mr. Harford,

Thank you for the link. Using the distributor locater I found a hydraulic shop close to my work where I can get the lines made up. I'll also be replacing the two short lines from the steering cylinder to the bleeder valve. The parker hose should be a upgrade from the hose that is there now, don't think its original but at least 20 years old.

 

[sgharford]

The hose ends aren't too bad to install yourself, but it does take some muscle and finesse. The hardest part is getting the end in that goes into hose. Oil the crap out of fitting that goes over hose and install. Then oil crap out of part that goes into hose and get thread started. Hold the outer part installed first with a wrench (vice would be ideal) and use an electric drill with socket on it to drive inner part in. I found an electric drill is smoother action then impact gun. Installing ends in field, you can cut the hose to exact lengths you need once you have T connections and pump installed.