Hydraulic steering pump question

[billwilletts]

I am scheduled to move my boat to a yard for haul out and I just noticed last night my upper helm is leaking oil from the front seal. If I were to remove the upper helm can you still operate the hynautic system from the lower helm? I don't have time to send it off or rebuild it in a week and a half!

 

[rustybucket]

You happen to know which model you have?

Some of the units have o-rings that are very prone to leaking and very easy to change in-place.

 

[krush]

Is it weeping or pouring out?

They usually just weep out, but are still usable. Use it or the lower station to get to the yard, and fix it there.

 

[Scarlett]

I agree with Krush, they can weep and even leak enough to run down the front of the helm and will still work just fine. Usually just the seal as mentioned. John

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

You might even want to reduce the air pressure in the reservoir to slow the leak. #5 out to be plenty to ensure fluid to the lower helm.

 

[Briankinley2004]

If you remove it at the very least you would need to cap the lines so fluid didnt squirt out every time you turned. If its plumbed where it needs to be connected just buy the proper flare coupling to connect the two lines.

 

[billwilletts]

Guys I guess what I am asking is this - can I remove the upper helm, cap it and still use the lower helm?

My pressure has dropped half as a result. Today I am going to work the helm at the lower pressure and see if it works. I would rather just remove it and get it rebuilt and still use the lower. Its a H40 model.

Thanks

 

[carolinacoast]

remove it, cap it, send it off. I've done that. They yard likely is not familiar and no need to spend 10x on that repair.
Bleeding takes some time when it comes back.

Check if Gary is still doing this. Factory repair guy. MARINE CONTROL SYSTEMS INC. 76 May Apple Lane, Franklin, NC 28734. Phone: 828-508-4201 Gary Sorenson

 

[krush]

Yes, you can remove the lines and cap it. But let all the air pressure off the system before you disconnect the lines.

You haven't told us how long you will be in the yard, but if it is going to be a while, you can get it on the hard, remove both helms for rebuild (the other may be right behind it) and not worry about caps.

 

[billwilletts]

I'll be out for a week. Taking it off this morning. Gary is going to give me a quick turnaround so I should be ok. Have to get a puller to get the wheel off!

 

[Boatsb]

Loosen the wheel but.

Each it with a rubber smaller while someone pulls it off.