Steering Mystery

[Freestyle]

When I shift from the flybridge of my 1976 DC the lower helm is sometimes unresponsive until I spin it all the way to the left or the right at which time it "carches" and then works fine even in rough seas for a prolonged time. It did not do this until recently. It will also behave this way at the lower helm after sitting for a few days. The upper helm responds all of the time and the auto pilot picks up immediately too.

When Hurricane Frances shoved my flybridge into the roof of my slip the steering wheel in the upper helm pressed against the roof for a few minutes before the storm surge retreated. Some hydraulic fluid leaked there at that time. I have seen no other leaks and the cylendar in the engine room is holding at 39 psi with about an inch of fluid in the site glass.

All thoughts will be appreciated.

 

[Genesis]

Your fluid is low and you're probably sucking up air - the reservoir should be 1/2-2/3rds full.

 

[Nonchalant1]

Sounds like air in the lower helm pump. There's a bleed process to get all the air out. You have to bleed both stations in sequence. It's in the owners manual stuff available on-line, I believe.

Doug

 

[ADaily3224]

I had a similar problem. I tried more fluid, pressurized the system at the holding canister, rotated the wheel, and followed the beading instructions using the manual. It would work fine for a while and then let loose at the most inopportune time. I removed the upper helm pump and sent it back to Hynautic for a rebuild. It came back just like a brand new pump, worked perfectly, and never acted up again. You may have internal damage and fluid is leaking past some of the valves and seals.

 

[mike]

How much did Hynautic charge for the rebuild? Do you have a contact name and number? Thanks, Mike

 

[Walter P]

I also have a problem with my steering... It works and has the added benefit of building muscles on your arms. The fluid level seems ok and the air pressure is set at about 20 lbs. I can't understand why it's so hard to steer especially since it's a single station set up. My boat is a 1982 48 MY w. 6/92's. If anyone has had this problem please let me know the remedy... Thanks.... Walt

 

[Genesis]

What oil is in it? If its red (transmission fluid) that's a possible cause - change it out for the thinner Hynautic fluid (you won't like the cost though!)

 

[jim rosenthal]

There is an aircraft hydraulic fluid that will work well in Hynautic systems, I think made by Shell, and Hynautic can give you the spec. You can get it at airports. Also I think SeaStars fluid works fine and that is sold through marine suppliers.

 

[Maynard Rupp]

All of us old aircraft mechanics know this stuff well. Some think we drink it. It is simply called "MIL5606". The can I have is from Texaco, but I am sure Shell m,akes it also. Just ask for 5606. It is in a bright red can. Great stuff.

 

[Trojan]

I also have a steering problem. When I turn the wheel you feel a slow pulsing type drag on the wheel. The boat turns ok but the drag is there. I expect the feel to be smooth and without the heavy or stiff drag. I thought it may be caused from sitting so long (2.5 years) and it might smooth out with use. What do you think. Bill

 

[SKYCHENEY]

My steering worked great until I tightened my rudder packings that were leaking. Apparently I tightened them a little too much. Oops, had to back them off a bit. Maybe you need to check your packings.

 

[ADaily3224]

Answer from my earlier post.

I don't remember what it cost to rebuild my pump but it wasn't bad. I looked inside and decided there were too many little parts for me to work with.
http://www.hynautic.com/
On the hard turning, the fluid could be either too heavy, the wrong kind, or very cold. The rudders could be binding too. It's unlikely it's the pump, but I guess it could be.

As I recall the turn around time was good and I capped the lines on the upper helm so I could still steer.
Tony D