Hydraulic Steering Issue

[Scuda11]

Hi guys, took the boat for a little shakedown today on the lake. This is my first Hydraulic steering system so I have a question. Seastar HH5271 helm, HC 5347 Cylinder.<br /><br />There seemed like allot of play when I was steering straight, to the point of when I trimmed up or down, the boat steered left or right on its own a little. Steered smooth through the rest, but even when I was going slow, steering from dead ahead to the right or left was about 2 complete turns! I am pretty sure this is NOT normal. The guys who helped me put it in said he bled it, but does it sound like there is still air in the line?<br /><br />If so, how can I remove it (the air), like I said I never had it before. Day ended with a dead battery, tied off to some guys dock on the lake! Not a great first day <br /><br />Thanks guys!

 

[Omega-1]

Re: Hydraulic Steering Issue

Scuda11,<br />From your description of your steering problem you probably have air in the line. If you have one engine and one hydraulic cylinder, you can find the bleeding prodecure on the website of the manufacturer of the steering cylinder. Basically, you will need about a quart of steering fluid recommended for your system, and a tube attachment to place at the helm station port. First, run the steering fluid through the tube from the full bottle by gravity feed and remove all the air in the line. Then once you have located the helm station port and attached the fluid tube attachment tip, which usually screws in place, hang the steering fluid bottle above the helm station for gravity flow into the hydraulic system. Turn the helm wheel to your far right, then open the bleed port at the steering cylinder opposite to the direction you have turned the wheel, the left port. Turn the helm wheel to the far left, close the left port; and repeat the procedure for the opposite port. With each turn of the wheel with the cylinder port open, you should bleed fluid and air from the line. This may take several times to get all the air out of the line. Once you have determined that you have bleed all the air from the lines and you are getting fluid without bubbles from the open bleed port on the cylinder, close the bleed ports, remove the tubing from the helm station and close the reservoir opening at the helm. Then put the helm to the far right and far left, applying some resistance to the engine as it moves. If the helm feels firm with pressure resistance on the engine, then you are finished. If I have mislead you in your particular setup by instructing you to open the opposite port on the cylinder, and you discover that this was the improper port to open due to your hydraulic hose hookup, the do the opposite port, and it should work out.<br /><br />One other thing you will need to adjust if your boat does not track a straight line is to adjust the trim tab just above the prop under the cavitation plate of your engine. If the boat tracks left, then turn the tab to the right slightly, the test it for adequacy of adjustment.<br /><br />I hope this helps. Good luck, be safe!

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Hydraulic Steering Issue

a quick test for air in the cyl is to grab the back of the motor and shake it left and right. if there is no air the cyl rod wont move and neither will the motor. if there is air it will move back and forth as the air compresses, air will compress, oil will not.

 

[Scuda11]

Re: Hydraulic Steering Issue

Thanks very much guys. Rod, I def have air, thanks for the check.<br /><br />Omega, great instructions, I will tackle today and post back results.<br /><br />thanks again.