Hydraulic HELP with steering

[rossny]

Hello, anybody have hydraulic systems experience? I have wheel steering using a reservoir with sight glass to fill and on top has a Schrader air valve to fill with fluid and also pump air into with an air gauge the po said to check every season. The wheel is hard to turn fast and locks up but when I give a gentler pressure it turns ok. Tracing the lines I see also see it goes to splitter and there is an old navico ja8000 auto pilot that I guess works with the hydraulics. Any sources of info about hydraulic systems for small sailboats would be appreciated, I have only been finding big ship info not what I need. Thanks in advance. Ross

[model 10]

Sounds like the bi-pass valve in that old autopilot is Zen like.

[skipmac]

I would also suspect the bypass valve.

[GordMay]

➥ http://ww2.simrad-yachting.com/Root/...ser-Manual.pdf

[belizesailor]

The Schrader valve is unusual, but not likely the problem. I too would suspect the by-pass or check valves in the helm pump. What make/model of helm pump?

[FPNC]

It sounds like the old Hynautic Steering system. I believe that product is now owned and sold by Sea Star. A google search will verify.

[Captain Puget]

I recently fixed a very problematic dual station hydraulic steering system (difficult to control, wandered all over, etc.).

It was resolved by 2 simple fixes and is now wonderful.

1) Make sure all lines are fully bled (no air). When the new engine was installed, the mechanic just reconnected the lines and did not bleed the system using a positive pressure fluid pump.

2) Verify no leaks in the system. Mine has a bad seal at one of the helm pumps .... replaced the seal and it works great now!

[roland stockham]

Sea star also has some good general info on there website. Good place to start

[Mazu]

It sounds like a Hynautic system. Pressure should be in the reservoir. I keep mine at 7 - 10 lbs for my auto pilot. Your symptoms could be air in the system. You can google and download the original Hynautics manual which lists different problems and a good troubleshooting guide. I just completely rebuilt my system so if you need to talk it through PM me.

[Mazu]

https://www.whitbybrewersailboats.com/maintenance?download=52:hynautic-owners-manual[/URL]

[charliehows]

older Hydraulic steering pumps can be...cantankerous. Mine dates from the late 70's, has a simple drilled vent in the filler cap which used to regularly overflow. I tried replacing it with a sealed cap but it then forced fluid out the steering shaft - not good. Finally figured I was simply overfilling it, went back to vented cap, replace shaft 'o' ring, no problems since.