Rebuilding an Autopilot Hydraulic Ram or just Replace?

[DeepFrz]

You are right about the price of $400. being low. I checked out the octopus and Defender has the pump and actuator listed. Some are about $3,000. Now that is with the pump. Give Defender a call and see what price their closest match is.

[motaman9]

This is what most closely resembles ours....the aluminum, not the brass model.....

http://images.jamestowndistributors....arge/12231.jpg

[DeepFrz]

Could be Lecombe and Schmitt from France.

[DeepFrz]

Try Sea Star Solutions. It seems they used to be(?) Teleflex.

[mikereed100]

I'm still trying to get my head around this chromed steel thing on a marine (I assume?) hydraulic cylinder. My Ultraflex cylinders were the least expensive marine units I could find yet they have stainless rods as doTeleflex and Seafirst. If yours are not stainless then I would certainly opt for a new unit that is, rather than a re-chromed one. Also, it would be worth investigating why your rod has grooves and rough spots. Was it rough handling or is there something in the system causing this?

[model 10]

You do realize that chrome is a better surface than stainless right?

[motaman9]

........

[motaman9]

Originally Posted by mikereed100

I'm still trying to get my head around this chromed steel thing on a marine (I assume?) hydraulic cylinder. My Ultraflex cylinders were the least expensive marine units I could find yet they have stainless rods as doTeleflex and Seafirst. If yours are not stainless then I would certainly opt for a new unit that is, rather than a re-chromed one. Also, it would be worth investigating why your rod has grooves and rough spots. Was it rough handling or is there something in the system causing this?

From what I understand, even the SS rods are chromed since it is smoother, tougher and more corrosion resistant than plain SS. I'm sure the rod I have is either SS or rolled steel inside. Since the boat and the unit are relatively new to me and the unit was resealed in Spring of 2013 it's hard to say what caused the groove. Nothing is stored near the unit....if something abrasive managed to get under the berth and got stuck in the residue of the hydraulic oil on the rod I suppose it is feasible that it rode under the seal making the groove and ruining the seal.

[motaman9]

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

Try Sea Star Solutions. It seems they used to be(?) Teleflex.

That photo is actually a Teleflex/Seastar stock photo...

[colemj]

Originally Posted by motaman9

This is what most closely resembles ours....the aluminum, not the brass model.....

http://images.jamestowndistributors....arge/12231.jpg

If that is your unit, new ones range in price from $395-$425 (in the US - you don't state where you are, so maybe they are really expensive elsewhere).

I'm just curious why you are pursuing the rebuild of your existing damaged one for $375? I mean, I am REALLY curious…

Mark

[motaman9]

Originally Posted by colemj

If that is your unit, new ones range in price from $395-$425 (in the US - you don't state where you are, so maybe they are really expensive elsewhere).

I'm just curious why you are pursuing the rebuild of your existing damaged one for $375? I mean, I am REALLY curious…

Mark

Well, the $463 price I found online doesn't seem to be representative of what a I end up being quoted once I get a dealer on the phone. I'm also having issues with Seastar's Hydraulic shop customer service. It's like pulling teeth to get a straight answer or a part number for what would replace the rod on our current unit. They have been less than helpful, I spent all day yesterday emailing with them and I STILL don't have a part number......

[colemj]

Originally Posted by motaman9

Well, the $463 price I found online doesn't seem to be representative of what a I end up being quoted once I get a dealer on the phone. I'm also having issues with Seastar's Hydraulic shop customer service. It's like pulling teeth to get a straight answer or a part number for what would replace the rod on our current unit. They have been less than helpful, I spent all day yesterday emailing with them and I STILL don't have a part number......

I seriously doubt you will get a replacement rod from the company. If even possible, the cost will be so high as to make a new ram a better choice. This is the way of all industries - if you try to build something from parts, it costs way more than new.

I think your problem is trying to go through a "dealer" who sells and installs systems. If you are in the US, go here (for example): Teleflex "SeaStar" Hydraulic Steering Cylinders - Inboard - Hydraulic Steering - Engine Systems - Downwind Marine

Put it in your cart, press "buy" and have it shipped to you.

Mark

[motaman9]

Originally Posted by colemj

I seriously doubt you will get a replacement rod from the company. If even possible, the cost will be so high as to make a new ram a better choice. This is the way of all industries - if you try to build something from parts, it costs way more than new.



I think your problem is trying to go through a "dealer" who sells and installs systems. If you are in the US, go here (for example): Teleflex "SeaStar" Hydraulic Steering Cylinders - Inboard - Hydraulic Steering - Engine Systems - Downwind Marine



Put it in your cart, press "buy" and have it shipped to you.



Mark

I'm seriously considering that option.......the local shop has thrown me a curve, in that, they said the working stroke of my unit is 12"....which is MUCH longer than what Seastar currently manufactures. I'm going to the shop Monday to verify that and make sure they aren't measuring the entire rod. If it is 12" I would either to have to re-engineer the mounting....not gonna happen....or rebuild my unit. I'll keep you posted.....

[colemj]

The working stroke is from full in to full out. It will be mounted approximately half of that distance when connected at center rudder.

The model you list has a 10" stroke. Seastar also makes longer stroke models - are you sure the one you posted is your model?

Mark

[motaman9]

Originally Posted by colemj

The working stroke is from full in to full out. It will be mounted approximately half of that distance when connected at center rudder.

The model you list has a 10" stroke. Seastar also makes longer stroke models - are you sure the one you posted is your model?

Mark

I am basing that model number on the bore 1.5" and the rod size of 3/8" ....I have seen some with longer stroke but not matching those proportions.....