General Info: Autopilot Hydraulic Pump fluid change

[feebs]

I have a Lecomble & Schmitt drive for my autopilot. Owners manual doesn’t mention anything about frequency of hydraulic fluid change. So I emailed L & S - there response is only when leaking from pump or power pack.

My thought would be to change out fluid every few years, as the fluid would more than likely be taking on some ambient moisture, which would deteriorate internals of pump & power pack.

Just wondering what other owners are doing?

If you are changing oil here in Australia, what replacement fluid are you using?

Thanks Brett

[DavefromNZ]

Hi Brett, I just posted about the system on another thread and copied below. I don’t think I will service again for at least another 6 years or if I hear noises:

Lagoon 450 maintenance
Just had my L450 hydraulic steering unit (LECOMBLE & SCHMITT VHM 40 ST 16 DE BP - 12V) serviced after 6 years. We thought we had heard clunking like an air lock. Turns out it was very easy to remove; Two electrical connectors, 4 bolts, 4 screws and a cotter pin and lift it all out as one.

Engineer told me to bleed just release the nipple on the pump and the two on the ram until the air has drained out by gravity feed from the higher tank.

Replaced the seals but didn't find anything wrong with the pump so hopefully the bleeding cleared the air and knocking.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/....php?p=2649240