Hydraulic Autopilot Repair

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by Tikitour

Hi,

I recently bought a sailboat that has a p70s controller working with a Raymarine E12207 type2 12v hydraulic linear drive. It is unfortunately not working and I am trying to figure it out. The Raymarine controller seems to be working fine however once it is activated you can hear the hydraulic pump or drive unit start to work however the ram is not moving back and forth as it should. The hydraulic pump will not turn off until the standby button is pressed. Any thoughts or similar experiences?

Found the installation instructions for your listed unit. In their trouble shooting section they just made mention to check to see if the clutch was working properly.

Before you try to dismantle your clutch, would check w/ a volt meter to see if power is making it to the clutch terminals.

[Tikitour]

Hi,
I just checked the voltage at the solenoid and I have 12v. Not sure what to check next? Clutch/coil? I’m really not sure how to check this?

[Bill O]

With the AP on, can you turn the wheel by hand?

[Tikitour]

Yes when the auto pilot is engaged/on Auto the wheel turns freely.

[Bill O]

As others suspected the clutch is not engaging (assuming it doesn't have a bypass to allow you to steer while AP is on).


Did you contact Raymarine tech support?

[Tikitour]

Hi it seems it is the clutch. I just contacted Raymarine and they gave me a part number however they could not instruct me on how to fix it myself. The local Raymarine rep charges $100usd/hr and I was really hoping to do it myself.

[Bill O]

My hydraulic AP isn't like yours and we do not have a clutch, so never made such a repair.

Possibly look in their "Legacy Forum" for a how to or sign up in the newer support page to "ask a question" to see if you can find more info.

[CLady]

Hi--
Check the clutch wire connections at the course computer as well.
Next, the seals inside the ram could be the issue. It might be you need to take the ram unit out and take it to someone who works on hydraulic systems, like for aircraft or for farm equipment.