Hydraulic Steering Cylinder Question ...

[Cheechako]

I see a lot of cylinders with T's on the two fittings. I dont get it.... Why a T? You just need two hydraulic lines from the Helm/pump right? For a dual controls? My trawler didt have T and it had a flybridge....?

[TeddyDiver]

Just quessing but helps with filling the hoses with oil..

[DeepFrz]

Yes, they are for bleeding the hydraulic system.

[Cheechako]

If so.... I guess one would just put brass caps on them? Normal procedure for bleeding is to bleed the air out at the helm pump as it's pretty much always higher in the system than the cylinder....

[perchance]

As the others have said. One end of the Tee is a purge valve. Attach a clear line to the nipple and place the end into a container of clean oil. Cycle the steering back and forth till the air is out of cylinder.

[DeepFrz]

It depends on the type of system but the cylinder will probably also have to be bled in any case.

I guess I was thinking more about autopilot but I did see an article a few years back in PassageMaker mag. and they did the bleeding at the cylinder. I think the pump would be self bleeding and it is doubtful that the hydraulic lines could be run without some dip in them someplace. And brakes on a car are always bled at the wheel cylinders.

[belizesailor]

Looks like a Sea Star ram (can't quite make out the label). If so, you can find documentation on the ram and steering systems using them on the Teleflex sight. The bleeder valves on one end of the "T" are used when bleeding and filling the system.

[reiner]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

I see a lot of cylinders with T's on the two fittings. I dont get it.... Why a T? You just need two hydraulic lines from the Helm/pump right? For a dual controls? My trawler didt have T and it had a flybridge....?

I just replaced the dual steering in my boat with two pumps and a new ram. After the ram is hocked up you bleed the ram on the other end. When all the air is out you bleed the pump in the highest position. I found a trick on the web to get all the air out on a twin steer system real quick. You spin both wheels in the opposite direction until the bobbles stop. Works beautiful.
We still have to get the autopilot to work properly, it is run by a hydraulic pump too but keeps playing up after a while.

Reiner

[Cheechako]

Cool, thanks guys...

[belizesailor]

My bleeder valves are connected with a short section of tubing...makes it really easy to bleed w/out rigging a temporary hose and inevitably squirting hydro fluid all over the place.

[blowin bubbles]

Originally Posted by reiner

I just replaced the dual steering in my boat with two pumps and a new ram. After the ram is hocked up you bleed the ram on the other end. When all the air is out you bleed the pump in the highest position. I found a trick on the web to get all the air out on a twin steer system real quick. You spin both wheels in the opposite direction until the bobbles stop. Works beautiful.
We still have to get the autopilot to work properly, it is run by a hydraulic pump too but keeps playing up after a while.

Reiner

I am having issues with my dual helm..need some replacement stuff. Can you tell me where you got the parts. I am very close to being finished a total refit of my 45 dufour pilothouse. Replaced ram in main helm and while bleeding lines the pilot house pump blew. Any help would be appreciated., Thanks

[Mark Zarley]

If you mean the seal on the shaft is leaking, it is usually a standard O-ring. If you are talking about oil coming out the vent, then you did not install a temp resivour in place of the vent to act as an overflow while bleeding the system (all that burping and what-not). I do not think you "blew up" a manually activated pump.

[reiner]

Originally Posted by blowin bubbles

I am having issues with my dual helm..need some replacement stuff. Can you tell me where you got the parts. I am very close to being finished a total refit of my 45 dufour pilothouse. Replaced ram in main helm and while bleeding lines the pilot house pump blew. Any help would be appreciated., Thanks

My system is made by Teleflex ( Capilano) and I bought it of Marine Deal in San Diego USA.
Very good service and got to Australia in about 7 days.

Cheers
Reiner