Wagner Steering Systems

[windships]

I have a dual Helm Wager steering system in my boat. I need some help troubleshooting>>>
I isolated all pumps in order to take them out of the equation, and left only with the two helm stations, (both B4 wagner units) and the 2 hydraulic rams on the rudder.
It works well in manual, BUT, it takes a few quick turns of the wheel to get it moving. If I slowly move the wheel, nothing happens. By slow, I mean 3 rpm. If I increase the rpm, then it works fine.
There are no leaks, and fluid is full. There is a cross connection valve to be opened when using emergency tiller.
Any ideas? Please help. Thanks

[chuck711]

Hello
Suggest you give Wayne at Marine-Plus.com a call.
Specialist in Wagner Systems.

number is 330-755-2176 between 11 AM & 7 PM, EST.
After 7 PM and on Weekends Cell is 330-519-9031

[skipmac]

Does it take a few quick turns on the wheel to get it moving only when you first start out, then works normally or do you have to give a few quick turns the whole time you are sailing?

If the former my first guess would be air in the system. Even if the reservoirs are full there could be air trapped in the lines. Have you tried bleeding the system?

If the later it could be the seals or pump in the helm unit needs overhauling. If the seals around the unit on the helm are gone then that allows fluid to leak around the pump. Turning faster will push fluid through the system faster than it can bypass the seals so you get steering.

[Fracman]

Olah Winships,

Just rebuilt my hyd steering ram on my Cheoy Lee, found the attached service manual helpful, mine is a circa 1974 dual helm system, spare parts are still readily available, if you need a supply contact let me know and shall share the contact info with you.

[SabreKai]

I have a single Wagner manual pump, and one cylinder. When I got the boat I noticed a dead spot when starting to turn the wheel in either direction. About an 1/8th of a revolution in the new direction before you started to feel any pressure on the wheel.

Upon investigation, we found the plumbing to the cylinder had been installed with the pipes coming in to the cylinder from below. Any air in the system would end up in the cylinder. We changed that around so the cylinder feeds from above, and then bled the system. There is still a dead spot, though not quite as bad. Reading the above posts I'm going to pull the system and have both pump and cylinder overhauled. I guess after 32 years, service is due.


Sabre

[windships]

Thanks for all your help. I was away for some time and haven't got back to you all.