Hyd steering ????

[ted655]

While not electrical, perhaps this is still the place to post.
.
Amazing how something that sits goes to hell isn't it?
Got the generator going, now my hyd. steering is "free wheeling", the wheel spins like a roulette wheel. System must be void of all oil.
There is a little bolt on the housing (pump?), just behind the wheel. I assume this is a fill fitting as there is no tank anywhere.
Here is what I'm thinking; Pour 20# non detergent into the fitting while turning the wheel 1 direction. With the fittings loosened at the cylinder on the transom. When all air is pushed out & oil starts to ooze out, then tighten that fitting & repeat, turning wheel in opposite direction while adding oil to fill that line, same as the first one.
OK procedure? Thanks, Ted

[Kay9]

Dead on right. On mine I dont have to loosen the fitting at the rudder so you might just try filling turning full right then left and then fill some more.

[Frosty]

If you have a short pipe run then you may not need to bleed as you can get the bubbles to reach the reservoir.

[ted655]

No, it's a houseboat. Probably 35' from helm to transom, 90% under side deck.

[Kay9]

Ted he means a small hose that you stick in the hole on the helm. That will allow the bubbles to come out without the mess

[ted655]

Sure, I knew that, (NOT!).
Thanks, no telling how I would have attempted it on my own.

[Kay9]

First time I tried it. I tried to direct pour the oil in. Wasnt one of my better days

[ted655]

So, how about the second time you tried it? give you a nickel if you tell me your secret....

[Kay9]

I have a 5/8 hose about 9-12" long. I shove that in the hole on the helm. Then I take a small funnel and put that in the hose. Then I pour my oil in untill the funnel is about 1/2 full and wont go anymore. You might have to have someone hold the funnel for you. Then I slowly turn the wheel full left then right back and forth, you will notice the hyd fluid going down the hose. I keep doing this untill it will just take no more fluid. I pull the hose ( makeing a small mess) recap the helm hole and I turn the wheel quickly full left and the right several times. If it feels right and the rudder turns well then I leave it, if I not I repeat the process untill it dose. I hope this helps.

K9