O.K. guys, I’ve got my boat at the mechanic for steering issues. have seastar hydraulic steering. cylinder seals replaced, system purged no air…still able to push motor by hand??? any ideas. i’m at a loss. thanks, mike
You can turn it by hand pushing on the motor???
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YES SIR! ANY IDEAS? THANKS, MIKE
eother piston seal in the ram is bad, or the helm check valves are bad. Was teh system bled with a power purge(electric pump used to bleed the sytem)? It still may have some air in it. The only way I know to diagnos it from here would be to disconnect the hoses at the ram, plug the fittings(try not to let too much oil spill out) at the ram and try to push the motor over to each side. If you can still move the motor side to side with the ram capped, the problem is in the ram. IF it won’t move, its in the helm(or still air in the system)
Thank you much for the advice. I know the mechanic was going to check the helm yesterday…waiting to hear back today. i’ve got a bad feeling I’m gonna be spending some money on a new steering system? at this point I just want it fixed so I can do some fishing. catch um up…mike
This is a system check from teleflex marine. In the second paragraph; it explains to you how to visually verify the air has been completly purged out of the system.
Oil Level and System Check
Helm mounted with wheel shaft completely horizontal must be filled to bottom of filler hole at all times. Do not allow oil level to drop more than 1/4" (6mm) Helms mounted on a 20° angle or with wheel shaft vertical, oil level should be within 1/2" (12mm) of hole. Check oil level periodically.
At this time the steering system should be checked for proper connections of hose, tube and fittings, possible leaks, and air removal. To do so, turn steering wheel (any one on a multi-steering station) and pressurize very hard to port. Apply enough force to the wheel to exceed pressure relief valve pressure. You will not harm the helm or the system. While pressure is maintained on the steering wheel, check all port (left) fittings and line connections. Repeat procedure by turning wheel to starboard. Watch the oil level in the helm pump when pressurizing the steering wheel in either hard over positions. If there is no obvious drop in oil level, air has been removed. If there is an obvious drop in oil level, you are compressing air and further filling and purging is required. Repeat Steps 1 thru 5. If no leaks are obvious, your steering system is ready for use. If leaks are found, correct before using. Failure to correct a leak can lower oil level in system and result in loss of steering.
Thankyou all for the imput, turned out I needed a new cylinder. job completed today got the boat back, now I can finally try and do some fishing…Catch um up…Mike