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Old 14-08-2016, 10:06   #16
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Re: Hydraulic Pilot Pump Problems

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Originally Posted by Dockhead View Post
By the way, do you have to bleed these systems?

Maybe bleeding could help mine limp on a bit longer. I've got about 800 miles to go until I get back to the UK and it would sure be nice not to have to hand steer all the way. It will probably not be realistic to get a new pump shipped to me along the way, as we won't be stopped anywhere for long enough.
Yes, bleeding is critical and will be performed at the cylinder, usually in a sequence specified by the equipment manufacturer. It you don't have paperwork, I can send you our recommendations, which will probably work on any system.
I should also have mentioned that when you rebuild your system, you will need an electrically operating bypass valve that rests at open, so that your hand-steering system isn't locked by the hydraulics when you turn the autopilot off. Some pumps have bypasses built in, some don't.
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Old 14-08-2016, 10:19   #17
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Re: Hydraulic Pilot Pump Problems

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Originally Posted by JOHNMARDALL View Post
Yes, bleeding is critical and will be performed at the cylinder, usually in a sequence specified by the equipment manufacturer. It you don't have paperwork, I can send you our recommendations, which will probably work on any system.
I should also have mentioned that when you rebuild your system, you will need an electrically operating bypass valve that rests at open, so that your hand-steering system isn't locked by the hydraulics when you turn the autopilot off. Some pumps have bypasses built in, some don't.
Onward and upward to sailing heaven!

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I would be very grateful for your instructions. I'll send my email by PM.

Yes, my pump has a separate bypass valve, which looks for all the world like a gas solenoid. I will be sure to replace at the same time I replace the pump.

Thanks.

P.S. -- I'm not sure I have enough of the standard hydraulic fluid -- can I use ATF? Will it mix with the normal clear hydraulic fluid?
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Old 14-08-2016, 12:02   #18
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Re: Hydraulic Pilot Pump Problems

So I unloaded the lazarette and tried to bleed the system.

There are no nipples on it so not quite clear how to do it. I cracked the hose connections one after the other while moving the wheel from lock to lock, and got a lot of air out.

Then I did the same thing but while actuating the pilot in ** mode, and got a lot more air out.

Now the pilot actually sounds completely healthy in one direction, and works in the other but you can still hear some air in it. I don't know how to get the last of it out.

The pump sounds fine -- maybe it's not knackered after all? Just air in the system? Time will tell I guess.
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Old 14-08-2016, 12:39   #19
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Re: Hydraulic Pilot Pump Problems

Pg 19 suggests also cracking pump lines to bleed air
https://www.maritim.no/content/mma/p...lisk+pumpe.pdf
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Old 14-08-2016, 13:32   #20
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Re: Hydraulic Pilot Pump Problems

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Originally Posted by deblen View Post
Pg 19 suggests also cracking pump lines to bleed air
https://www.maritim.no/content/mma/p...lisk+pumpe.pdf
Thank you!

I wish I had thought of that -- they say to hold the wheel against the pump to force the air out, while keeping a hose nut cracked.

I will try that maybe in the next port and try to get the last bit of air out.

But the pilot seems to be working pretty well now, and doesn't sound too bad. I've 115 miles of sailing tomorrow, so we'll see.
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Dash me with amorous wet . . . . I can repay you."
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