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Originally Posted by rainforest
I'm thinking that bypassing the Helm Control and TEEs to the autopilot pump can most easily be done with hydraulic hose. Needs ~3 ft for each side. Hoses will route across a bulkhead in the engine room. Easy to get at.
QUESTION is:
1) Is the hose a good idea ?
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Hose should be fine, if it's hydraulic hose rated for the system pressure (or higher). Also, make sure the hose is compatible with the fluid in your system.
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2) Will the hose flop about when under pressure to turn the rudder ?
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Depends on the length and flexibility of the hose, and whether it is cycling from pressurized to non-pressurized. How much 'flop' is dependent on the pressure differential.
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3) Will ordinary clamps be sufficient to hold the hose in place when under pressure ?
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Tough one. First - what is an 'ordinary' clamp. Second - how is it attached/secured, and to what? Third - how much pressure change is there? Generally speaking, hydraulic hoses are not clamped because they flex, expand and
contract. This causes wear at the clamp and over time, failure.
One suggestion might be to wrap the hose with a sacrificial material, then wrap the material with duck tape. Tie the biggest line/cord you can to the wrapped area, and secure the other end such that it keeps the hose more or less where you want it. Add checking the hose/wrap/line to your monthly to-do list for the first season. If it's holding up, check it semi-annually/annually.
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Was surprised. Cost of each 3 ft 1/2" hydraulic hose with 1/2"Imperial male flares pressed on is only C$30.00
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Yeah, hydraulic hose isn't too pricey, and hose shops are generally easy to find, unless you're way out in the boonies.
Another idea is to up-size your hose, say to 3/4", and use reducing fittings/adapters to attach. A larger hose will generally move less than a small one. Down side is - extra connections (we call them leak points), cost for a bigger hose and adapters
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Do
not kick the cat! She already bites!