Hydraulic Steering Problem

[brucehawsker]

I have a minor problem with my hydraulic steering. If I am in a tight turn, or in a strong current, at reasonable speed (15 knots+) and then want to turn hard to port, I have to pull hard on the steering sometimes and make more turns than I should before the engine turns. Most of the time, and in normal conditions, it is fine. It is just that gentle turns to port do not seem to get the engine to move, always. When I turn full to port I find that the wheel goes on turning easily with a clicking noise. When I turn to starboard it reqaches a definite stop, although with force you can get it to continue going round and click.

Thoughts?

[Polwart]

whatever it is get it sorted: http://www.maib.gov.uk/publications/...och_lomond.cfm

[Alex Brown]

Hello Bruce,

Do you check the levels in your hydraulic steering regularly? If so, has it ever gone down lower than you can see in the top of the steering wheel control unit?
What you have 'may' be air in the system, hence the turning wheel, but then again, it could also be the steering wheel unit needing some attention. If you're not sure, it would be wise to get advice from a local who can look at it and tell you for sure, since if this goes wrong when you're out, it could be a nightmare.

I am just about to replace the hydraulic pipes on my boat now after 3 years - the UV light has got to the exposed parts where they bend, and the outer plastic has now cracked. Although I am certain the inner core is fine, as is the sheathing around that, it's just not worth the risk to leave it.

-Alex

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by brucehawsker

I have a minor problem with my hydraulic steering. If I am in a tight turn, or in a strong current, at reasonable speed (15 knots+) and then want to turn hard to port, I have to pull hard on the steering sometimes and make more turns than I should before the engine turns. Most of the time, and in normal conditions, it is fine. It is just that gentle turns to port do not seem to get the engine to move, always. When I turn full to port I find that the wheel goes on turning easily with a clicking noise. When I turn to starboard it reqaches a definite stop, although with force you can get it to continue going round and click.

Thoughts?

Forgive a silly comment but it's nothing to do with the trim tab/anode is it?

[fast fred]

it's lo on juice, top it and blead it.