Quote:
Originally Posted by R Leo
I pulled it because after I posted, I realized I made some assumptions and used the wrong terminology.
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Marine hydraulic steering is usually based on a radial piston pump that's integrated with the helm and acting directly against the steering ram(s) or, with an assist system that's electrical or driven by the engine.
The multiple turns needed to get any steering are probably from a low fluid level due to the leak...these systems don't really hold a lot of fluid and IIRC, the helm pump body usually acts as the reservoir consequently, a small leak causes a big problem. Are you sure the prior pumps were bad? I'll bet not...
Also, do you know where the leak is? If it's repeatedly leaking at the helm either the seals aren't standing up to the service or, the helm shaft is damaged during repair or maintenance (shaft goobered by service tech when replacing seals) or, the the helm shaft is corroded from exposure. Similar seal failures could be experienced at the rams as well. Failure from exposure seems unlikely since these are designed for marine service...I suspect poor repair technique has hosed the helm shaft or rams.
If you aren't seeing any leakage at the helm or rams, there has to be a leak somewhere else that the tech has overlooked through carelessness or neglect.
This same sort of steering is used on forktrucks and some of those sit for long periods of time and are still reliable.
Good luck...you're an absentee boat owner. Caveat Emptor
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Yeah, I'm where you are at, just didn't explain it as pretty. It was definitely leaking from the helm seal last time--visibly and you could push the ram in with your hand, so it was definitely blown out in the arm there this last time. Its not an exposure issue--the thing stays in dry storage and sits in a sling even when at the dock. I
did not think the pumps were bad--I just didn't check the bill until way after I had paid it. I just ordered the seals, printed out the diagrams from the Whaler site mentioned earlier and am going to mail both to our helper and let him take a crack at it--he maintains his own commercial fishing boats. Hell, I could do it from the looks of it--but what kind of vacation would that be?
