Hydraulic steering with outboards
 

I have a 30' Scarab Sport with full hydraulic steering. There is a certain level of 'play' I cannot bleed from the system. I only know of the fill spot in the top of the steering column. Is there a simple method to bleed all air out of the system? If not, is there a way to force the air out. This boat wanders all over because of the play.

It sounds like you have A capilano or a seastar helm pump because of the center fill. There is an attachment tube that screws into the filler hole that makes bleeding easier. You can make something yourself or go buy one from teleflex and download the bleeding instrutions. good luck.jay.

Q: How do I bleed the air out of my hydraulic steering system ?
A: The method to bleed a hydraulic steering system varies for a Self-contained and a Full Power Hydraulic. Both are briefly outlined below:
'Self-contained System' Bleeding: After the Capilano® helm is filled per the Capilano® instructions and with the filler tube connected to the highest port on the helm, disconnect hoses on the cylinder farthest from the helm and connect together using a flare union. While keeping the filler tube half full so as not to allow air back into the system, slowly turn the wheel in one direction 25 turns. Reconnect hoses on cylinder and repeat for other cylinder. Reconnect hoses to cylinder.


During the following bleeding process, keep the filler tube half full so as not to allow air back into the system. Turn the wheel hard-over in one direction. While holding pressure against motor in the hard-over direction turn the wheel in the opposite direction while cracking the cylinder hose fitting that is being pressurized. This is the port that is closest to the piston rod when the rod is extended and the port that is farthest from the piston rod when the rod is retracted. When almost hard-over in the other direction, tighten the hose fitting while still turning wheel so as to prevent air being re-introduced into the system. Turn the wheel hard-over in opposite direction, then repeat process for other cylinder.
Repeat the bleeding at the cylinder ports until there is no air left in the system. Shake the motors to check for any play. When the motors do not move back and forth more than 1/16", the system is air-free.