Hydraulic steering help
 

I have a new to me 1985 Formula 302 SR-1. It a has hydraulic steering system that I've never seen before. There is a helm pump with three lines going to a tank and manifold then two lines each to the port and starboard TRS drives. The previous owner said to put 10 psi in the tank and run the wheel back and forth four it five times. I did that and still no drive movement. The tank is still holding pressure. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/csturben/library/

yep thats a Hynautic. I dont know much about them but I did hear they required pressure in the system of some sort. I'm sure there's guys on here that are familiar with it and can chime in.

My tank says 25 psi.

Same setup I have on the cig... Put 10-25 lbs in it, make sure it's full of fluid (I use 10wt hydraulic oil) and crank the wheel lock to lock until you get movement. If it's really full of air, cracking the fittings on the cylinders will help get the air out.

Also... If there is a bunch of air in the system, you will be able to move the drives back and fourth by hand. Otherwise, they should be rock solid.

Artie, stupid question...how do I check fluid level and where do I add it? I tried moving the drives by hand and they might move 1/4 inch. They're pretty solid. Also, I can turn the wheel both ways without it stopping so how would I turn it from lock to lock if it doesn't stop?

fill it at the nut with the air fitting .. there is a site glass on it also... the cylinders are K-19 hynautics

Thanks northernoffshore! I'll check it out when I get back home.

Good info here

http://boaterstore.com/hynautics/hynautic1.html

entire system front to back has 10-25Psi. if you have a leak you will find it with ease. fill tank half way, then pressure to 18 Lbs. crank wheel left 3 turns, then right 3 turns. if tank goes down on fluid, repeat steps above. Some times can burp at ram at drive. but always keep above 10 lbs in system, like airing up a tire. I use a cheap walmart tire pump that has cig 12 volt plug. who hoo. good luck

use ATF Dextron II. Yes ATF. Thinner than 10 wt hydraulic oil. easyer to turn wheel.

I have a another helm and tank for a fair price if needed. also these are helms of choice for rock crawlers, monster trucks. no feedback with manual hydraulic steering.

Artie, I now have steering thanks to you, the instructions and using ATF :thankyouthankyou:
Is still a little "gritty" at the far ends but the middle is smooth as butter! If I can get a few things wired up, the seat and batteries installed and a few things transferred from the Mach 1 I should be out this weekend for her maiden voyage!

B38. I did. It worked great and I can see if there's a leak too. Plus it's what the drive motors take as well.

B38. I might be interested in some spare parts if the price is right. This is my first experience with twins and manual hydraulic steering so it's definitely been a learning experience.

150.00 tank and helm. Helm is all billet. B38 386-785-6986

I installed new latham power helm, pump, filter to original rams. very little change in power assist verses manual. Old manual worked well for me 5 years with no issues. now have power steering. still 3 turns lock to lock. enjoy, good system you can depend on. B38

I have talked to Artie about eventually adding a pump, etc but I'll be happy to finally get it on the water. I am 7 turns lock to lock and at the very end or port and starboard it get a little "gritty". If you're at 3 and I'm at 7 does that mean I may still have some air in the lines?

Dude, I forgot pictures, just very busy. I will get them soon for you. Re: 7 turns lock to lock is ok. just need to turn more per inch of drive movement. You will be just fine. Final test is to walk up to drives and push as hard as you can. should be no movement. if rams move, you have air. repeat steps to eliminate air.

Don't worry about the pictures. We are all busy! Whenever you have a chance works for me. I have tried moving the drives by hand and they don't move at all :evilb:

The two nuts at the bottom of the resevoir in the pic are bleed valves. if they are backed out the steering wheel turn with no drive movement. Make sure the are all the way in. To bleed the system you back them all the way out. Put 20psi in the resevoir and turn the wheel about 30 turns each direction. Make sure you always have fluid in the can. Once you are done scew the valves in and you should be good. In some cases the valve block may be mounted by itself on the transom somewhere.
Good Luck

I mean jump on that SOB. better not move. cause if you can, death follows. LOL Sounds like you are good to go. 18 Lbs in tank half full of ATF. who hoo. have fun brother. B38

I heard 25PSI steers easier than lower #s. try it, can not hurt. I ran in the middle of specs wich = 18Lbs

B38 - They aren't moving but I'm only 175 pounds and have my Sperry's on so anything is possible. I'm up around the 25psi range with 3/4 of a tank and now have the tank and manifold mounted to the back of the seat out of the way of the motors.

Double Rigged - I used the bleed valves on the manifold and I also checked for fluid at all the fittings I could get to. It looks like we are good to go but we'll find out officially tomorrow when she floats.

I never had any luck with manifold bleed valves. air ends up in tank, then fluid replaces the air. great system. B safe on sea-trial. B38

Thanks B38! Artie should be out too just in case I have any issues.