Imco Hydraulic Steering Help
 

I have a helm to dual ram set up on the Activator. That is loosing pressure from some where. The issue started last year while causing around 70 MPH all of the sudden the boat just went left. And lost all control in the wheel for about 10 seconds. Then straightened it's self back out. That was the last time we ran it for the year and parked it for the winter. Getting it around this spring we bled the system and we're able to get the air out but the boat continues to randomly just shoot left at any speed. Bled the system again over the weekend 10-15 full lock side to side turns and by noon today there was play side to side in the drive again. There are no signs of leaks. In the engine compartment or externally with the boat sitting or with the engine running. And all of the fittings are tight. Is there a way to pressure test the system with out the engine running so I can get a good look at everything and has anyone ever had issues with the systems sucking air? The resiviour is vented and kept about 1/2 full to alow any air to escape. Thanks for the help!!

Are you saying the fluid level is NOT going down? When you "Lost all control" was the steering wheel free spinning? When the unit has play side to side is this while the pump is running?

When it looses control the wheel locks up tight. The unit will have play side to side with the pump running unit you bleed the air back out of it again. And then it will hold solid with no play for about a day.

I don't know what the fix is, but it sounds scary. I would call IMCO or maybe Bob Teague for ideas. Doesn't sound like something that you want to be wrong about.

Is you boat a single engine? If yes prop torque would turn the boat left or right depending on propeller rotation if your system failed correct?
Have you looked at the helm for signs of a leak? I think the failure is there.
Each ram is a push pull device. It would take a failure of both rams wouldn't it for this to happen?
This is just FYI, I have maybe the same system and the instructions say to bleed the system with the engines off. Maybe thats what you did and i just misread your comment.
Very interested in what you find out.

I found a phone number for IMCO.
1.888.427.7436 Mon theu Fri 7:30 to 4.They are in NV.

You have to pinch off the return line to force all the fluid through the rams, if not the fluid takes the path of least resistance

Yes its a single engine 27' Activator That spins to the right with a SSM 5 drive. There are no external signs of leakage at the helm. Iv bleed it both ways with the engine running and with it off. And both times after about 24 hours of sitting the drive will have play in it again.If you bleed untill there is no play in the drive and no more air coming out of the resiviour breather and then run the boat immediately after it still randomly dose shoot to the left.

Thanks for the info. I will try this and update.

Have you checked the helm? It sounds like the helm has an internal leak that is not directing the fluid the correct way.