Hyd. Helm Unit
 

I am currently running a half @ss hydraulic steering system. I have dual Marine Machine rams run off of the original Mercruiser steering system with the cable. What components would I need to convert this to a true hydraulic system starting at the Helm.

I've been told a Char-lynn 211-1010 hydraulic motor is the correct part, but would like verification and the otther parts required.

Thank You As Always!!

Kirk

Hoses, fittings & Helm. If you read the thread "Hyd. steering for under $500" you should find the right part number. If your steering is anything like a friends of mine's boat it will take all of the slack out of steering. There is no comparison between my full & his.

you will need (as said above) hose, fittings, helm and the steering post for the helm and the hub adapter. Maybe a steering wheel, depending on if yours will fit the hub adapter.
I just did mine this year, used the char-lynn 1010 and post from Baileynet.com ... The hub adapter I got from IMCO. All my hose and fittings came from a local hydraulic shop.
I do have some extra hose if your interested
Also, if you need a parts list let me know.

Almost forgot, a "high pressure filter"
Also, I had brought this subject up before and it seems some guys are using the 211-1010 and some the 211-1009
Guys with the 1010 have complained about high effort at low speed. The 1010 has a displacement volume of 9.7
The 211-1009 has a displacement of 7.3
I don't remember the actual numbers, but the 1010 had about a
2-2 1/2 turns lock to lock. With the 211-1009, it brings it up to about 3 1/4 turns lock to lock with less effort a low speeds.
I used the 211-1009. Baileynet.com has them for $273 and the column for $46....

I used the 1010 & drilled my pump orifice to...11/64s Steers great !{even at idle}
Don't forget.....Resovoir bottle & cap for the pump

Part Numbers?
 

What sort of reservoir bottle? Do you use the stock pump with this set up? Whats the hose configuration?

Thanks

I bought a Latham bottle from Tres Martin....PM "Alfster" he can
get you everything you need
Stock Pump,Hoses go...pump--filter---helm unit...cylinders {right/left}---back to pump........resovoir fills from cap
I bought Marine Machine mounting parts from Tres...just because they look cool. There are less expensive parts out there.
Cost on those helm units is 249.........you are getting a good price
look on Imcos web site....lots of good info.

I just realized.....you are single engine...mine is twinns..You prob.
need a diff. helm unit.....check with Alfster...they build these things
I saw one of his setups {Allan4} Very nice........

Why do you need a reservoir tank/bottle?

The reason I asked is I have to wonder if the tanks are old school (huge rams) I have a full system with Lathem rams and a shar Lynn helm (sp). with no reservoir and no problems.

Pump Assist?
 

Do you still use the pump? Whats the plumbing arrangement?

I assume right/left ports on helm to respective cylinders, but where does the pump and return get plumbed in? If using a reservoir, where does that go in the system?

There are four ports on a hydraulic helm unit:

P = Pressure from your p.s. pump
R = Right, as in steering to the right
L = Left, as in steering to the left
T = Tank, as in return to the tank

You plumb your powersteering pump pressure to the "P" port

You plumb your right steering to the "R" port
You plumb your left steering to the "L" port

You plumb your low pressure return from the helm to the cooler then to the reservior from the "T" port.

Simple.

I do not use a tank, however if you have one then bleeding the system is easier because you have more capacity. it's not really necessary with all systems if you spend time setting them up properly. You need to calculate the volume of the ram or rams, If you have one than you need less volume per helm rotation and two rams require twice the volume per wheel rotation as one to give the same lock to lock rotations. You should have about 3 .25 turns lock to lock when you are all done. use the one with less volume per rotation for a single ram system. Once you go with full steering you will never go back....

You are confused!

A tank refers to a reservoir. Some are remote and some are physically attached to the p.s pump.

They both are the same basic thing and get plumbed accordingly.

If you did not have a reservoir, where would the excess oil volume be?

Who is confused?
I have a pump/reservoir that is the exact same unit found on a car with a cap and a dipstick attached. That's it nothing else was needed and it works fine.

From Reading Ironman's post he has the same set up!

Thats interesting ! I have never seen a system without a resovoir.
I wonder how they do that ? Any pics ?
Even my buddies new Formula with factory Latham has one.
Not doubting you guys.......just curios.......

Get a hold of Alfster, he will take care of you. XS Performance Marine is the name of the operation and they are fantastic to work with. I do not have his work number, but his cell number is 513-407-0215. Tell him what you need and that Birdog or Allan said to call. He will set you up at very reasonable prices. Great guys to boot.

Good luck:D

2 Lines per cylinder
 

There are 2 lines per cylinder. So that is where I am confused. I understand the 4 ports on the helm unit, but whats the plumbing on the stern? Are they tied together so that as you pressurize the left outer line it also pressurizes the right inner line??

I guess if someone had a picture it would be much easier to understand.

Here's my current set up:

This is the picture from the installation booklet that I got with my Imco Full Hydraulic steering.. Hope it helps..

Thats exactly what I thought. Thanks Checkmate!!!

Thanks everyone, hopefully I can get this system on soon!!

Pantera,

If you want a larger and clearer picture, send me your e-mail address.

If the system is like the IMCO in the schematic with two cylinders than you do not need a remote reservoir because the volume of oil returned to the pump is the same as the volume of oil supplied to the other side of the cylinder. There are two varietys of rams or cylinders Balanced and unbalanced. The balanced cylinder will use the same volume of oil on extension as retraction, The unbalanced will use more oil for extension than retraction because of the volume of the rod does not have to be filled and the rod only extends out one end of the cylinder. SO if you have two unbalanced cylinders the pump sees the required volume to turn right the same as the volume to turn left so no extra volume of oil is really needed. If the system has one unbalanced cylinder than the cylinder will require more oil to extend than retract so to be sure that you have enough space for the extra fluid many manufacturers supply a remote reservior because the level can vary depending on if the cylinder is at full extension or min. extension. The stock power assisted steering uses a balanced cylinder (rod goes out both ends) inside the boat so the merc engineers did not need more volume then the small tower on the top of the pump. The big advantage on having the remote reservoir is when filling/bleeding the system at installation or service time.

Ironman,
Thanks now I understand I had no idea that there were different cylinders available. I can only assume most of them offered by the steering manufactures are balanced.

I would like to add one more thing I have never filled the system using a remote tank but have filled it without a problem having a friend pour steering fluid as I turned the wheel back and forth.

Thanks for clearing that up.............