bleeding hynautics steering

[Cturtle]

Installed two new cranking batteries and on my 1979 28' FB and engines fired up beautifully. My neighbor was helping me and suggested we do a sea trial. After leaving my slip with and putting both clutches in forward I realized I didn't have any steering at the bridge helm but I had it in the lower helm. A few years ago someone was kind enough to send me a diagram and instructions on how to bleed the old hynautics system. I thought I put those instructions in my Bertram binder but I didn't. HELP!!! Everything on google is about the sea star system bleeding from the steering wheel and of course I don't have that system.

[Ironworker]

You have to turn the wheel both ways multiple turns to get the air bubbles worked up to the highest pump fitting. Crack open the fitting and let the air out until the fluid comes out. Make sure you have pressure in the bleed tank first.

You may have to go through this process a couple of times.


BTW, Check your system for bad hoses. I've had several burst.

[Tavis]

Quick been there and done that.... Before you bleed, make sure you have some of the crush washers (if your system is the same as mine) that seal the hex screws that seal the upper help bleed ports.... The first time I did it, I did not realize I needed new crush washers and all my bleeding was in vain!

[EarleyBird]

This should help.

[Chanse]

Had same expierance, lost upper steering. H-20 series fluid leak. Will pull unit for a rebuild.
some info:
http://www.boatsteer.com/assets/Hynauti ... ctions.pdf

[Ironworker]

BTW, I recommend using Aircraft Hydraulic fluid. Its dyed red and its easy to spot leaks.

[Tony Meola]

I second what Iron Worker said. I get mine online from Aircraft Spruce. What a quart of Teleflex and Hynautic fluid costs, you can purchase almost 3 quarts of the Aircraft Fluid. It is the same stuff, just dyed.

[Yannis]

I use automatic transmission fluid. Never had an issue. Its also red.

[Chanse]

I’ve been told ATF makes steering a bit stiff, but then again steering with
OUZO in your system would most likely do the same anyway.

[Yannis]

Yes, Chanse, the only difference being that with Ouzo you don't seem to bother with that stiffness, to be honest nothing seems to bother you after a certain quantity!

[Tony Meola]

Yannis

Everything I have ever read says do not use ATF unless it is an emergency. Then after using flush the system ASAP. How long have you been using ATF?

[Yannis]

Tony,

Since the beginning of time!

[Tony Meola]

Ok Then.

If it isn't broken don't fix it.

[Chanse]

Hynautic H26S that was leaking oil on my 1976 B26 now rebuilt and reinstalled on upper station. Added oil to reservoir about ¾ full, pumped air to about 35 Lbs. I cannot find any purge valves, don’t believe there is any. Cracked upper hoses until some air and steady fluid comes out. Still no steering. Turning the wheel either way numerous times doesn’t seem to do anything. Lower station works fine. Don’t like the idea of messing with anything down there. Myself and my Mechanic friend are at a loss as to what is going on. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, Thank You.

[Carl]

You have to unscrew the two hex bolts under the resevour/ alum block manifold type block. They back out some to allow fluid to pass.

From there it is 40 slow turns to the right from highest helm, 40 slow turns to the right, then same on lower station, autopilot. Check fuild level and air pressure. By the end of this you should have steering again. Lock up the bolts, reduce pressure to 15 lbs.

Must have been the year, same problem here...had to my maiden run with no steering. Luckily it was Wednesday night sailboat races with lots of stuff to aim for...or away from. Actually only a problem in the harbor...once out I had a clear run.

[Tony Meola]

My friend's unit also has bleeder valves on the steering cylinder that attaches to the rudders. He just had to send that cylinder to be rebuilt.

I guess their is a Hynautic virus going around this year.

[Chanse]

This reservoir doesn’t have the bleeder block but I know what you mean.
Looks like valves on ends of steering cylinder. May go there. Going at it
tomorrow AM we have a plan. When bleed out and functioning correctly is that the working pressure 15 Lbs?

[Tony Meola]

When I helped my friend with his, I used the bleeders on the steering cylinder. It worked, until he realized it had a slow leak in it.

Carl or someone with Hynautic steering is best to answer the proper pressure question.

[Chanse]

Added more pressure to the reservoir abt 50 lbs keep oil up around 3/4. cracking lines to bleed upper station 4 or 5 times. when feeling the wheel bite applying pressure at wheel both directions to squeeze out more bubbles also turning lower. Dropped reservoir pressure to 15 lbs. Seems OK now but after using awhile and engaging the auto pilot may need to bleed upper some more or possibly the steering cylinder. Time will tell.
Not wanting to spread the Hynautic virus and as a courtesy to fellow members I did wear my mask while posting this.

[Rawleigh]

You need to keep turning the wheel when it is against the stop to get the air burped out of the bypass valves.

[Carl]

I have manual at work, I'll scan and post tomorrow.

There is definitely a procedure to follow.

[Carl]

On my system the Relief Valve screws for purging are not on the side, but underneath.