Bleeding a L&S RVRV2 linear Steering system

[Kinsale373]

I have a Lecomble & Schmitt RV2 pump and linear cylinder. I replaced the pump motor and now plan to change the Hydraulic oil. Its driven by a Raemarine ST60 electronics ( 2004 vinage Ithink ! ) Course Computer. I'm trying to figure out the best way to bleed the system. I have the manual and it gives a reasonably good description . You disconnect one of the 3 Hyd lines from the cylinder to the pump and open the bleed valves on the cylinder and you are ready . However, in order to bleed they say" start running the unit in the correct direction" and " open the solenoid valve" . I presume they are talking about operating the system as normal from the control pad at the Wheel, ie punch in a 20 Deg turn to Starboard on the controller? This is the bit that they don't explain and i'm not sure about.

Whats's confusing me is that I see some videos on line for a similar system where they disconnect the the power to the Pump motor and to the valve on the cylinder and simply clamp the connections to a spare battery in order to exercise the system during the bleed operation. I actually like the idea of doing it this way as it seems that you could perform it single handed and have good control of what you are doing.

Does anyone know the function of the Electrical Solenoid on the top of the cylinder? Is it a Hydraulic Clutch- ie. stop start mechanism as I've seen it called or used to switch the cylinder from reverse to forward ?

Why are there 3 hydraulic connections to the cylinder?

Regards, and Happy Christmas to all , Kinsale 373

 

[rogerthebodger]

This may help

https://www.tmq.com.au/downloads/Lecomble Schmitt/Linear Drives/Linear Drive TMQ Booklet.pdf

https://www.pyiinc.com/downloads/lecomble-schmitt/power-packs-and-linear-drives-for-autopilots.pdf

It looks like the 3rd cylinder connection is a drain or to compensate for the fact it only a single rod rather than a through rod cylinder

 

[Kinsale373]

Thanks for that Roger,
Yes , that's helpful ok, I see that in the TMQ booklet they call the Solenoid a " Clutch connection" so I,m thinking now that the reverse forwards on the RAM is accomplished by reversing the polarity of the 12 volts supply to the motor. I'm guessing that The Clutch,-Solenoid -Bypass is used to actually start and stop the motion of the piston. May give finer control of the drive position .

I think that ill try to bleed by using spare battery and connecting to motor and clutch in different ways . I should be able to figure out the system.

Thanks again,
Ted