Helm fluid question

[Mr Googler]

Hi all

I have teleflex dual helm steering and as I work my way through the boat systems, I checked the levels.

Lower helm is dry as a bone as in, it looks like fluid was never there. Upper helm is low but looks damp in places. Is it possible to set these up so the lower helm boss doesn't need fluid? I know I need to fill from the top helm but then wouldn't that fill the lower helm boss?

Steering works well so I'm a bit confused. 1990 vintage non power assisted or anything like that.

 

[Spi D]

Bleeding or purging takes a special procedure. Check pg 180+ of this:

http://www.jamestowndistributors.co...ex/TMTechCat-HydrStrg(v4_0)Tech_Reference.pdf

 

[Mr Googler]

Thanks very much for that. Certainly from the link, the lower should have oil in it.

 

[Spi D]

I emptied my system when fitting an auto pilot. Then filled and bleeded but as a one-man job had to think alternatively. I fitted a long plastic tube from the bleed valve on the steering ram (lowest point) and ran it up to the upper filler plug. Then used the wheel to pump fluid though - and since air got out when the fluid ran into the pump, the pump constantly sent pure oil down the line. Repeated the same at lower helm until all fluid was air free. Then did an extra run at the upper helm to check that no air was trapped.

 

[Mr Googler]

Genius that. I'm a one man band also. The other half is happy to sit a drink prosecco but getting her to undo bleed valves would be a step too far I fear