hydraulic dual helm 3rd pipe Q (autopilot removal)

[vas]

morning all,

decided on removing the old CETREK autopilot for now, sorted out the plumbing (well impressed as after removing all the flexhoses and stupidly forgeting to mark the pipes I managed to connect them the right way around first time!) and I now have an extra flex pipe (I guess the return from the a/p going to the lower helm) dangling at the lazarette...
For the time being I've isolated the lowerhelm so steering works and for once there are no leaks. However I'd like to get the lower helm wheel in the game but I need to decide on this third hose. Considering I'm planning to add a garmin a/p soonish (but maybe not this year) do I just plug the pipe at the ram end and connect it once the a/p is installed, or should I do something more complicated.
Pretty sure just blocking should do, just checking as I'd expect this return to be to the upper helm and not the lower...

cheers

V.

 

[aquapower]

morning all,

decided on removing the old CETREK autopilot for now, sorted out the plumbing (well impressed as after removing all the flexhoses and stupidly forgeting to mark the pipes I managed to connect them the right way around first time!) and I now have an extra flex pipe (I guess the return from the a/p going to the lower helm) dangling at the lazarette...
For the time being I've isolated the lowerhelm so steering works and for once there are no leaks. However I'd like to get the lower helm wheel in the game but I need to decide on this third hose. Considering I'm planning to add a garmin a/p soonish (but maybe not this year) do I just plug the pipe at the ram end and connect it once the a/p is installed, or should I do something more complicated.
Pretty sure just blocking should do, just checking as I'd expect this return to be to the upper helm and not the lower...

cheers

V.

Return/vent pipe goes from AP pump to lower helm then to upper, Its good practice to install taps at the pump so it can be removed or isolated without draining the whole system, this will also mean you can install your pump whenever and isolate pipes until needed.

 

[vas]

thanks,

was too quick,

first yes it goes up to the upper helm and second unfortunately ram still leaks!
will get a proper tap in place (as the return also leaks at the a/p point by the ram...) tomorrow, remove the ram and get it professionally checked, third time unlucky replacing gaskets on the thing!

cheers

V.