Hydraulic steering question

[Observer]

We have Hydraflex hydraulic steering system (twin inboard engines). I haven't checked the oil level in the pump (behind the wheel) since we bought the boat but I did last week and I could not see the oil at all, just the pump mechanism. The steering seems okay - although possibly a bit heavier than I remember. How much oil should be in the pump? What are the signs of the steering not working as it should?

 

[omega2]

I reckon the pump housing should be full to the lip of the fill screw, and low/no fluid feels lumpy as the helm is turned. At least thats what we get on our vetus set up.

 

[ADLS]

When my Vetus system is low on oil you have to wind the wheel a lot more to keep her on track. IE gather up all available oil by over steering.

I've searched for an oil leak but can't find it and there's no oil showing up in the bilges???
Yet I've used 2 lts of oil topping the pump up.

 

[omega2]

When my Vetus system is low on oil you have to wind the wheel a lot more to keep her on track. IE gather up all available oil by over steering.

I've searched for an oil leak but can't find it and there's no oil showing up in the bilges???
Yet I've used 2 lts of oil topping the pump up.

Strange!! not many places for oil loss to show, either on the helm spindle, hoses at rear of helm pump, unions on steering ram, and if auto pilot fitted around the pump motor. 2 lts should be showing up somewhere.

 

[aquapower]

When removing fillercap you should just see oil when turing wheel, should just cover top of pump, if you fill to top then on a warm day oil will overflow when it warms up and will make a serious mess !

 

[Observer]

Thanks aquapower. Just the tip I was hoping for.