Elite Marine

Do you still use the pump? Whats the plumbing arrangement?

I assume right/left ports on helm to respective cylinders, but where does the pump and return get plumbed in? If using a reservoir, where does that go in the system?

Rik

There are four ports on a hydraulic helm unit:

P = Pressure from your p.s. pump
R = Right, as in steering to the right
L = Left, as in steering to the left
T = Tank, as in return to the tank

You plumb your powersteering pump pressure to the "P" port

You plumb your right steering to the "R" port
You plumb your left steering to the "L" port

You plumb your low pressure return from the helm to the cooler then to the reservior from the "T" port.

Simple.

IRONMAN

I do not use a tank, however if you have one then bleeding the system is easier because you have more capacity. it's not really necessary with all systems if you spend time setting them up properly. You need to calculate the volume of the ram or rams, If you have one than you need less volume per helm rotation and two rams require twice the volume per wheel rotation as one to give the same lock to lock rotations. You should have about 3 .25 turns lock to lock when you are all done. use the one with less volume per rotation for a single ram system. Once you go with full steering you will never go back....

Rik

You are confused!

A tank refers to a reservoir. Some are remote and some are physically attached to the p.s pump.

They both are the same basic thing and get plumbed accordingly.

If you did not have a reservoir, where would the excess oil volume be?

Scott

Who is confused?
I have a pump/reservoir that is the exact same unit found on a car with a cap and a dipstick attached. That's it nothing else was needed and it works fine.

From Reading Ironman's post he has the same set up!

birdog

Thats interesting ! I have never seen a system without a resovoir.
I wonder how they do that ? Any pics ?
Even my buddies new Formula with factory Latham has one.
Not doubting you guys.......just curios.......

Allan4

Get a hold of Alfster, he will take care of you. XS Performance Marine is the name of the operation and they are fantastic to work with. I do not have his work number, but his cell number is 513-407-0215. Tell him what you need and that Birdog or Allan said to call. He will set you up at very reasonable prices. Great guys to boot.

Good luck

Elite Marine

There are 2 lines per cylinder. So that is where I am confused. I understand the 4 ports on the helm unit, but whats the plumbing on the stern? Are they tied together so that as you pressurize the left outer line it also pressurizes the right inner line??

I guess if someone had a picture it would be much easier to understand.

Here's my current set up:

Vinny P

This is the picture from the installation booklet that I got with my Imco Full Hydraulic steering.. Hope it helps..

Elite Marine

Thats exactly what I thought. Thanks Checkmate!!!

Thanks everyone, hopefully I can get this system on soon!!