I have a 1984 Egg 33' with Seastar hydraulic steering. On several occasions I have attempted to fill the helm pump and purge the system of entrapped air by connecting a fill hose to the threaded helm pump fitting, adding seastar fluid to the tube, and repeatedly turning the helm lock-to-lock in both directions. However the steering is still slopply and has a dead spot right in the middle that I just can't seem to eliminate. The previous owner had the helm pump rebuilt three years ago and I had the hydraulic ram rebuilt last year. There are no apparent leaks. It seems as though I can't get all the air out of the system, despite following the directions for purging the helm pump. I have a Raymarine Autopilot circa 2001. Could the autopilot be causing the problem, i.e. trapping the air? Any and all suggestions most appreciated.

Respectfully yopurs,

Captain Tom
Groveland, MA

IF you follow this procedure it will bleed itself. After you fill the system with hydraulic oil, turn the helm in ONE direction - do not stop. YOu will feel it start to prime up. Keep going until you feel it skip a few times and stop. Fill the reservoir with oil and repeat in the oposite direction.

IF you stop anytime during this procedure, start from the beginning. It will prime right up. NO need to bleed

I wonder if you have a damaged seal in the cylinder that has distorted and is causing friction on the piston

Thanks Wayne. My steering ram does not have a bleeder valve and purges air at the pump by repeated turns each way lock to lock. I have performed this step mulitple times and it will usually take a little oil at the helm pump but the situation has not improved very much. There is still a substantial dead spot and the boat is hard to steer as a result. I think I may need a new or rebuilt helm pump. Thanks for your help. Best regards,

Tom

Sorry for the delayed reply - if no bleeders then it is self bleeding. Turn the wheel in one direction continuously until the pump primes and the cylinder moves in one direction to the end.

Then go in the opposite direction. After about a week of use the air should bleed out throught the pump;.