How much hydrualic fluid in my hynautic canister??

[qctracing]

How much fluid do you run in the canister? It's in a really hard place to get to. I can't really tell what's in it... Good things are that I have no leaks but I hardly have any steering. I'm thinking I need more fluid but I don't want to overfill it either Thanks

[mcyama]

wow,how old is that unit?? do you have to add air pressure to the canister?? does it have a large hex nut on top of the canister? If you answer yes to these ?? then the canister should have an upper and lower sight glass on it. Fill with fluid. If it is the one I am thinking of the manf. required aircraft quality hydraulic fluid. I always used Marvel mistrey oil. then get a bike air pump and pressure to 10 psi. manual and purge valves are located at bottom of canister they are the gold hex nuts release counterclockwise . turn steering wheel slowly to port 20 turns then to stb. the same tighten gold valves. then you have to bleed the cylinders,loosen set screws turn wheel till clear is present. only turn wheel in one direction make sure you opened the corrosponding set screw. do the same in the opposite rotation. refill canister with fluid pressure to 10 psi. you should be good

[qctracing]

The boats an 85 so I can only imagine how old it is but you pretty much accurately described it. I did most of what you said thanks for the rest of the directions I'll try to find the sights I haven't seen any yet. Thanks again!

[afr]

call me if you want they only hold about two quarts

[STV_Keith]

Does it have a separate helm and reservoir? Something that looks like this?

http://forums.screamandfly.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=187202&stc=1&d=1258644381

[qctracing]

Thanks AFR I'll give you a shout if I can't get it right this time Yes Keith that looks to be the same reservoir I have

[afr]

im sure that can holds 15 lbs of air

[STV_Keith]

IIRC, I would fill that reservoir until 1/2 of the upper sight window was covered with fluid. Then pressurize to 25-35psi. I believe it took about 1qt from empty (not including the full system - just the reservoir).

[mcyama]

watch your air pressure. the only reason for it is to supply (the pump) helm with fluid. notice that you do not have a reserivor at the helm. this is not a sea star system which is now more common. having more air does not make the steering more easy.

[STV_Keith]

Agreed, 40psi MAX. I believe the pressure is mainly to keep the lines going UP to the helm full of fluid.

[qctracing]

Thanks for all the help guys got it workin pretty good on the trailer... Just needed a couple more quarts I'm going to try the boat out for the first time Thursday Thanks again!!!!!