Marine Machine Bleeding Help

[FlatsFury]

Recently had my marine machine ram rebuilt. Today I reconnected the ram and attempted to bleed the system but seem to be having trouble. Below is what I've done thus far.

I started with the ram fully contracted. First I attached the line closest to the transom and tightened fully. Next I attached the line farthest from the transom but left this fitting cracked. I had a bottle of fluid connected to the helm with a hose to give a steady supply of fluid. I began to turn the wheel right, thus forcing fluid and bubbles out the cracked line. After bubbles stopped, I tightened the fitting and loosened the fitting closest the transom. I turned the wheel left until again all bubbles stopped then tightened the fitting. Both lines are now fully secured to the ram so I began turning the wheel lock to lock letting bubbles escape through the helm. After turning numerous times, I removed the fluid supply and put the vented cap back on the helm. The steering seemed smooth but I shook the motor by the wing plate and there is about 1/4 - 1/2 inch of play on the ram, which, to me, indicates there is still air in the system.

Seeking any advice as to what comes next or what I may have done wrong, any input is appreciated, thanks in advanced.

[demag67]

Start with the engine all the way to one side. Crack a line loose turn engine all the way over and then back to starting position and then tighten. Then crack the second line and do the same. Might have to repeat a second time to get all the air out. You still have air trapped in cylinder. Each line has to be bleed both ways since they dont have bleed ports on the cylinders. I have twins on my setup and took me twice per lineto get all the air out

[FlatsFury]

Thanks for the reply. I thought about trying a full cycle with the lines cracked, individually, as you've stated but was afraid it might introduce air. I will definitely give this a try today and report back; thanks again.

[FlatsFury]

Start with the engine all the way to one side. Crack a line loose turn engine all the way over and then back to starting position and then tighten. Then crack the second line and do the same. Might have to repeat a second time to get all the air out. You still have air trapped in cylinder. Each line has to be bleed both ways since they dont have bleed ports on the cylinders. I have twins on my setup and took me twice per lineto get all the air out

Update: Thanks for the good advice, followed your instructions and repeated 3X. I was able to bleed a few more decent bubbles and cut down the play a bit. I repeated the process at different trim levels in order to get any trapped air from the cylinder. The system feels much better, but there is still around 1/8 inch of play on the ram when shaking the motor side to side. Is this normal? Can I expect this to bleed through the helm cap with normal use? Thanks again for the input.

[demag67]

You may have a little movement. When I say movement though it will just be very minimal and its only from compressing the fluid. It shouldn't move like cable slop on a cable set up.

[XstreamVking]

Next time fill the cyl and lines with fluid before installing the hoses to the cylinder. Then bleed the little air left.....

[demag67]

If air is still in there it probably won't come out the bleed cap at the helm.

[FlatsFury]

If air is still in there it probably won't come out the bleed cap at the helm.


As far as movement, I agree, my system used to have very little movement, if "any."


If the remaining air probably won't bleed through the helm , I will remove the cylinder, lines attached, and bleed with the fittings perfectly atop the cylinder, thanks again this is the information I was looking for.

[FlatsFury]

Next time fill the cyl and lines with fluid before installing the hoses to the cylinder. Then bleed the little air left.....

Thanks for the reply, I actually did fill the lines with fluid before install, but did not fill the cylinder, definitely a good tip for next time.