Hydraulic Steering Help

[justthetip]

I have a Hynautic helm with air tank turning two Mercury 250 EFIs with the IMCO wingplates and rams. It is terribly hard to turn the boat with the current setup. Any suggestions on how to make the steering easier?

[David - WI]

The shaft was bent on mine... took it apart and pressed it straight and then it was like power steering. If somebody put the wrong fluid in it, it will make it turn hard also.

[perfmarine1]

I would open a Bleeder or crack A-line on the cylinder and see if it turns easy then you will know if it's the ram or the helm pump

[LakeFever]

Check that All your pivot points are lubed properly, or any binding damage etc. Never underestimate the simple things

[XstreamVking]

Could also be that the engines themselves have gotten stiff and hard to turn. Have they been lubed regularly? Disconnect them from the system and try turning.

[justthetip]

Thanks for the replies. The rams are all brand new (I know this doesn’t mean they’re perfect, but it seems unlikely). I will look them over anyways.

I’ve disconnected the rams from the engines and it get a little better, but nothing significant. Engines seem to turn freely.

I’ve also tore down the helm pump and found nothing of note in it but cleaned everything anyways and nothing changed when I reinstalled it.

Good thought on checking lube points.

Luckily the guy I bought the boat from is local. I had him check the steering after it was all reinstalled (different rams, different engines, different wing plates) and he confirmed that it’s just as stiff as it was when he had it.

I’ve been thinking an electric assist pump is the next step, do these make a big difference?

[Turborr]

Maybe need a capilano helm?

[kellytheaker]

I am not all that versed in helms but a quick look at the back of the hynautic helm would provide a good starting point as far as its capabilities/ ratings - coupled with an air tank
I have read into a couple threads following J Ps builds or rigging and have heard Capilano helms with assist but do you have to ? - if the Hynautic will be sufficient

If the thread here doesn't direct you - take a good look at seastar catalog and know your helm # - a call to seastar rep can really improve your knowledge base and my rep here out west is excellent . You place a call having some initial background and concern to tech and they call back .
I believe seastar bought out hynautic .
.