Bleeding a hydraulic sidemount ram with no bleeder valves question

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09-23-2025, 04:16 PM
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Bleeding a hydraulic sidemount ram with no bleeder valves question

Hi
My boat has hydraulic steering that utilizes a capilano helm, sidemount ram with no bleeder valves and a uniflow valve. Would like to purge the system for air, but never did this type of system. I contacted Latham and Imco, and the ram is not theirs.
I’m thinking have a bottle installed upside down at helm filler and turn steering wheel hard in a direction opening ram. Then have an assistant hold motor from going in other direction when I turn steering wheel the other direction forcing air out of ram and having air bubbles come out at helm. Then do when ram is in. Not playing around with uniflow valve.
Thoughts, please
https://www.screamandfly.com/blob:ht...5-56f1b815fad9

https://www.screamandfly.com/blob:ht...7-3a746404ae4fThanks
Frank
https://www.screamandfly.com/blob:ht...a-c14a60b71521
https://www.screamandfly.com/blob:ht...2-83dc67c5ca7e
09-23-2025, 04:26 PM
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3 Attachment(s)

Pics of ram, steering diagram and uniflow valve
09-23-2025, 07:07 PM
DangerNewb

Watching this one. I have a Capilano helm with 2 mayfair rams i need to bleed. The rams were leaking. Local hydraulic shop rebuilt them for me. In the process of rebuilding the helm now. Will be bleeding the entire system soon.
09-24-2025, 09:13 AM
Jim Speros

Does your system have a uniflow valve? I've never seen one with a Capilano helm. I've only seen said valve with a pressure can with a hynautic helm. Had the pressure can and valve system and changed to capilano for its simplicity.
09-24-2025, 09:16 AM
DangerNewb

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Speros

Does your system have a uniflow valve? I've never seen one with a Capilano helm. I've only seen said valve with a pressure can with a hynautic helm. Had the pressure can and valve system and changed to capilano for its simplicity.

I don't believe so. At least I haven't seen one anywhere. But its a 30ft boat so could be hiding somewhere. Assume it would be relatively close to the helm? If so, I'd say no, i don't have one.
09-24-2025, 10:19 AM
XstreamVking

On the rams where there are no bleeders I remove the cyl from the engine and rotate it till the fittings are pointing up. Remove hoses and fill the cylinder thru fittings/ports. Put hoses in a small container/s with enough oil so the hoses can't suck any air in, while filling at the helm turn wheel back and forth till no air comes out of the hoses. Re install hoses onto the cylinder. This gets rid of 99.9% of the air. The remaining small amount of air should not be a problem.