Hynautic Helm Removal?

Gccornelius · Post by **Gccornelius** » Sun Jun 04, 2017 6:18 am

Has anyone removed their Hynautic helm steering pump? I have a reseal kit on the way as mine started leaking. I know to bleed the pressure off the resevoir back by the generator. I'm just curious how much fluid will drain from the hoses. I'm also concern of a siphoning effect draining the entire system. Does anyone know the thread size of the hoses/pump fittings so I can cap and plug them? Thanks for the input all.

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Sun Jun 04, 2017 10:26 am

If it's already leaking, chances are the pressure has already been relieved. I think if you removed all of the fluid, it would amount to 3/4 to 1 gallon but being a 35, you probably take more than my 33. I don't know the sizes of your fittings or hoses, but to cap it off sounds like a good idea. While taking that helm apart, I've heard taking pictures helps a lot in putting it back together. One thing you may want to consider is replacing the fluid with Shell's Fluid 41. It's what our helms were made for and you won't believe how much easier it is to steer. Takes half the effort and maybe even less. The difference is amazing. It's not expensive and easy to find. https://www.amazon.com/AEROSHELL-FLUID- ... B01BU29ERQ Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Mon Jun 05, 2017 1:39 pm

If you're talking about removing the helm on the bridge, once I relieved the pressure I didn't lose a lot out of my 33 when I took it off to have it rebuilt. I just released the pressure at my tank first. I never plugged my hoses or anything. It wasn't a big mess. I too use the Aeroshell Hydraulic fluid.

Gccornelius · Post by **Gccornelius** » Mon Jun 05, 2017 3:20 pm

Awesome! Thanks for the replies guys! Is the shell a drop in replacement or did you drain and flush? Hopefully the seal kit gets here quick-weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend in Annapolis!

h2ojst · Post by **h2ojst** » Tue Jun 06, 2017 4:10 am

George, If you drain the old fluid & add the Shell as suggested, the system will function better. Down at the reservoir tank there are a couple of feed lines. Pull one or both & let the fluid run into a bucket. That will get most. If the 35 is anything like the 33, getting to the steering cylinder to get the remainder of the fluid is a real task. Then follow the Hynautic bleeding instructions and you'll be all set. Not a difficult job.

Gccornelius · Post by **Gccornelius** » Thu Jun 08, 2017 3:55 pm

Gents, Got the helm out with minor fluid loss. Real easy when it's daylight and everything is already loose! Helm seal kit came in early too! Looks like I'll be back ot this weekend. I am going to repainted it as well to make it purty! Warning/Reminder- I went down to bleed the pressure off and noticed water running down my stbd hull and into the bilge. The packing gland for the starboard rudder and had backed all the way loose!! I had the rudders re packed and stems machined due to grooves. I should have checked after the first couple of runs but didn't! I always check my shafts but for some reason I didn't check the rudders this year! Couldn't have been real bad situation if I kept running like that. Just a friendly reminder! I now have a reminder set on my phone to check them every week now!

Keith in Corpus · Post by **Keith in Corpus** » Fri Jun 09, 2017 11:27 am

Where did you purchase the helm rebuild from?

Gccornelius · Post by **Gccornelius** » Fri Jun 09, 2017 5:24 pm

Fisheries supply put in Washington. great customer support!!!