8 Constant Running Hydraulic Pump - Installation Guide
3. Hydraulic connections
CAUTION:
Before you connect the autopilot pump to your hydraulic system
we strongly recommend that you consult the steering gear
manufacturer.
General guidelines
CAUTION:
Absolute cleanliness is essential when working with hydraulic
systems. Even the smallest particle of dirt could prevent the
steering system check valves from working properly.
• All pipes used to fit the pump should match, or exceed, the
specification of the existing steering system pipes. Contact the
steering system manufacturer if you need more information.
• Use flexible pipe to connect the pump to the boat’s steering
system - this avoids strain on the pipes.
• Try to keep hydraulic fluid loss to a minimum when installing the
pump. This will reduce the time and effort required to bleed the
system of trapped air after installation:
• non-pressurized systems: temporarily fit a non-venting plug
to the helm reservoir vent to minimize fluid loss
• pressurized systems:
WARNING:
Before disconnecting any pipes on pressurized systems, you
MUST release the pressure at the reservoir by following the
manufacturer’s instructions.
• The ram ports on the CR pump are tapped to
1
/
4
in BSP and the
reservoir port is tapped to
3
/
8
in BSP. Three NPT adaptors are
included for conversion to NPT where required.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you fit any T-pieces.
• Make sure all hydraulic pipes slope upwards towards the
reservoir.
• A set of bleed valves near the steering ram, fitted at the highest
point, will allow any air to escape upwards.
