Below we list some of the possible “defects / problems” and their possible causes and solutions
Issues & solutions
MANUAL SYSTEMS (SYS.A)
When filling (turning the wheel), the pump stops or becomes heavy:
Probable restriction in the line between the helm pump and the cylinder.
Make sure that there are no bottlenecks along the tubing lines that may prevent the passage of oil. Ensure that the fittings and bleeders have free oil passages.
The system is difficult to fill, the pump spits out oil even when completely filled.
Probable presence of air in the system or emulsified oil.
Review the steering system filling instructions. Tighten the bleeder screws.
The steering is stiff and hard to turn, even when the boat is not moving.
1 Hexagonal adjusting nut on engine sleeve over tightened (for systems with outboard engine)
2 Restriction between tubing and fittings
3 Rudder stock seized
4 Mechanical seizure
1 Try disconnecting the cylinder from the engine arm and check by turning the steering wheel, if it turns smoothly. In this case, loosen the adjusting nut.
2 Check oil passage.
3 Make sure that by disconnecting the cylinder from the tiller arm, the rudder moves freely when boat is stationary.
4 Verify that there is no type of mechanical seizure that does not allow the movement of the cylinder.
The steering is heavy at a constant speed.
1 The diameter of steering wheel is too small
2 Incorrect setting of trim tabs
3 Oil too dense
4 Cylinder seals worn or ruined
1 Try installing a larger diameter wheel
2 Adjust trim tabs
3 Check instructions for correct type of oil for the system.
4 Check that cylinder rod is not ruined and order cylinder seal kit.
Leakage of oil from cylinder rod
Cylinder seals worn or ruined
Check that cylinder rod is not ruined and order cylinder seal kit.
If cylinder rod is ruined, replace it together with a new seal kit.
The wheel turns, but cylinder does not move
1 Air in the system
2 Cylinder is in by-pass
3 Leakage of oil from one cylinder chamber to the other of the cylinder (first check by closing the pump oulets and that the wheel does not turn).
1 Fill the system correctly as in instructions.
2 Close cylinder by-pass valve.
3 Order a new seal kit and cylinder rod if ruined.
Noisy helm pump (a slight noise, however is normal and is caused by the displacement of the internal pistons)
No oil or insufficient oil in helm pump
Check the oil level and refill if low.
Turning the wheel to the right, the boat turns left (or viceversa)
Tubing connection error
Invert the delivery line tubing.
Manoeuvering with the manual helm pump the rudder indicator does not mark the same angle to port and starboard (or one side does not move)
1 Incorrect installation of rudder angle transmitter
2 Incorrect installation of cylinder/s
3 Hydraulic block
4 Mechanical block
1 Check the correct installation of rudder angle transmitter.
2 Check with the instructions that the cylinder is installed correctly and that at 0° of rudder, the cylinder is at half stroke.
3 Check that one side is not obstructed
4 Check that there are no mechanical blocks and that the cylinder moves freely.
ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS (WITH POWER PACK – SYS B-F-G-H)
For problems with the manual helm pump see section above with reference to system type A
Oil comes out of manual helm pump or from compensation tank
1 Air in the system
2 Tubing connection error
3 Automatic filling connection error.
4 Incorrect filler plug on helm pump or compensation tank.
5 Air in balance line tube or restriction along the tubing.
1 Fill the system correctly as in instructions.
2 Check the correctness of the tubing connection with the tubing or hydraulic diagram supplied for the system.
3 Check that the automatic filling tube is not connected to top part of helm pump.
4 In case of a system with automatic filling the helm pump filler plug must be non vented. In case of a system without automatic filling the helm pump filler plug must be vented.
5 Check that there is no air in the balance line tubing that goes from the helm pump to the power pack and that there are no bottlenecks.
Manoeuvring with joystick or autopilot or Orbitrol the rudder does not move. (boat stationary)
1 Mechanical problem
2 Hydraulic problem
3 Electrical problem
4 Solenoid valve stuck
1 Check that the rudder is not locked mechanically (check the rudder movement by disconnecting the cylinders from the tiller arm to check that the rudder is free). Check that the cylinder movement is free from restrictions.
2 Check that the power pack pressure gauge is pressurized when manoeuvring with joystick or autopilot or Orbitrol. If the pressure gauge does not create pressure check that the power pack relief valve or the anti-shock relief valve are not unscrewed. Check that the by-pass valve is closed. Check that there are no leaks from cylinder bleeder screws or in the circuit. Check that isolation valves along the delivery line from power pack are not closed. Check for restrictions in the tubing.
3 Check correct rotation of electric motor. Check that solenoid valve receives a signal or is connected correctly.
4 Unblock with a screwdriver by pressing the central push button on one side. Disassemble to clean the cursor (do not do this unless the valve is under warranty or if you are unsure) (do not clean the valve with petrol or thinners etc.).
Manoeuvring with joystick or autopilot or Orbitrol the rudder does not move.
(boat in movement)
1 Mechanical problem
2 Hydraulic problem
3 Electrical problem
4 Solenoid valve stuck
1 Check that the rudder is not locked mechanically (check the rudder movement by disconnecting the cylinders from the tiller arm to check that the rudder is free). Check that the rudder stock with boat in movement does not bend. Check that the cylinder movement is free from restrictions.
2 Check that the power pack pressure gauge is pressurized when manoeuvring with joystick or autopilot or Orbitrol.
If the pressure gauge does not create pressure check that the power pack relief valve or the anti-shock relief valve are not unscrewed. Check that the by-pass valve is closed. Check that there are no leaks from cylinder bleeder screws or in the circuit. Check that isolation valves along the delivery line from power pack are not closed. Check for restrictions in the tubing.
3 Check correct rotation of electric motor. Check that solenoid valve receives a signal or is connected correctly.
4 Unblock with a screwdriver by pressing the central push button on one side. Disassemble to clean the cursor (do not do this unless the valve is under warranty or if you are unsure) (do not clean the valve with petrol or thinners etc.)
Manoeuvering with the joystick or Orbitrol or the manual helm pump the rudder indicator does not mark the same angle to port and starboard (or one side does not move)
1 Incorrect installation of rudder angle transmitter
2 Incorrect installation of cylinder/s
3 Pressure problem
4 Hydraulic block
1 Check the correct installation of rudder angle transmitter.
2 Check with the instructions that the cylinder is installed correctly and that at 0° of rudder, the cylinder is at half stroke. Check that there are no mechanical blocks of the cylinder movement on one side.
3 Check that pressure on pressure gauge is the same for the two sides of manoeuvre.
If the pressure is different check that the anti-shock valve is not unscrewed corresponding to the side of the missing pressure.
4 Check if the delivery side with the problem is not blocked. Check if the delivery side with the problem does not leak.
During navigation the wheel drifts back to centre)
Non return valve damaged
Replace non return valve of helm pump.
Turning the wheel to the right, the boat turns left (or viceversa)
Tubing connection error
Invert the delivery line tubing of the helm pump or Orbitrol.
Manoeuvering with the joystick to the right, the boat turns left (or viceversa)
Tubing connection errori
Invert the delivery line tubing of the power pack.
The Orbitrol does not move or is heavy
1 Tubing connection error
2 Hydraulic problem
3 Electrical problem
1 Check that the tubing from the power pack is not inverted.
2 Check that the tubing from the power pack to the Orbitrol has no restrictions or that the isolation valve is closed Check that the power pack functions and sends oil to the Orbitrol.
3 Check correct rotation of electric motor.