Technical support

Issues & solutions

Technical support

Common issues and how to address them

Below is a collection of the most frequent symptoms found on Marsili systems, with the possible causes and recommended actions. If the issue persists, please contact technical support.

Manual systems — Type A
When filling (turning the wheel), the pump stops or becomes heavy
Cause

Probable restriction in the line between the helm pump and the cylinder.

Action

Make sure there are no bottlenecks along the tubing. Ensure fittings and bleeders have free oil passages.

The system is difficult to fill; the pump spits out oil even when completely filled
Cause

Probable presence of air in the system or emulsified oil; leakage from bleeders.

Action

Review the filling instructions and tighten the bleeder screws.

The steering is stiff and hard to turn, even when the boat is not moving
Cause

1) Hexagonal adjusting nut on engine sleeve over-tightened (outboard systems).
2) Restriction between tubing and fittings.
3) Rudder stock seized.
4) Mechanical seizure.

Action

1) Disconnect cylinder from engine arm; if wheel turns smoothly, loosen the nut.
2) Check oil passage.
3) Disconnect cylinder from tiller arm; rudder should move freely with boat stationary.
4) Verify there is no mechanical seizure.

The steering is heavy at constant speed
Cause

1) Steering wheel diameter too small.
2) Incorrect trim tab setting.
3) Oil too dense.
4) Cylinder seals worn or damaged.

Action

1) Install a larger diameter wheel.
2) Adjust trim tabs.
3) Check the prescribed oil type.
4) Inspect cylinder rod and order a seal kit.

Oil leakage from cylinder rod
Cause

Cylinder seals worn or damaged.

Action

Inspect cylinder rod and order a seal kit. If the rod is damaged, replace it together with the new seals.

The wheel turns but the cylinder does not move
Cause

1) Air in the system.
2) Cylinder in by-pass.
3) Internal leakage between cylinder chambers (test: close pump outlets — wheel must not turn).

Action

1) Fill the system as per instructions.
2) Close the by-pass valve.
3) Order a new seal kit and — if needed — a new rod.

Noisy helm pump (a slight noise from piston displacement is normal)
Cause

No oil or insufficient oil in the pump.

Action

Check the oil level and refill if low.

Turning the wheel right, the boat turns left (or vice versa)
Cause

Tubing connection error.

Action

Invert the delivery line tubing.

With the manual helm pump, the rudder angle indicator shows different angles port and starboard (or one side does not move)
Cause

1) Incorrect installation of rudder angle transmitter.
2) Incorrect cylinder installation.
3) Hydraulic block.
4) Mechanical block.

Action

1) Verify the transmitter installation.
2) At 0° rudder, the cylinder must be at half stroke.
3) Check one side is not obstructed.
4) Verify no mechanical blocks and free cylinder movement.

Electro-hydraulic systems — Types B · F · G · H
Manual pump operation does not respond
Cause

Refer to the previous section (Type A) for manual-pump issues first.

Action

Once manual-pump issues are excluded, inspect the electric power pack.

The electric power pack does not start
Cause

No power supply, blown fuse, faulty contactor, tripped thermal, or control board issue.

Action

Check power supply, fuses, contactors, thermal relays and control board.

The power pack starts but the cylinder does not move
Cause

Control valve solenoid not energised; check valve stuck; air in the circuit.

Action

Verify solenoid power supply; disassemble and clean the check valve; bleed the circuit.

The electric motor overheats
Cause

Line voltage below nominal; overload from circuit restriction; oil too dense.

Action

Measure actual voltage; check tubing; use the prescribed oil viscosity.

Servo-assisted and Follow-Up systems
Rudder angle does not match wheel position (Follow-Up)
Cause

Feedback sensor out of calibration, internal oil leak, control board issue.

Action

Recalibrate the feedback sensor per manual; check feed-back cylinder seals; inspect the board.

The system oscillates or hunts
Cause

Control gain too high; response time too short; residual air-lock.

Action

Reduce the gain; increase damping time; bleed the system again.

The autopilot does not respond to commands
Cause

Communication issue between autopilot and power pack; wrong rudder-angle signal; autopilot settings.

Action

Check cables and connections; verify the feedback signal at the autopilot; consult the autopilot manual for calibration.