checking the oil level in the steering system

[pugtug613]

Is there a way to check the oil level in the steering system? I read the manual a few times. It tells you how to fill it, but not how to check it. I find that my R27 will drift slightly when I engage the auto pilot and it will not correct itself. I have to go to standby and manually correct and then it will happen again. It never did that before. Maybe it's my imagination, but the manual steering seems to be a little slow in responding. I thought maybe I was low on fluid in the steering system?

 

[Just Dreamin']

I am not sure about the steering on the R27 but on our '09 R25 there is a vent plug located on the steering reservoir at the helm wheel. On mine if I am looking down on the wheel the plug is on top of the hub right behind the wheel to hub connection. I think you would check your fluid level by removing this plug, have rags and/or absorbent pads handy. Checking, if I recall correctly, is by sight of fluid level in the vent/fill hole. Your comment that drift is experienced upon engaging autopilot may mean you need to re-calibrate the autopilot system which is fairly easy with the Garmin GHC10. Do you experience this drift with autopilot disengaged?

 

[pugtug613]

The drift is only present with the auto pilot engaged. It seems like there is "zero" correction. The wind or current pushes the boat and the AP does not bring it back.

 

[knotflying]

Sounds more like an autopilot issue rather than a steering issue. There are several adjustments that can be made regarding responsiveness of the autopilot. Perhaps a call to Garmin will help you through the process. I had to do adjustment because my unit was correcting too much and the bow kept swinging back and forth to stay on the course line. At this juncture I cannot remember which settings I used, but if I remember I will get back to you.

 

[baz]

Possibly air in the hydraulic line. There's a process for determining if air is present and was discussed at length a few years ago. Do a search to find it as it may help explain things for you.

Start here... http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=4024&p=29810&hilit=Auto+pilot+air#p29810