Garmin autopilot pump upgrade

[racurry@unb.ca]

I got an hydraulic pump stall message then a complete fail of autopilot. Talking with Garmin techs who said it is 1 of 3 things. 1. air in line, 2. Low voltage to pump, or 3. Most probably a failed pump. The first 2 weren’t my issue. After their in house consults they came back with #3 because the standard FM install of a 1.2L pump is not big enough for heavy work outs on a boat this size. So yet another tech comment I’ve heard from specialists and read here before about our beloved Cutwaters and RT - “it isn’t a matter of if it will fail, it is when it will fail”. I can’t comment on FM choices on builds but I sure hope they are paying attention and correcting these shortcuts to less expensive operating systems. I’d rather pay more and have it done right coming out of the factory. So, I’m replacing 1.2L for the 2.0L - anyone done this and any thing to watch out for?
Allen
2016 C30S

 

[Full_O_Fish]

I got an hydraulic pump stall message then a complete fail of autopilot. Talking with Garmin techs who said it is 1 of 3 things. 1. air in line, 2. Low voltage to pump, or 3. Most probably a failed pump. The first 2 weren’t my issue. After their in house consults they came back with #3 because the standard FM install of a 1.2L pump is not big enough for heavy work outs on a boat this size. So yet another tech comment I’ve heard from specialists and read here before about our beloved Cutwaters and RT - “it isn’t a matter of if it will fail, it is when it will fail”. I can’t comment on FM choices on builds but I sure hope they are paying attention and correcting these shortcuts to less expensive operating systems. I’d rather pay more and have it done right coming out of the factory. So, I’m replacing 1.2L for the 2.0L - anyone done this and any thing to watch out for?
Allen
2016 C30S

Really nothing to look out for, take out the old, put in the new. Those pumps are the same format compared to the smart pump. If you don't already have the check valve kit installed, then I would highly recommend adding it during the swap. The 2.0 uses the same internal valve block as the 1.2 just has larger piston/displacement and motor.

Bleeding procedure will be the most complicated part of the install to get perfect if you haven't done it before or have a specialized purging system such as a "bubble purge" or "power purge jr".

If you switch either the port or starboard hose between the pumps, then the other respectively, and lastly the middle return line you will limit the amount of fluid loss because the lines remain effectively sealed at the other ends preventing siphoning as long as you don't shake the lines too much.

 

[racurry@unb.ca]

Thanks. All was fine until I went to lock on the 2 cables with their collar. My ECU 10 has 1/4 turn and the 2.0L pump has screw collars!! And Garmin didn’t send adapters so now waiting 2 more days for those to arrive. Make sure y’all check with Garmin on the cable collars for this job and likely for any replacement item.

 

[racurry@unb.ca]

Thanks. All was fine until I went to lock on the 2 cables with their collar. My ECU 10 has 1/4 turn and the 2.0L pump has screw collars!! And Garmin didn’t send adapters so now waiting 2 more days for those to arrive. Make sure y’all check with Garmin on the cable collars for this job and likely for any replacement item.

So I opted to diy this one rather than start cutting off collars. Here is what’s holding so far

 

[BGW]

Hi there,

I just bought a 2.0 instead of a 1.2 L pump to try and beef up the system on my R27.

The hydraulic fluid in the system has to be 9 years old. Would you suggest changing it? Where would you add the new oil from and what would be the right oil to use?

Thanks - Brad