No helm steering R-27

[TomFoolery]

Attempted to go out today but quickly discovered rudder was not responding to helm. Had to use thrusters to return to my dock. Put the boat up on the lift and had someone turn the wheel while I watched rudder...there was no movement at all!

Boat is just over 1 yr old.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

It could be you have an air pocket in the hydraulic line that needs to be bled, this could cause the steering to freeze up. Have you had any steering or auto pilot work performed recently? Lastly have you checked to see if the reservoir is full at the your steering wheel?

Let us know what you find out.

Jim F

 

[Andrew Custis]

It could be a few different things. The first step is to verify the hydraulics as Jim mentioned. Do a lock to lock turn and see if the wheel locks over in either direction. If it does, I would check the rudder connection at the tiller arm under the back storage well. Best way to get help is to call the dealer you purchased from or the factory tomorrow and we will have someone assist in troubleshooting.

Thank you,

 

[TomFoolery]

It could be a few different things. The first step is to verify the hydraulics as Jim mentioned. Do a lock to lock turn and see if the wheel locks over in either direction. If it does, I would check the rudder connection at the tiller arm under the back storage well. Best way to get help is to call the dealer you purchased from or the factory tomorrow and we will have someone assist in troubleshooting.

Thank you,

Andrew,
I spoke with Carl Manning at Edgewater Yachts yesterday. The wheel is not moving the rudder at all. However, I found the auto pilot does move the rudder. The forward helm pump is dry so there must be a leak. We both believe the leak is at the auto pilot pump where I did find some oil. (not a lot) The other thing I noticed at the auto pilot pump is the middle brass fitting (second station?) appears to be missing a cap. I have posted 3 pics in my photos that show what I am talking about. Take a look and let me know if you agree with our assessment and if so can you get a replacement cap from Garmin or Uflex?
Thanks,
Tom

 

[TomFoolery]

Andrew,
"A picture is worth a thousand words" Got a reply from Carl Manning at Edgewater Yachts. I sent him the pics also and apparently what I saw as a missing "cap" was not correct. The brass fitting actually has a "plug" which goes in the fitting and is tightened with an allen wrench. So we still don't know what happened to the fluid. I ordered some fluid which should be here next week. I'll fill the helm reservoir and bleed it and see what happens.
Tom