R31CB with air in hydraulic steering

[georgeboarhunter]

Recently bought 31CB, 2023, 68 engine hrs. Passed sea trial without issues. A month later, took boat out for first time. Steering locks in one direction, auto pilot gives hydraulic failure error message. Appears that air is in hydraulic lines. How does this happen, and what is the fix?

 

[William Sanborn]

Had a Cracked steering pump on my RT-27 and fluid leaked. After replacing the pump added the oil thru the cap on the top of the steering wheel (Pump). If you have upper steering station need to add the oil at the highest steering wheel. Then do lock to lock with the wheel to burb the system.

 

[Todd Tugnut]

Had a Cracked steering pump on my RT-27 and fluid leaked. After replacing the pump added the oil thru the cap on the top of the steering wheel (Pump). If you have upper steering station need to add the oil at the highest steering wheel. Then do lock to lock with the wheel to burb the system.

I did that, Bill. I guess you aren’t supposed to fill to the top. I was wiping up fluid up there for weeks.

 

[AGLyme]

I had similar issues - did what WS did above... but bought a new cap with the pressure relief valve (for the CB wheel)... and yes there were drops from time to time for a while but that went away over time.

 

[Todd Tugnut]

I had similar issues - did what WS did above... but bought a new cap with the pressure relief valve (for the CB wheel)... and yes there were drops from time to time for a while but that went away over time.

Could you please post a link to the cap? Or even the name and brand so we can search for one? Thank You!

 

[AGLyme]

Search: vented helm cap (there is non vented too - I bought a non vented for the salon helm). I forget what brand I purchased - see the sticker on the underside of the helm.