I am a new member and pleased to have joined. I have had my '82 Commander 360 for 20 years in Port Canaveral,Fl. As the pic shows there's only 10 PSI and steering wheel just spins freely. Mechanic says there's a leak in the copper line and was trying to find the bleeder valve to purge the system after repair and said it should be at the helm but it's not there? Any guidance is very much appreciated.
Also, does anyone know what brand the hydraulic tank/pump is which should be original equipment? Thank you, Peter
It is a Hynautic brand. Here is a YouTube video that may help.(1) MV Thirsty Whale, 1984 Chris Craft Catalina 381, Filling, Pressurizing, & Bleeding Hynautic Steering - YouTube
I remember that there is a box mounted on the wall near the rudders that I needed to open screws and turn the wheel to get the air out of the system. Can't find the manual but you should be able to find it searching for Hynautic.
Thank you for responding.
Last time I did one of these the procedure as I remember was fill the reservoir, pump up the air to 45 and begin turning the wheel. FIFTY TURNS one way then 50 back the other way, repeat. The wheel will get stiff and the you know its coming in. Also of you have a dual station, do the lower first as the lower also pumps to the upper. I think at one point I did just crack a line at the lower to see air air would purge, but these systems are pretty much self bleeding. If you come back a da or so lter and the pressure drops overnight. You still have a leak. It took me days but with a spray bottle of soap i found out the little gaskets behind the level sight windows on the reservoir had aged out. Still available, replaced and Never had another issue.
Hope this will help you!