3607 Steering

Hi,

Pleased to read that things seem to be under control in that dept now.

Did you happen to ask him what was wrong and how he "fixed" it?

Next time it happens you might not be anywhere near a friendly knowledgeable mechanic and might have to have a go at it yourself.

What K1W1 stated; however, did not realize this info was of a great national secrecy and you would have to kill us if you tell us the solution.

Is the leak coming from the lines or the seals? If the lines can you tell where? If the seals, it's not a huge job or should be fixable by a mechanic along the canal. The procedure was discussed recently by I believe Pascale in another thread. If it's at the end of one of the lines you may have enough extra to just clip off the end and reattach. If it's further down the line you may be able to seal it with Atomic Tape or some such. These are temporary fixes until you can get to have the line changed. You should be fine as long as you have enough fluid to keep it filled, but monitor it closely. And remember that you can steer your boat with the trim tabs and throttles while cruising and with your gears when going slow. Sounds like a good time to practice this. In the mean time let your wife know that you have Plan B and everything will be ok.

This isn't what I was looking for but it might give you some insights: http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/chris-craft-yacht/10351-helm-pump-broken-what-2.html

That's sounds like a lot of fluid to keep up with. Why are you not just getting it fixed right now? There comes a time to tell the wife that the vacation is over, maybe sending her home, and getting on you knees. It sounds like you're there. Wipe it down and turn the wheel a couple of times so you can see where the problem is. If the problem is in the steering unit look to see what kind it is, and take some pics. Have the part sent in. If you're not the mechanical type bring one in and have him bring the part. You're going to pay for the repair there or at your home port. Add in the cost of cleanup, damage you could cause if you hit something and injuries if someone slips on the fluid, and bringing in a mechanic gets cheap. I once came down the Chesapeake with no steering. Entirely doable, but when I got to that night's marina that was the time for repairs. We went no further till done. Proceeding doesn't really make sense unless you want to get to a certain place where the repair can be done. In the mean time stop the fluid from traveling throughout your boat and see if there is a way to minimize leakage.
If you need a recomendation for a mechanic in the area PM Rodger. Maybe he can recomend someone close to where you are.

After leaving my boat in during hurricane Sandy and the rudder hitting the dock or whatever, I drove to winter storage [about 1 mile] with no steering, only 2 engines. The seal behind the steering wheel had to be replaced; about $60 for the seal kit, and 2 hours labor or so. No problems since.

In changing over he had to stop the fluid flow. Did he take off the plug or clamp? You have enough fluid in the tank? It's pumped up to proper pressure? It's not still leaking? Then yep, you need to bleed it. Stay calm. You're almost there.

Did you run home or get the work done in Trenton?

Hi,

Is this the same "brain surgeon" who passed the system as fit for purpose previously?

Did you or your "mechanic" Carry out the following as suggested by Pascal on 05/09/13?

After pumping the system you need to prime the helms by turning in one direction till it stops then the other way till to the other stop

Can you fill the helm station with oil to at least get everything wet before you start pumping the system up to pressure and turning the wheel?