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Bleeding the Hydraulic Steering System for a Garmin Autopilot
NOTE:
• Do not attempt to use the autopilot to steer the boat until you bleed all air from each part of the hydraulic system
• Refer to the specific instructions from the hydraulic steering system manufacturer for information on bleeding the hydraulic system
• For a Garmin autopilot pump refer to the Installation Manual. Obtain a copy of the installation manual here
When bleeding a hydraulic system always defer to the Owner's Manuals or Installation Instructions. It is recommended to read through the Considerations prior to starting. The steps after would include either bleeding the pump and helm for a single helm system or bleeding the pump and helm for a multi-helm system. If utilizing a multi-helm hydraulic system follow a bottom up approach. The Verifying the Garmin Autopilot System is Fully Bled can be used to either help with pre-determining if there is air in the system or to check if the air is out of the lines after completing the bleeding. It is always recommended to bleed the hydraulic system after a new pump installation.
Considerations
NOTE:
• Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is not recommended
• Do not use Teflon tape on any part of the hydraulic system
- How many helms are on the boat?
- Use a power purge system in a multiple helm system or complex system as air can get trapped in the lines and is not easily hand-bled
- What type of fluid is used?
- ATFs are not designed for hydraulic systems. ATFs are designed for lower-pressure and lower-temperature systems and do not have the viscosity that hydraulic fluid does. ATFs have detergents in them and are often used for cleaning an engine
- Hydraulic fluid should be clear or milky in color. The color can identify if the fluid is an ATF if it's either green or red.
- The hydraulic fluid should have the correct viscosity oxidation stability and is foaming resistant. A higher operating temperature range will aid in sealing O-rings better with lubrication and will perform better in the hydraulic system.
- What is the steering fluid level at the helm?
- To check, remove the filler plug on the helm and view into the hole. The hydraulic fluid should be visible.
- Check the helm manufacturer's recommended fluid level, as these can vary.
- If the helm reservoir contains insufficient fluid, fill it as needed. If the helm reservoir contains excess fluid, remove the excess to avoid fluid overflow during the bleeding process.
- When adding an autopilot pump add additional hydraulic fluid to the system.
- Where and in what position is the pump mounted?
- If mounted in the incorrect position (upside down, vertical with the manifold pointed down) air can become trapped.
- Was hydraulic fluid reused?
- It is common to reuse hydraulic fluid, however, if there are issues with bleeding the system then replace the fluid and use a fine mesh filter such as those for gasoline or use a Power Purge (Seastar) or Bubble Buster (UFlex) for bleeding. Both systems have a built-in filter in the pump pickup line.
- How many turns does the manufacturer list as hard over?
- If lock-to-lock goes past the manufacturer recommended turns then there is air in the lines.
- There should be a hard stop when performing the turns in the bleeding process. If the turns are soft or slip then there is either air in the lines or not enough fluid in the reservoir.
Verifying the Garmin Autopilot System is Fully Bled
NOTE:
• When performing the Autotune Steering Direction if the system does not give a "Pump Stall" error, indicating air is still in the lines, consider using a power purge to bleed the system
- Steer the helm
- To verify if the hydraulic steering system is fully bled note if the helm feels normal with a firm stop and if the rudder responds normally.
- If there is air in the lines, the air will compress and lead to noticeable degradation in the steering that would be felt through the helm as it turns suddenly losing pressure or feeling like it is sticking. It can also be seen through the motor not responding or being slow to respond when turned.
- “Pump Stall” in Verify Steering Direction
- Access the Verify Steering Direction from within the autopilot setup and run the steering system hard over with the autopilot pump.
- From within the Verifying the Steering Direction, hold the left arrow (port) until steering stops and Hydraulic Pump Stall error message is shown on helm control
- From within the Verifying the Steering Direction, hold the right arrow (starboard) until steering stops and Hydraulic Pump Stall error message is shown on helm control
- If the Hydraulic Pump Stall error message displays within 2 to 3 seconds after the cylinder stops then the system bleeding has been completed successfully.
- If the Hydraulic Pump Stall error message does not display within 2 to 3 seconds repeat steps for bleeding the hydraulic system until the system is bled successfully
- Access the Verify Steering Direction from within the autopilot setup and run the steering system hard over with the autopilot pump.
Accessing the Verify Steering Direction from the display:
GHC 20
1. Enter Dealer Mode:
Press the Menu Button > Set Up > System > System Information then Hold the center soft key until Dealer Mode appears above it.
2. Access Verify Steering Direction
Press the Menu > Setup > Dealer Autopilot Setup > Steering System Setup > Verify Steering Direction > Hold the arrow key until pump stall error message appears
Chartplotter
Select Settings > My Vessel > Autopilot Installation Setup > Ok > Steering System Setup > Hold arrow key until pump stall error message appears
GHC 50
Select ... > Autopilot Installation Setup > Yes > Steering System Setup > Steering Direction > Hold arrow key until pump stall error message appears
Bleeding the Pump and Helm (Single Helm Hydraulic System)
NOTE:
• The Garmin autopilot pump should be treated as the lowest helm in the system when bleeding the boat's hydraulics. Air goes to the highest point.
• If the hoses from the pump face downward the process will be a lot harder.
• It is recommended to use a power purge in more complex hydraulic systems (multi-helms, long hydraulic lines, hoses that run up-down-up inside the boat that trap air, e.g.) to get the air out.
- Check fluid levels at the helm
- If the helm reservoir contains insufficient fluid, fill it as needed
- If the helm reservoir contains excess fluid, remove the excess to avoid fluid overflowing during the bleeding process
- Wrap an oil absorb pad around the helm to prevent leaks
- Ensure any other helms in the system have non-vented plugs installed, or leaks will occur
- Connect the port and starboard bleed valves on the steering cylinder with a section of 1/4" fuel hose and two hose clamps. (TIP: If you use a clear plastic hose for this bypass, you can observe air bubbles during the bleeding process)
- Open the bleed valves until they are reasonably loose - almost coming off
- SmartPump™ only : Open the bypass valve.
- The SmartPump™ has a bleed valve built into the pump. This is a black knob that should be turned counter-clockwise
- Manually turn the helm to port until the rudder reaches the stop. Keep turning for a few minutes longer or until no bubbles are visible in the cylinder hose
- Occasionally check the fluid level of the helm reservoir. Add fluid as needed. As air bubbles are cycled out of the hoses you will hear noise and
the fluid level will drop - Turn on the autopilot system and disable the Shadow Drive
- Run the pump port direction using Verify Steering Direction. Hold the port arrow for at least 10 seconds or until you no longer see air moving through the bypass hose.
Accessing the Verify Steering Direction from the display:
GHC 20
1. Enter Dealer Mode:
Press the Menu Button > Set Up > System > System Information then Hold the center soft key until Dealer Mode appears above it.
2. Access Verify Steering Direction
Press the Menu > Setup > Dealer Autopilot Setup > Steering System Setup > Verify Steering Direction > Hold the port arrow key until
Chartplotter
Select Settings > My Vessel > Autopilot Installation Setup > Ok > Steering System Setup > Hold port arrow key
GHC 50
Select ... > Autopilot Installation Setup > Yes > Steering System Setup > Steering Direction > Hold port arrow key
- If the fluid does not flow freely to the pump from the reservoir hose:
- Vent the reservoir by leaving the cap off - Do not vent if autopilot pump is part of a pressurized Hynautic system.
- Ensure the reservoir is uphill to the pump
- Ensure the reservoir hose doesn't have loops, u-bends, kinks, or is twisted. Avoid things that would block flow
- This can be easily checked by disconnecting the reservoir hose at the pump and checking that the fluid flows easily. If the fluid doesn't flow freely then inspect the system looking for a blockage
- Repeat steps 7 through 11 for the starboard side
- Close the bleed valves back up. Do not overtighten; the bleed valves should be snug, not tight
- SmartPump™ only: Close the bypass valve.
- Turn the black bleed valve knob clockwise
- Re-enable the Shadow Drive
- Follow steps for "Verifying the Garmin Autopilot System is Fully Bled"
Bleeding the Helm (Multi-Helm Hydraulic System)
NOTE:
• The Garmin autopilot pump should be treated as the lowest helm in the system when bleeding the boat's hydraulics. Air goes to the highest point.
• It is recommended to use a power purge in more complex hydraulic systems (multi-helms, long hydraulic lines, hoses that run up-down-up inside the boat that trap air, e.g.) to get the air out.
- On a multi-helm system start with bleeding the lowest helm in the system, closest to the steering cylinder
- Check fluid levels at the helm
- If the helm reservoir contains insufficient fluid, fill it as needed
- If the helm reservoir contains excess fluid, remove the excess to avoid fluid overflowing during the bleeding process
- Wrap an oil absorb pad around the helm to prevent leaks
- Ensure any other helms in the system have non-vented plugs installed, or leaks will occur
- Connect the port and starboard bleed valves on the steering cylinder with a section of 1/4" fuel hose and two hose clamps. (TIP: If you use a clear plastic hose for this bypass, you can observe air bubbles during the bleeding process)
- Open the bleed valves until they are reasonably loose - almost coming off
- SmartPump™ only : Open the bypass valve.
- The SmartPump™ has a bleed valve built into the pump. This is a black knob that should be turned counter-clockwise
- Turn on power purge and check for leaks
- Manually turn the helm to port until the rudder reaches the stop. Keep turning for a few minutes longer or until no bubbles are visible in the cylinder hose
- Occasionally check the fluid level of the helm reservoir. Add fluid as needed. As air bubbles are cycled out of the hoses you will hear noise and
the fluid level will drop - Turn on the autopilot system and disable the Shadow Drive
- Run the pump port direction using Verify Steering Direction. Hold the port arrow for at least 10 seconds or until you no longer see air moving through the bypass hose.
Accessing the Verify Steering Direction from the display:
GHC 20
1. Enter Dealer Mode:
Press the Menu Button > Set Up > System > System Information then Hold the center soft key until Dealer Mode appears above it.
2. Access Verify Steering Direction
Press the Menu > Setup > Dealer Autopilot Setup > Steering System Setup > Verify Steering Direction > Hold the port arrow key until
Chartplotter
Select Settings > My Vessel > Autopilot Installation Setup > Ok > Steering System Setup > Hold port arrow key
GHC 50
Select ... > Autopilot Installation Setup > Yes > Steering System Setup > Steering Direction > Hold port arrow key
- If the fluid does not flow freely to the pump from the reservoir hose:
- Vent the reservoir by leaving the cap off - Do not vent if autopilot pump is part of a pressurized Hynautic system.
- Ensure the reservoir is uphill to the pump
- Ensure the reservoir hose doesn't have loops, u-bends, kinks, or is twisted. Avoid things that would block flow
- This can be easily checked by disconnecting the reservoir hose at the pump and checking that the fluid flows easily. If the fluid doesn't flow freely then inspect the system looking for a blockage
- Repeat steps 9 through 12 for the starboard side
- Repeat steps 1 through 14 for the other helms in the hydraulic system working from the lowest helm to highest helm in the system.
- SmartPump™ only: Close the bypass valve.
- Turn the black bleed valve knob clockwise
- When finished tighten the bleed valves back up. ONLY TIGHTEN THEM TO SNUG AND NO TIGHTER
- Re-enable the Shadow Drive
Follow steps for "Verifying the Garmin Autopilot System is Fully Bled"
Any changes to a hydraulic system requires bleeding the system. Check with the helm manufacturer's owner's manual for brand-specific directions on bleeding the steering hydraulics on the vessel.
If you remove the check valves after bleeding the hydraulic system, you must bleed it again. Reconfiguring the check valves may introduce air into the hydraulic system.
If replacing the pump and contamination of the hydraulic fluid is suspected, flush the old hydraulic fluid and replace with the new fluid.
Several steering systems and helms can quickly be bled by hand. Meanwhile, more complex systems may require additional equipment such as a power purge, so it is recommended to seek a certified Garmin Marine Installer.