Classic AquaSport
Aquasport Mechanicals - things that need a wrench, screwdriver or multimeter => Controls, Steering, and Trim Tabs => Topic started by: campbell on April 29, 2009, 09:58:43 AM
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Anybody know how top drives or second helms are rigged? obviously both wheels dont turn when you turn one, what ties both sets of hydraulic lines to the motor, anybody have any pics?
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I read about this the other day at teleflex's website.
it look as if your lower/main helm needs to be capable of sending 3 lines out of it. The 2 main lines are T'd off, sending the lines back to the steering cylinder and also to the upper helm. The 3rd line runs from the lower helm to the upper helm and is called a compensating cable.
Here's a link: scroll down to figure J http://ww2.seastarsteering.com/HOSE_TUB ... b_hose.htm (http://ww2.seastarsteering.com/HOSE_TUBE/OB_HOSE/ob_hose.htm)
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Both wheels turn when you turn one with hydraulic. The helms have more inputs/outputs than they need, you essentially just run another line from top helm to bottom then send hoses to engine.
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On mine the hydraulic lines from the 2 helm stations are just connected with Tee fittings at the lower station. There is also a 3rd line between the two helm units. I think they call it an "equalizer" line. Fill plugs are different as well. Top station has normal vented fill plug. Lower station has a sealed plug with no vent. I don't remember my steering wheels turning together but then I can't see the other from either station. Adding fluid is done at the top station because if you open the lower fill plug gravity will drain the upper station out through the lower fill hole.