H216 - hydraulic lift keel cable travel length

[davidb2000]

New H216 owner of 2004 model - a great boat! Need some advice:
The hydraulic lift for the keel works now, after replacing the cable. But now I notice that the keel does not seem to fully retract - much difficulty getting the boat on trailer. I understand that the entire keel does not fit into the recess, but it only comes up maybe ~3/4, and that ~4 inches of piston rod travel remain when further pumping action no has an effect. Is this normal? If not, what else can I do further retract the piston rod and keel? Could hydraulic fluid - quality (years old), quantity (leak?) - be the culprit? Of note: the new cable length is identical to original, with no slack when the keel is fully down. In fact, I am concerned that the keel/cable system may have too much stain since the keel was pulled up a bit before attaching the cable.
Thanks for any advice!

 

[chuckwayne]

David,
Look in the archives - I've posted the directions for maintaining the hydraulics. You may have air in the cylinder , and if the fluid hasn't been changed you may need to flush and refill. Worst case, you can have the cylinder rebuilt for about $400 (do it yourself parts about $300).
Also, remove the cylinder for storage and store it vertical. and don't leave it it in freezing weather. PM me if you don't find it and I'll repost.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Listen to this fellow as I consider him the guru on this. Thanks for responding Chuckwayne. I am now in the new mountain home and had 5 inches of snow yesterday. Sometimes I use to say I live in the clouds but that is now a true statement as I am looking at mountians with the fog in the valley. Send me a private email. Dave

 

[Ranger Paul18578]

Wayne, I have a 2003 H216 and love it. As you imply, the hydraulics need loving care. When you remove and store the cylinder vertically, does it matter which end is up?

Do you have any theories why the cylinder needs to be removed and stored vertically...it just doesn't make a lick of sense to me?

 

[chuckwayne]

Sailtec says to store it pump end down.....
I agree it doesn't make sense to me, but I would guess that that might keep any bubbles in the reservoir. Also, I think this is an adaptation of their backstay adjusters, which are normally used in the vertical position