Hey folks, hoping you can help me understand a bit more about my AP system in more detail as a means for me to troubleshoot a problem. The details of the problem are: air in system/pump making odd noises/AP struggles to hold course). I'm hoping to learn and troubleshoot it before calling in the pros. I've done as much research as I could and reached a point where I'm throughly confused.
I recently purchased a 2003 Hunter 356--my understanding is that the AP was factory installed as an upgrade option. I believe I have a Raymarine AP5000 hydraulic system. It has a standard hydraulic ram and legacy Raymarine type 1 pump (81120). Previous owner states AP worked OK and he usually needed to turn wheel hard port/starboard a few times before engaging. He also said he needed to adjust rudder gain often. I think these are indicative of air constantly getting in the line. He had the hydraulic ram rebuild a year ago. I'd like to resolve the problem once and for all but not by purchasing a whole new AP system.
The questions I have are the following:
1. I cannot understand what the 'valves' are that are connected on the lines running to the pump. See pic attached, the arrows point to these components. The hydraulic lines go in/out of them from the pump and they are powered--shared the same wires as the pump. Any thoughts?
2. I do not have a reservoir but rather the sight tube seems to serve as such. Clear tube in center of pic running vertical. Is this normal? Should I get an actual reservoir tank?
3. All the reading I have done recommends that the reservoir line be ran to the helm pump. Should I look into doing this? I don't even know if I have a wheel with a help pump.
Thanks in advance for the help!!
I recently purchased a 2003 Hunter 356--my understanding is that the AP was factory installed as an upgrade option. I believe I have a Raymarine AP5000 hydraulic system. It has a standard hydraulic ram and legacy Raymarine type 1 pump (81120). Previous owner states AP worked OK and he usually needed to turn wheel hard port/starboard a few times before engaging. He also said he needed to adjust rudder gain often. I think these are indicative of air constantly getting in the line. He had the hydraulic ram rebuild a year ago. I'd like to resolve the problem once and for all but not by purchasing a whole new AP system.
The questions I have are the following:
1. I cannot understand what the 'valves' are that are connected on the lines running to the pump. See pic attached, the arrows point to these components. The hydraulic lines go in/out of them from the pump and they are powered--shared the same wires as the pump. Any thoughts?
2. I do not have a reservoir but rather the sight tube seems to serve as such. Clear tube in center of pic running vertical. Is this normal? Should I get an actual reservoir tank?
3. All the reading I have done recommends that the reservoir line be ran to the helm pump. Should I look into doing this? I don't even know if I have a wheel with a help pump.
Thanks in advance for the help!!
