Simrad AP 11 problems

[Rodd]

Can anyone suggest how to proceed when getting an error message: "Actuator, Fail" from an AP 11 pilot? Drive unit is HLD2000L. Anyone know how to bleed this unit and add more hydraulic fluid?

As soon as I engage the pilot it fails. I did notice some hydraulic fluid under the drive unit, so I figure a fluid level check is in order.

Thanks for any ideas.

Rodd

 

[Solitude]

There is a screw in the top of the tank next to the motor. Unscrew it and you can fill the tank. I had the same error but it was a problem with the motor and cylinder. You can unplug the 12 leads from the motor and power straight off the battery to see if the motor is working. Could be just as simple as stuck brushes which are accessible by taking out the small screw in the plastic band covering the exposed end of the motor. Good luck!

 

[Solitude]

Should have said to unplug the 12

volt

leads

 

[Rodd]

thanks Solitude.. do I need to move the ram in and out a few times while, or after, filling and then recheck hydraulic fluid level?

How about the 12v coil that attaches to the ram. Do you know if that can be metered out? any chance that the coil is bad if the motor checks out ok?

Rodd

 

[Solitude]

I would probably cycle the ram back and forth via the wheel. You should have 12 volts going directly to the motor from the control computer. There should also be leads to the solenoid from the computer. Connect the 12 volt battery directly to the motor. If it works then the problem is either with the control (AP11 in your case) or the computer (J3000x is what I have). I believe that the solenoid just tells the ram which way to run but it also could be a problem. I had my control and computer checked out by a local repairman at the same time I rebuilt the motor and ram assembly. My motor had a magnet that had broken loose (got some good glue and stuck in back in.)

 

[Rodd]

Problem solved-- low on Hydraulic fluid! After emptying sail locker(ugh) and getting to the top of the drive all I needed to do was fill up the resevoir in the pump to correct level. Ran the pilot to turn the rudder port and stbd several times-- all good!! Wish everything was such an easy fix!

 

[IStream]

Now you just need to figure out why you were low on fluid...

 

[Rodd]

yes- I had the ram moving many times from end to end and couldn't see any leaks. Will keep an eye on it and try and locate leak. hopefully very small, and it will take another 11 years to create another problem! I am, however, keeping a bottle of Hydraulic oil on board!

 

[IStream]

You might want to cut a bilge diaper into strips and wrap it around the ram and hoses. Check it next year and see if there are any drips. Also, wipe down the actuating side of your ram and exercise it a bit then wipe again with a clean diaper. You shouldn't pick up any fluid to speak of.

 

[Rodd]

Thanks IStream- those are great suggestions-- will get the strips cut this weekend.