Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-12-2020, 01:52 PM   #1
CTP
Veteran Member
 
CTP's Avatar
 
City: Alameda, CA
Vessel Name: HMS Crown (for the time being)
Vessel Model: 34' CHB
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 33
Wagner Steering Bleeding Procedure?

Hi all,


I have air in my Wagner steering that I'd like to get out. I am used to a rudder cylinder with fittings on it that I can attach tubing to and pump out the bubbles to a reservoir, and not let more air back in.


This Wagner cylinder just has little set screws for bleeding - if I am looking at it right. 2 on each end.



What process/procedure have other Wagner steering owners used to bleed out air?


Thanks!!!
CTP is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2020, 02:06 PM   #2
Guru
 
C lectric's Avatar
 
City: Gibsons, B.C., Canada
Vessel Name: Island Pride
Vessel Model: Palmer 32'
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,414
Do you have the Univalve?
Do you have an upper and lower helm?
What are the pump model numbers?
I assume you have an upper and lower helm. Have you checked the oil level in the upper helm. If it is too low you will put air into the system. Try checking the oil NOW and topping it up. If not to low already that may be enough.
C lectric is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2020, 02:31 PM   #3
TF Site Team
 
FlyWright's Avatar
 
City: California Delta
Vessel Name: FlyWright
Vessel Model: 1977 Marshall Californian 34 LRC
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,728
I have a Wagner system and had both weeping pumps rebuilt. After the mechanic finished the job, there was evidence of air in the system - an occasional "skip" in the wheel resistance.

I devised a fill reservoir with a funnel, a length of 1/2 clear hose and a threaded fitting to match the cap for refilling.

By adding fluid to the flybridge helm pump with a funnel screwed into the refill cap fitting, I was able to turn the wheel from stop to stop quickly to add fluid and force the air out. I kept adding fluid to keep fluid in the funnel reservoir. I probably did that for 10 minutes straight until I could see no more bubbles rising through the funnel's clear hose. I have a suicide knob on the upper helm wheel so it was easier to rapidly pump spin the wheel to its limits.

I never had to use the bleed screws at the ram but I'll be watching this thread as I am now, years later, experiencing small leaks at the ram which will probably require a steering ram rebuild soon.
__________________
My boat is my ark. It's my mobile treehouse and my floating fishing cabin. It's my retreat and my respite. Everyday I thank God I have a boat! -Al FJB

@DeltaBridges - 25 Delta Bridges in 25 Days
FlyWright is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2020, 02:49 PM   #4
Guru
 
Lepke's Avatar
 
City: Between Oregon and Alaska
Vessel Name: Charlie Harper
Vessel Model: Wheeler Shipyard 83'
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,023
It's easier with 2 people. See the PDF.
After the helm pumps are bled, crank the rudder hard over so the piston is all the way to one end or the other and hold it there. Open the bleed screw at that end until any air pressure is released. If you have a bleed pump remove the bleed screw and attach the pump. Usually a rubber cone shaped plug will seal the hole and attach the tubing and drain tank. Pump until no bubbles come out. Upper helm pump needs to be vented or attached to an oil container that is vented.
After bleeding one end of the cylinder, close the bleed port, crank the rudder hard over in the other direction. Keep checking the upper helm pump for oil if a lot of air or oil is removed at the cylinder.
Repeat bleeding the other cylinder end.
A hand vacuum kit runs about $20 on up on ebay. And there are ones that operate with air pressure.
Attached Thumbnails
Vac Brake Bleeder_sm.jpg  
Attached Files
File Type: pdf wa-brochure-filling-700-series-cylinders.pdf (295.2 KB, 32 views)
Lepke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2020, 05:02 PM   #5
Guru
 
C lectric's Avatar
 
City: Gibsons, B.C., Canada
Vessel Name: Island Pride
Vessel Model: Palmer 32'
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,414
Too late to just modify the first post.

Should have added that the ADD and the CHECK point is on the top of the UPPER helm pump.
C lectric is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-15-2023, 10:15 PM   #6
Newbie
 
City: Canada
Join Date: Apr 2023
Posts: 1
Awesome post.
I just joined. Does anyone know what size the fittings for the bleed screw and type of thread for the Wagner 701?
Cormatt is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
wagner steering bleed

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:20 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012