Auto Pilot Question 1979 34' CHB

[RZwade]

We tried to install a Garmin Reactor 40 system with the pump behind the flybridge helm. We have a Wagner 700/701 hydraulic steering system. We get a pump failure when trying to use the AP and I'm thinking it is because the pump is only the 1.2L and is so far away from the steering arm. Thoughts? Could we upgrade to the 2.0L pump or do we need to go with the Smart Pump? Or move the pump and everything back to the lazarette?

 

[Greg QS]

Hydraulic distance should not be an issue. Describe failure.
Is the pump trying to run? Does it run some the fail? Do the voltages match? Is the old pump compatible with the new ap system?

 

[Portage_Bay]

Agree with Greg QS, pump location shouldn't matter. My previous boat had the pump in the engine room. Many other boat's I've run had the pump in the engine room. One benefit of that location is the pump is not subject to the moisture and related corrosion it would be in the lazarette.

 

[boomerang]

My first guess I'd say that the pump it taking too long to perform the hardover to hardover check which would mean either there is air in the system from your pump install or the pump is too small for the cylinder. It's hard to troubleshoot without knowing more particulars.

 

[RZwade]

Thanks everyone! The pump that is installed is the one that came with the whole Reactor 40 system I bought. It is brand new and only the 1.2L size. I don't think it is air in the system, but the pump is definitely taking too long to perform the hardover to hardover check. I'm suspecting the pump is too small.

 

[RZwade]

Hydraulic distance should not be an issue. Describe failure.
Is the pump trying to run? Does it run some the fail? Do the voltages match? Is the old pump compatible with the new ap system?

My description wasn't very clear. The pump that is installed is brand new and compatible. Voltages match. I think we need a bigger pump. We do have a used 2.0L Garmin that we can try.

 

[Greg QS]

Garmin has a great tech line. Call them first. I have found them very helpful but only open Monday - Friday . Call them first

 

[ancora]

We tried to install a Garmin Reactor 40 system with the pump behind the flybridge helm. We have a Wagner 700/701 hydraulic steering system. We get a pump failure when trying to use the AP and I'm thinking it is because the pump is only the 1.2L and is so far away from the steering arm. Thoughts? Could we upgrade to the 2.0L pump or do we need to go with the Smart Pump? Or move the pump and everything back to the lazarette?

We have the same Wagner steering pump on our boat. Why are you replacing it?