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?

 

[Bro]

Did an similar install on my small 25" boat... Garmin tech told me the small pump should work but needed to be close to the ram or I would burn the pump. We put a piece of marine wood in the aft section and put the bypass valves, ect on the marine board a foot above the water line. That was almost 3 years and 500+ hours ago. Often time underway in Cabo on my "little" boat I open up the hatch and put my hand on the pump... Warm, but not hot!!

 

[MissLynn]

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.

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?

0L pump or do we need to go with the Smart Pump? Or move the pump and everything back to the lazarette?

I have the same auto pilot and pump on my Hatteras 53, works fine. Pump is at mid ship in the engine room. Pump should be close to the reservoir as possible.Your symptom suggests air in the lines. Needs proper purging. At the rudder cylinder and at high points. Oh, only difference I have hynautic steering.

 

[DC36Monk]

I replaced my old pump that quit and that was located under fb console. It wouldn’t work right. The old pump had built in check valves. The new octopus didn’t. Finely determined that without built in check valves it could not be successfully installed between the two steering stations. Moved pump to lazarette. Works perfect. ComNav system installed in 1987. Original pump was a Wagner.

 

[boomerang]

Did an similar install on my small 25" boat... Garmin tech told me the small pump should work but needed to be close to the ram or I would burn the pump. We put a piece of marine wood in the aft section and put the bypass valves, ect on the marine board a foot above the water line. That was almost 3 years and 500+ hours ago. Often time underway in Cabo on my "little" boat I open up the hatch and put my hand on the pump... Warm, but not hot!!

The pump burning up because it's not close to the ram make no sense at all. It will pump fluid just fine no matter where it is if it's plumbed correctly.

 

[Gary Brickell]

 

[Gary Brickell]

I have just researched and purchased a new Garmin Reactor 40 AP system for my 31ft trawler. Garmin tech support studied my boat specs and said the 1.2l pump was inadequate under heavy sea conditions. They said buy the 2L pump. My steering gear is the same as yours. The "Smart Pump" 2.2L offers a range of special fittings and universal features that are not necessary with or standard hydraulic setup.