Hydraulic steering ram

[sd38hatt]

Does anyone know where I can find the model # on the hydraulic steering ram? I have a 1969 38 convertible and the steering ram is leaking fluid, currently can only steer to port and nothing to starboard. I figure a rebuild of the ram is the first thing to try, both the autopilot and upper helm (lower is disconnected) have the same issue so I am ruling out the helm for now.

Thanks!

 

[Boatsb]

Pull it and take it to a shop that rebuilds hydraulic rams. I had some done for about $50. Including paint and labor. By the time you do it yourself you will have almost that much on time and materials anyway

 

[geofish]

Send it for sure and save money & headache.

 

[sd38hatt]

Thanks all, I'll have to find a place in San Diego... any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[willpelton]

Pull it and take it to a shop that rebuilds hydraulic rams. I had some done for about $50. Including paint and labor. By the time you do it yourself you will have almost that much on time and materials anyway

I used to work as a hydraulic tech and the guys are correct about take it to a shop. I am in Florida not California so no recommendations on which shop. I would phone book the one closest to you. It does not need to a marine shop. Look for a shop that rebuilds hydraulic cylinders and or rams. Good time to get some new hoses made also and do a full fluid change if you have not done one lately. If you don't have one already might I suggest a good quality fluid filter on the return (low pressure) side to help with water contamination and debris. Your rams and pumps will last longer.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I just rebuilt mine myself this winter. There is really not much to it. The number was one the side of the end casting and there were related numbers on each of the other steering parts.

 

[Boatsb]

But how much time did you spend on it? Cleaned, painted and tested last time was $53.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

But how much time did you spend on it? Cleaned, painted and tested last time was $53.

It took about 20 minutes to tear it apart, put the new seals in and put it back together. It was already as clean as a new one (freshwater boat). No paint on mine.

I couldn't test it until it was back in the boat, but it works great and no leaks. I will admit, however, that $53 is a great price. I think I paid about $30 for the kit including delivery.

 

[Boatsb]

The shop had all the parts and did it in a day and a half. It was worth the time saved.

 

[nor'easter]

Call San Diego hydraulics. I used them last year and they were on time and professional. They do a lot of marine work and they are a family owned shop. I am out of town and don't have the number handy, but they will be easy to find. Good luck.

 

[sd38hatt]

Thanks for helping out a new Hatteras owner! If the local shop can't take care of it quickly will give it a shot myself.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Thanks for helping out a new Hatteras owner! If the local shop can't take care of it quickly will give it a shot myself.

If you do it yourself, you may need a special tool to get the nuts off of the end. I just cut some slots in a deep well socket to make one. I guess I need to add that to overall cost.

 

[MikeP]

I'm with Sky. Even if you can get it done at a good price - and 53 bucks sounds like a great price -doing it yourself gives you one more piece of knowledge about your boat.

Sure, if you actually figure up your own hourly rate - especially when doing something new for the first time, it's no deal at all. But what the heck, I always figure that my hourly rate is zero when working on the boat (or any of my other interests).

 

[sd38hatt]

I agree. I usually try to do things myself, and get some personal fulfillment out of it. I actually contacted that hydraulics place recommended already over the weekend, we'll see what they can do, but I am guessing it will be much more than $50 here in CA.

 

[Boatsb]

I agree. I usually try to do things myself, and get some personal fulfillment out of it. I actually contacted that hydraulics place recommended already over the weekend, we'll see what they can do, but I am guessing it will be much more than $50 here in CA.

Probably because of the environmental BS in your screwed up state. My dad had one done from his tiarra in Wilmington NC and it was $57 with tax. A friend did one at a shop in Orlando for about $50 too. You need to go to the shop that rebuilds the rams for construction equipment on site and I bet it's not much more.

 

[sd38hatt]

So, talked to the hydraulic shop... $300. I think I am going to try myself first. I went down today and tried to find a model #, still can't see anything. The nearest I could find online looks like a Hynautic k-22, but there are some differences. I have attached a picture of it if anyone can help.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Can you see the bottom of the end caps? The number may be there.

 

[Boatsb]

So, talked to the hydraulic shop... $300. I think I am going to try myself first. I went down today and tried to find a model #, still can't see anything. The nearest I could find online looks like a Hynautic k-22, but there are some differences. I have attached a picture of it if anyone can help.
View attachment 11467

No way. Do they do it there or send it out? $100 is closer to reality unless your state taxes are the other $200.

 

[sd38hatt]

They said they would do it there.. time to find another shop or try it myself... now to figure out how to disconnect it to take it off and find the model #.

 

[geofish]

Thats a crazy price. keep looking gotta be a better deal out there somewhere. 50 -75 bucks sounds about right not 300 unless it's scored or something.