Cylinder Alignment Valve
5
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Special considerations must be taken into account when plumbing a
system using a Liquid Tiebar Valve. These considerations are noted
below with an explanation for their recommendation. Where possible
these considerations should be followed to ensure the safe and proper
performance of your steering system.
•
SeaStar Solutions manufactures many cylinders for use in a
catamaran installation. Use of these cylinders will reduce the amount
of realigning of the engines, drives or rudders. Call technical
support for options.
•
When plumbed in “series” the helm pump only sees the volume
of one cylinder. Select your helm pump as you would in a “
single
cylinder application
”. Selecting the wrong pump may lead to
increased effort to turn the steering wheel.
•
Maintain your steering system as per your Owner’s and Installation
Manual included with your steering cylinders. Doing so will increase
seal life and decrease system troubles.
Steering Cylinders
•
Running in reverse, or, backing down hard is known to cause a
vacuum in the steering lines, resulting in fluid being pushed out
of the helm pump. To prevent this use of a SeaStar PRO helm
pump is recommended.
Helm Pumps
•
For proper operation the system MUST be plumed as shown in this
installation manual. Deviating from these plumbing schematics
may result in poor, or, no steering performance.
•
ONLY use SeaStar Steering hoses for steering runs below 35’.
SeaStar Steering hoses are designed to provide the least amount
of hose expansion possible. Use of a hose with a high expansion
factor “will” result in poor performance and constant realignment
of engines, drives or rudders.
•
For steering runs that will exceed 35’ we recommend a combination
of copper tubing and SeaStar hoses. Use of any hose in long
steering runs will result in poor performance and constant
realignment of engines, drives or rudders.
Plumbing
•
SeaStar Power Assist pumps can be added to this type of system
to provide easy, fingertip control. Consult with your SeaStar Power
Assist Owner’s and Installation Manual for plumbing diagrams.
SeaStar Power Assist
•
Autopilot systems can be used in a system such as this. Size the
autopilot pump as you would in a “
single cylinder application
”.
Autopilots
•
Failing to remove ALL the air from the system WILL result in
poor performance, constant realignment and possibly oil leaking
from seals. Bleeding of this system MUST be done using the
instructions noted in this manual, bleeding of the system in any
other fashion may NOT remove all of the air from the system.
Removal of Air
