Hydraulic pump installation

[Derek - Raymarine - Moderator]

A reversing Hydraulic pump, should not be mounted on a vertical axis for several reasons.

The Hydraulic oil in a steering system will always contain microscopic air bubbles, these will coalesce and create larger air bubbles over a period of time and will then lead to cavitation within the pump - causing loss of pressure as well as creating excessive noise and possible overheating. It could also lead to the shaft oil seal running dry, hardening and then subsequently leaking.

In addition to the above, the thrust bearing of the pump is not designed to operate in this orientation and will wear excessively leading to possible premature failure.

We would always recommend the pump is mounted with it's axis horizontal, with the pipe connections exiting at the top, (so do not mount horizontally with the pipes exiting the pump body from the side) . Mounting the pump so that the pipes are connected to the top of the pump body will allow any air built up inside the pump to be expelled back to the reservoir and not interfere with the operation of the pump.


RAFAQ#