Trojan Boat Forum

Could use a little help. Couldn't find an old picture of my steering ram before i tore it apart and think I may have mounted it incorrectly? I have alot of oil dripping from what appears to be a small vent hole in on the "stationary" side of the ram. I'm thinking the ram needs to be reversed which would put the hole up higher? i dont ever recall seeing this hole before and am surprised there is even supposed to be oil in this side of the ram. the ram had never leaked before so I'm leaning towards a mounting problem as opposed to a bad seal. any insight would be greatly appreciated.

For what it's worth, my F32 uses an older Syten system, and for it the orientation is the reverse of what you have. The reservoir and hoses are 'fixed', and the ram end is attached to the tiller arm.

Thats Actually how mine is. The piece with the "vent hole " in it is stationary and the ram is connected to the tiller arm. I always thought the stationary was just an extension piece ,like a pipe extension.

can't help you.

I changed mine out to a standard 2 line hydraulic system (Teleflex?) with no air pressure requirement when doing the refit as the helm was leaking fluid.

RWS

Just a guess here ,but looking at the set in the hoses and the fitting orientation it looks like you have it correct---- I believe that tube is the mounting system and it is hollow so the rod itself can pass out that side as well with the hole to let air etc out---- how long did it sit dormant,those seals dry out and if you are lucky may just seal up with use---- that's all I got from looking at the pics---- the syten is the same except the mount is a clamp holding the ram itself with the rod passing out both ends---- Mike

mikeandanne wrote:....I believe that tube is the mounting system and it is hollow so the rod itself can pass out that side as well.....

+1
Steering cylinders are usually the balanced type where the rod goes right through and exits on both sides otherwise it would require more effort to turn the wheel in one direction versus the other (basic hydraulics theory). If you have oil coming out of that hole, the only place it can be coming from is a failed rod seal at that end of the cylinder (the side where you see the large nut in the pic).

Thanks guys. I never considered that the ram would extend out the other side? guess it would make sense bc then it could be used for outboard applications. The ram sat for 5 yrs so seals may be shot. Does anyone have any idea where to get a rebuild kit for this? not sure of model # , will check the sticker to see if i can can find a model number

found an old pic. its mounted correctly.