Hydraulic Fluid Level; Setting Fluid Level; Maintaining Fluid Level; System Check - Mercury BRAVO Service Manual

SERVICE MANUAL NUMBER 28

Hydraulic Fluid Level

Setting Fluid Level

Avoid serious bodily injury or death due to loss of steering control. This system op-
erates with an unbalanced steering cylinder volume. Proper fluid level in the helm
can only be set or checked with the cylinder rod fully retracted. Do not set or check
hydraulic fluid level in helm with cylinder rod extended.
System must be filled and purged as outlined previously before setting fluid level.
1. Ensure cylinder rod is fully retracted.
2. With filler tube screwed into helm filler plug hole, fill tube approximately 1/2 full of air free
3. Open Starboard bleeder valve and slowly turn steering wheel CLOCKWISE until fluid
4. Remove filler tube. Fluid level should be at bottom of filler hole. Install vent/fill plug.

Maintaining Fluid Level

To maintain proper fluid level, observe the following:
•
•

System Check

The system must be checked for proper connections, possible leaks and complete purging
of air after filling, purging and setting the fluid level.
IMPORTANT: In the following, turn the wheel with enough force to exceed the pres-
sure relief valve in the helm. This should not harm the helm or the system.
1. Turn steering wheel (any wheel on multi-steering station) very hard to port to pressurize
2. While pressure is maintained, check all port fittings and hose connections. Ensure there
3. Turn steering wheel (any wheel on multi-steering station) very hard to starboard to pres-
4. While pressure is maintained, check all starboard fittings and hose connections. Ensure
NOTE: Observing a significant drop in the fluid level at the helm while performing the system
check may mean you are compressing air and further filling and purging would be required.
5. If no leaks are present, the system is ready for service.
Avoid serious bodily injury or death due to loss of steering control. Hydraulic pump
in helm requires hydraulic fluid to create the necessary pressure for steering the
boat. Do not operate boat with a steering system fluid leak which could cause insuf-
ficient hydraulic pump pressure and loss of steering control.
90-863160 MAY 2000
fluid.
level in filler tube is at the top of the plastic filler fitting. Continue turning steering wheel
CLOCKWISE 1/4 turn more and stop. Close bleeder.
Do not allow fluid level to drop more than 1/4 in. (6 mm) below bottom of filler hole.
Check fluid level periodically.
system.
are no leaks. If leaks are present, correct before using.
surize system.
there are no leaks. If leaks are present, correct before using.
WARNING
WARNING
COMPACT HYDRAULIC STEERING
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