Boat will not steer, wheel spins freely

[strokerking]

1981 Carver Aft Cabin ~ Fly bridge ~What turns the pump on for the hydraulic steering? Does the ignition turn the electric hydraulic pump on or is it activated by something else? Any help is appreciated.

[waybomb]

Your steering wheel is connected to it - you turn it when you turn the wheel.

Take a picture of the backside, or just tell us if there is two hoses or three.

Then I can link you to a parts explosion and you'll see what I am talking about.

[strokerking]

I have found the reservoir and the pump. It is a 3 tube hydraulic system. The pump doesn't seem to be coming on. What activates the pump?

[waybomb]

If you found a pump, it would be a pump for an autopilot. Do you have, or did the boat have, an autopilot?
The pump only works when you give your vessels control to the autopilot.
The pump that moves the fluid is on your steering wheel.

Verify there is air pressure in the reservoir. There is a valve very similar to a tire valve. Depress it for a second.if air comes out, the gage good. You should some pressure, twenty five is spec I believe.

The bleeding procedure is to turn the steering wheel in one direction at least 75 turns in one direction, or until you get good resistance. Than 75 the other way. This may take five minutes, this may take for hours.

[strokerking]

thank you.I think this will do it .