Steering woes.

[KINGFISHER 8]

Merry Fisher 1095 - steering's gone clonky/notchy/stiff so I'm going to top up the fluid on my next visit because it's down a bit then turn the steering wheel from lock to lock maybe 40 times which should clear any air bubbles, hopefully! Question is, and it probably won't make any difference but thought I'd ask anyway ... do I need to run the engines (2 x 300 Yamahas) while I'm doing the turning? + Anything else I can do? Thanks for any help.
(Moved from PBO forum)

 

[coopec]

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON PRACTICAL BOAT OWNER FORUM

I think you should ask the question on the Motor Boat Forum.

Motor Boat Forum

If your launch is a Jeanneau then maybe you can find an Owners Forum

Hydraulic steering failure! | Jeanneau Owners Forum

Merry Fisher 1095 | Jeanneau Owners Forum

 

[ChromeDome]

The manufacturer of the steering would have a guide on the procedure.

I had the pleasure when single handed fitting an autopilot with pump et al on my flybridge (dual helm) setup.
To help purging air I ran a pvc (clear) hose from the barbed vent valve on the ram (lowest point) to the steering pump opening on the flybridge. Then kept turning the wheel until the fluid had circulated several times and all bubbles disappeared.

Checking the reservoir now and then, never had any loss, leak or malfunction.

 

[jrudge]

If you have power steering yes you need the engine running.