Bleeding a Seastar helm/Hynautic ram combo

[Ring Owner]

On the final stages of the rebuild and was going to get steering up and running today but hit a couple of issues.
The helm is a Seastar unit and cylinder is a Hynautic K-6. Looking at the info I have so far found, I have backed off the two barbs on the cylinder by 1/2 turn a d hooked up the 'balancing tube' between the two barbs. Also hooked up the oil filler bottle to the helm.
All I have apparently achieved is to fill the helm but no oil making its way down the hoses to the ram
Am I missing something in the procedure?
Any help appreciated as this really is about the last job before she hits the water again

[adykitcher]

Originally Posted by Ring Owner

On the final stages of the rebuild and was going to get steering up and running today but hit a couple of issues.
The helm is a Seastar unit and cylinder is a Hynautic K-6. Looking at the info I have so far found, I have backed off the two barbs on the cylinder by 1/2 turn a d hooked up the 'balancing tube' between the two barbs. Also hooked up the oil filler bottle to the helm.
All I have apparently achieved is to fill the helm but no oil making its way down the hoses to the ram
Am I missing something in the procedure?
Any help appreciated as this really is about the last job before she hits the water again

try this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smKMklBQbfo

[adykitcher]

its not how i would do it but it might help!

[Ring Owner]

Thanks for that.
The info I had found said the Hynautic is a balanced ram and so that's why I was following instructions to "join" the two sides together.
I googled it and found some info on a US site but they talked about a It as both Hynautic helm and cylinder.

[Burty]

id just crack off one of the barbs and keep turning the steering wheel ( whilst filling with fluid) until it starts to come out then lock it off and repeat for the other side ( turning helm the opposite way)

[Ring Owner]

Thanks Burty.
I pulled the hoses off again and turned the wheel. Even with a full helm of oil it was hardly passing any oil through the aft outlets.
Spoke to Steve at Hypromarine and looks like the helm is knackered. Even if I send it for service it is no guarantee that it's not beyond help so I just ordered a new one to be on the safe side