410 auto pilot bypass
My 1973 410 has two helms and auto pilot. Right now I am having the lower helm rebuilt due to a fluid leak. I am also having the rudder cylinder being rebuilt for another reason. The reason is the boat wants to wander off left of course requiring me to steer back right often. I am hoping it was a leak internally on the rudder cylinder causing that.
There is a possibility the auto pilot has a problem causing the steering course correction. I don't use auto pilot so if needed I can remove/bypass it. I could also replace/rebuild the bypass valves in it. I am not clear on how the auto pilot is plumbed in. The rudder cylinder has four hose connections, not two. I assume the upper and lower helm comprise these four connections. That leave the question how is the auto pilot connected and how to bypass it. Anyone have some insight or advice on this?
John, this looks similar to the one on Timtation, I was able to get it to quit going full port and I think it actually semi responded and tracked for a short time before it reverted to "attack the captains sanity " mode. Since river travels require dodging boats, debris and marker buoys it, the entire assemby, became an item to lighten the boat. I gave it to Dahlen at the 2005 Rendezvous.