Rebuilding Seastar HH5271-3 Helm Pump

[thataway]

Colby, this would be an experiment, but there are some in-expensive solenoid valves, normally closed on Amazon. (There are plenty of very expensive ones), but for your normal steering use, I believe that these would work)
For example
this would be in 1/8 or 1/4" pipe thread.

Or Two for $28.

You want to be sure you get what pipe thread you want to work with fittings. Also be sure they are 12 V DC. The "experiment" is the pressure. These cheaper valves are rated 110 PSI to 140 PSI. The "back pressure" on the helm would normally be minimal. But if you put the wheel hard over and kept turning, you can generate pressure up to 1000 PSI. The valves are marked in flow direction--I would put the arrow toward the helm. They should work fine going each way, but designed to hold the rated pressure vs "atmospheric" on the down side. (or the pump side when used as "lock out".)

No, I don't think Sea Star would approve. It would be an experiment. You can buy valves for several hundred dollars which will handle 1000 PSI.

If you decide to go this route, we will communicate by PM, e-mail or phone.

[colbysmith]

Thanks Bob. I did see those but was wondering about direction and psi. I’ll have to give it some thought. I’d hate to lose steering and there is always the manual ball valves.

[colbysmith]

Finally decided to just install two manual shut off valves on the cockpit helm. Bob, I did do a little research into the solenoid operated valves, but looks like they need some pressure on them to work properly. And they require flow in only one direction. They may have worked in the end, but I just figured it would be more prudent to use valves rated for the max pressure possible. Won't know until spring if this fixes the problem, but I'm hoping it does! Colby

[colbysmith]

Just a final follow up on this bleedthrough problem. The shutoff valves on the cockpit helm work great. When I want to use that helm, I just open them up. When through, close them. Have not had anymore issue with the cabin helm not responding to a slow or fast wheel turn! Colby