Carver Owners Forum

We have a 444 cmy. Our auto pilot kicks in just fine, but shortly after gives a low hydraulic error.

There is a hydraulic/steering fluid access point on the steering column, where we can add fluid, if needed, however, we have been unable to locate the reservoir. Any ideas where to look? Would it be the same one that would be for the hydraulic fluid for the auto pilot?

Someone previously suggested under one of the steps in our aft cabin, but ours do not have lifting treads, so that is a no go.

Thanks in advance.

Can’t say they are the same, but in our 356, the steps to the aft cabin are made in one piece, meaning the entire step assembly lifts up and away to expose the back end of the engine and transmission. There are a couple of screws that hold it in place and they are kinda hidden by the carpet. My starboard transmission needed to be rebuilt and that is how we accessed it.

Where and how you add fluid depends on the type of system you have. If you don't have a pressurized steering system that incorporates a separate reservoir where you can add fluid and pressurize the system with air, then the only reservoir you'll have for the steering fluid will be the steering helm itself (at the steering wheel). If you've already taken off the plug at the helm to add fluid and it was relatively easy to remove and didn't have pressure behind when you removed it, then you likely have an unpressurized system. The autopilot plumbing is incorporated into the existing ship's steering lines and does not have its own reservoir.

Have you figured out your problem yet?