The ULTRAFLEX UC95-OBF is a hydraulic cylinder designed for use in hydraulic steering systems for outboard engines. It is a front-mount cylinder, meaning it is installed to the tilt tube rod of the engine. This cylinder is a key component in a complete hydraulic steering system, which also includes a steering pump and connecting hoses.
Function Description:
The UC95-OBF cylinder works in conjunction with a steering pump to control the direction of an outboard engine. When the steering wheel is turned, the pump moves hydraulic oil through the hoses to the cylinder, causing the cylinder to extend or retract. This movement, in turn, moves the engine or helm, steering the boat. The cylinders are double-acting, meaning they can push and pull, and may be balanced or unbalanced depending on the specific model. Balanced cylinders require the same number of steering wheel turns to move the helm from center to end stroke in both directions, while unbalanced cylinders have different chamber volumes, leading to different turns and rotation efforts. ULTRAFLEX produces various pump models with different capacities to match cylinder volumes, ensuring a well-balanced steering system. The number of steering wheel turns is determined by the ratio between the cylinder volume and the pump capacity. For optimal performance, applications with less than 4 turns or more than 8 turns are not recommended, as they can lead to higher effort or slow steering response, respectively. The maximum operating pressure for the system is 7.0 MPa (70 bar) or 1000 PSI.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model: UC95-OBF/1, UC95-OBF/2, UC95-OBF/3 (referring to different link arm configurations)
- Volume: 94 cc (5.7 cu. in)
- Max. Cylinder Thrust: 354 Kg (780 lbs) at 70 bar (This is a theoretical value for extreme conditions, not normal use.)
- Inside Diameter: 30 mm (1.18")
- Stroke: 186 mm (7.3")
- Oil: OL150 Ultraflex (or compatible oils like Shell Tellus T15, Shell Tellus T22, Mobil DTE 11M)
- Engine Compatibility: Suitable for single or dual engine applications, with a maximum horsepower of 175 hp for a single engine or a combined total of 175 hp for two engines. Maximum speed is 55 m.p.h.
- Steering Station Compatibility: Can be installed with single or dual steering stations.
- Certifications: ULTRAFLEX steering system components are CE marked according to Directive 2013/53/EU. The Quality Management Systems are certified by DNV-GL in conformity with UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 and UNI EN ISO 14001:2015.
Usage Features:
The UC95-OBF cylinder is designed for the marine environment, using materials and processes that ensure long life and safety. It can operate in temperatures ranging from -18°C (0°F) to +77°C (+170°F). The cylinder comes with different link arms (straight, shaped, curved) and a spacer kit to accommodate various engine applications. For dual engine setups, a tie bar (Type A92) is required.
Installation requires careful attention to minimum transom and splash well dimensions to prevent damage during engine tilting. Specific tools, including Allen wrenches, open-end wrenches, pliers, and a torque wrench, are necessary. During installation, it's crucial to ensure the cylinder body is centered, the engine is perpendicular to the transom, and all screws and nuts are tightened to the specified torque values. The link arm connection to the tiller arm is critical, and specific bolts (e.g., 73584U for Suzuki engines) and spacers may be required depending on the engine's tiller arm shape and thickness.
Hose installation involves orienting fittings and tightening stop nuts and hoses to specific torque values, ensuring a minimum bend radius of 250mm and no interference during engine tilting or with the transom.
Filling and purging the hydraulic system is a critical step to ensure proper operation and prevent air bubbles. This process must be done slowly from the highest point of the system (upper steering station) and requires two operators. ULTRAFLEX OL150 hydraulic oil is recommended, as it is specifically formulated for ULTRAFLEX products, offering protection against marine oxidation and anti-wear properties. Using incompatible oils or ATF Dexron II transmission oils can cause system seizing and void the warranty. After filling, the system must be purged repeatedly to ensure all air is removed, and the absence of air should be verified by manually moving the engine. Any movement of the cylinder body on the main shaft indicates remaining air.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is essential for the safe and reliable operation of the steering system.
- Annual Inspections: At least annually (more frequently for professional use), inspections should be carried out by specialized marine mechanics. This includes checking cylinder fittings, seals, and helm gaskets for leaks and replacing them if necessary.
- Oil Level and Bleeding: Maintain a suitable oil level in the tank, and fill and bleed the system as described in the manual (paragraph 3.6).
- Hose and System Wear: Check the hose and the entire system for wear every six months.
- Tightening: Periodically check the tightening of all nuts and bolts, especially after the first 10 hours of use, and then every six months. The screw (3) and locknut (4) on the tiller arm should be checked every 3 months (or monthly for professional use).
- Cleaning: Clean the system using water and non-abrasive soap.
- Head Replacement: If oil leakages occur from head gaskets due to normal wear or poor maintenance, they must be replaced. ULTRAFLEX supplies a specific kit with replacement instructions for this purpose. Failure to replace worn heads can compromise user safety.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues such as a jammed steering system, difficulty filling, air bubbling, stiff steering, and leaks. Solutions include replacing hoses, repeating filling and bleeding procedures, tightening fittings, mounting the helm correctly, and contacting specialized staff for valve cleaning or other complex issues.
- Oil Compatibility: Only compatible hydraulic oils should be used. Using non-recommended fluids will void the warranty.
- Locknuts: If locknuts are disassembled, they must be replaced.
Safety Warnings:
The manual emphasizes strict adherence to safety rules.
- Qualified Staff: Installation and maintenance must be performed by qualified staff.
- No Modifications: Do not modify the steering cylinder or add devices without ULTRAFLEX's written authorization.
- Intended Use: Use the equipment only for its designed purpose.
- Moving Parts: Keep hands away from moving parts.
- Disassembly: Do not disassemble preassembled components or hydraulic connections before bleeding the oil completely, as hoses may contain high-pressure oil.
- Sealing: Use sealing fluid (e.g., Loctite) carefully, avoiding contact with the hydraulic system. Do not use Teflon tape or adhesive tape to seal fittings, as ingested material can cause system failure.
- Contamination: Prevent foreign matter from entering the system during installation.
- Hose Routing: Avoid narrow bend radii, contact with sharp edges, or heat sources for hoses.
- Clothing: During installation, inspection, or maintenance, avoid wearing necklaces, bracelets, or loose clothing that could get caught in moving parts.
- Engine Horsepower: Do not install on boats with engines exceeding the manufacturer's approved horsepower rating.
- Race Boats: Not to be installed on race boats.
- Air in System: Ensure complete removal of air from the system before using the boat, as air can cause poor control responses, damage, injuries, or death.
- Disposal: The steering system contains polluting oils and components that must be disassembled and disposed of separately according to local regulations.
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