Autopilot install seastar question

[pog mo thon]

Hi all,
I am installing an AP Pump to my seastar hydraulic steering. Unfortunately there are very little YouTube video on how to install a tee fitting to your helm.
My main concern is the mess once I will disconnect the first line from the seastar. What am I looking at? Is it pressurized? How do I contain the fluid while I screw the new tee fitting?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Boat is a 07 320 sundancer inboard.
No assisted steering.
Seastar HH 5741.
thanks.

 

[pog mo thon]

Any takers?

 

[ttmott]

It'll be a mess - best to drain the fluid from the helm
There are the two existing hoses that run from the helm to the rudder actuator.
Assuming you will be installing the pump within the helm location purchase new short hoses and route these two new lines from the helm (disconnect the existing lines) to the new AP pump. Install the Tee's at the pump. Then reconnect the old existing hoses to the tee's on the pump. Seastar recommends the autopilot not be connected directly to the helm unit but at a point lower than the helm.
There will be a third equalization hose that will route from that third port on the pump and tap into a specific port that is plugged in the Seastar helm that that line needs to connect.

 

[pog mo thon]

It'll be a mess - best to drain the fluid from the helm
There are the two existing hoses that run from the helm to the rudder actuator.
Assuming you will be installing the pump within the helm location purchase new short hoses and route these two new lines from the helm (disconnect the existing lines) to the new AP pump. Install the Tee's at the pump. Then reconnect the old existing hoses to the tee's on the pump. Seastar recommends the autopilot not be connected directly to the helm unit but at a point lower than the helm.
There will be a third equalization hose that will route from that third port on the pump and tap into a specific port that is plugged in the Seastar helm that that line needs to connect.
View attachment 86822

Thank you for your help!