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| The damaged culprit |
As we passed through the final lock in our transit through The Panama Canal a nasty and shrill alarm sounded. The hydraulic alarm was complaining that it was showing a low fluid level in the hydraulic tank.
Maneuvering through the locks was difficult at times due to the turbulence and current that came from the change in depths. Bill used our thrusters more than usual to hold our position when the locks opened for our exit. Being tied to the other boats and instructed by the canal captain to exit first it was almost impossible to control Anna Mae without the help of our bow and stern thrusters.
After checking our hydraulic lines and discovering a minor leak, Bill was able to change an o ring fitting that had failed, allowing hydraulic oil to seep out of the line on one of the bow thruster control valves.
A quick change out and we were back in business and the alarm was silent, making us all much happier. Apparently when the o ring was originally installed it had been damaged and with time and wear it failed. I'm so fortunate that Bill is an accomplished problem solver with mechanical issues. Unfortunately, alarms still make me crazy...
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