Here's what I do, but CHECK your system level first by reading further below
QUICK BLEEDING:
Actually 'not so quick' ... but it does work.
1) Check fluid as added from a previous post.
2) SLOWLY turn wheel hard over one way, remembering which way you turned it ...
3) Sloooowly crack open vent cap whilst rocking the cap, listening for air venting
4) Vent until no more air escaping
5) SLOWLY turn wheel the other direction
6) Repeat steps 3 - 5
7) Repeat steps 5 - 7 again, and again, and again ... I usually do it a few times in the course of a day
NOTE: If you have a lot of air (when you do the CHECK below, if the fluid really drops, that means lots of air) ... DO NOT turn the wheel over fast, as this causes bubbles to form in the helm and actually "makes air" as a function of turning the wheel. Or it can form from leaks, but usually pressurized systems don't allow air back it, so much as fluid out (thermal expansion ... air can compress, fluid can't, as that is what hydraulic fluid is design to NOT do ... not compress until loading). I'm no fluids engineer, but that's why systems 'appear' to leak, but I don't think they allow air back it so much, at least on the ram ends, possibly @ the vent cap.
Hope this helps! Please let us know and if the process is still unclear to you ... PM me ...
... from one of my previous posts ...
CHECKING HYDRAULIC HELM FLUID LEVELS:
Per the Teleflex/Sea Star manual, if the helm is mounted horizontal (+/- 20 degrees) the fluid should be at the bottom of the threads in that fill port.
If mounted vertical (+/- 20 degrees) the fluid should be 1/2" below the bottom thread.
It is not uncommon to have to top off a helm unit every once in a while, but some units won't need it at all during the season. I find units left "hard over w/ the OB trimmed up" may weep a bit out of the steering arm seals, which might exit/drip overboard, so you may never notice it.
Try this - bring fluid up to proper level referred to above, then turn wheel hard over one way. With the fill port cap open, keep turning the wheel hard, then release the wheel, and repeat ... while watching the fluid level. If it "drops" when you apply turning force there is air in the system which you could bleed out. Repeat this test by turning the wheel hard over the other way.
Tip- always turn the helm sloooowly when that vent cap is open :shock: !
Note: That said, here's what I do. As long as the OB turns when I move the wheel even a tiny little bit, like less than an inch or so, I don't worry if the fluid drops a touch when turned hard over. But do keep an eye on that level though.
HYDRAULIC STEERING FLUIDS:
You can use any MIL SPEC H-5606 C rated fluid in that helm.
Oil Manufacturer - Brand Name
SeaStar - SeaStar oil part number HA5430
Shell - Aero Shell Fluid #41
Esso - Univis N15 or J13
Texaco - HO15
Chevron - Aviation Hydraulic Fluid A
Mobil - Aero HFA
Petro Canada - Harmony HV115 (In Canada Only)
This link
(click here) has the recommended hydraulic fluids that can be used in Seastar hydraulic helms. You can also call 604-270-6899 for Technical Support on Seastar steering units, if needed.
