Seastar Seal kit question.

[Bryan 2530]

I have to replace the seals on my seastar ram. I thought I was going to be able to get through the season weith a little leaking but it aint gonna happen.

Where is the best place to order the kit from? I found iboats so far for around $100 with the tool.

http://www.iboats.com/Seal_Kit_For_Outb ... _id.169604

Any pointers on doing the seals? Can I do it in the water?

The Ram is model #HC 5358

Thanks guys.

 

[Parker]

Bryan - I can't offer any advice as to where to get the kit. I purchased the kit locally as I wanted to do the repair right away. The repair was very easy and I did make the repair with the boat in the water. The only issue that I had was removing the bracket to the motor. I needed to apply some heat.

A trick I learned when bleeding is to have someone put pressure on the motors while the other person turns the wheel. Preventing the motors from turning forces out the air.

If I recall correctly, the tool was $25.00 and the kit was about $120.00.

Brad

 

[Megabyte]

Check with Andy Munao at SIM. I'll bet he carries the kits.
http://www.shipyardisland.com/

 

[Bryan 2530]

True, I didn't think of him.

Does BOE carry seastar stuff?

 

[Megabyte]

True, I didn't think of him.
Does BOE carry seastar stuff?

Not certain, but now that his shop has expanded into servicing outboards, he might be.
866-735-5926 toll free.

 

[Bryan 2530]

I ordered the kit from Jamestown Distributors since they are right next to me, $111 with tool and shipping.

For you guys that have done this before, does alot of fluid pour out when you remove the seal plates??

Or is it only the fluid in the one side of the ram?

Should I be able to catch most of it in a pan?

Obviously I will not reuse it, just want to keep it out of the creek.

 

[Parker]

Bryan - you should be able to catch the fluid in a pan. Expect to go through at least two bottles of fluid when bleeding the system.

 

[Bryan 2530]

Job is done!!!

Easy enough hardest part was making sure I put the parts back right, forgot a spacer and had to re assemble twice.

The old fluid looked like it had a little water in it and alot of black paint chips.
Grouperjim mentioned he found some paint chips in his check valves.
I am going to do a flush of the system in the spring.

I only used about 1/2 a quart to get it going again, seems to be tight but we'll see if I need to bleed any further after a few trips.

Not a bad job to do, I recommend anyone who needs this done, do it yourself and save a few bucks.