Second helm hydraulic hose size?

[Dawgs]

I'm purchasing parts for my second station. I know I need a kit to tap into my existing hydraulic lines. The problem I have is all the kits are 3/8 fittings. My existing lines are 5/16. What are my options?

 

[DaleH]

I'd call Seastar Solutions http://www.seastarsolutions.com for assistance.

 

[warthog5]

You know you also need 3 hoses....Correct?

The kits are sold in 2 hose kits. So it's special order the 3rd hose.....or by 2 kits and always have a single hose that lays around forever.

I've done that and that spare hose was the correct length for the 2nd station on the next boat.

 

[DaleH]

The 3rd hose is actually a balancing line to equalize pressure in the helms.

One can certainly use a 3rd hose, like Bobby did, but I've run the black rigid plastic hose included in their "Add a Station" kit for years - with 3 helms - with zero issues.

 

[Dawgs]

Spoke to seastar this morning. They keep telling me if its seastar hose then their fittings will fit. I went down to the boat to check. They are actually hynautic hoses. I know seastar bought hynautic but does that make my hoses seastar hoses?

 

[kidfreediver]

Buy the second station kit because u need it anyways to tie in the new and existing hoses. they give u the fittings and the equalizer hose in the kit . then u will know if the fitting fit. plus those fitting will fit for the new hoses that u have to buy for the second station

 

[Dawgs]

To tap into the existing lines with the tees do you actually cut the hose and insert the tee or will I be better off teeing at the existing helm?

 

[kidfreediver]

So for peace of mind the hoses that u buy are pressed with the fitting already because of the extreme pressure from the hydraulics it's like 1500lbs. Here is a couple pictures of mine. front helmsecond steer station

 

[jpg1969]

Was the pic of the helm behind the dash taken prior to connecting the 3rd hose? Just trying to understand where it connects into the system.

 

[DaleH]

That 3rd hose, the 'balancing hose' connects from the bottom central port of the higher longer helm to the higher central port of the lower mounted helm.

Get it? Intent is to drain or 'balance' off excess fluid trapped in the higher helms to lower helms. FWIW my boat had 1 helm, then 2, then 3 ... plus I've rigged a good another dozen tuna boats and I've had ZERO issues using the 'Add a Station' kit from Teleflex or SeaStar Solutions ...

 

[kidfreediver]

Was the pic of the helm behind the dash taken prior to connecting the 3rd hose? Just trying to understand where it connects into the system.

yes the third balancing hose goes in the bottom port not the top like in the second station. Really easy install.

 

[Dawgs]

Ok what's my best bet when removing the hoses from the existing helm without getting fluid everywhere? Does the system need to be drained entirely or can I just remove the hoses and secure them out of the way?

 

[kidfreediver]

Ok what's my best bet when removing the hoses from the existing helm without getting fluid everywhere? Does the system need to be drained entirely or can I just remove the hoses and secure them out of the way?

I cracked them out by the motors and caught everything in a bucket and ragged up the spilled fluid. You need to buy more fluid anyways to pack the new hoses so I just crack and drain in a clean bucket u can save it to put back in if u want but I like new clean fluid. Turn the wheel a view times

 

[Dawgs]

Now next question. Do I need to buy "seastar marine hydraulic steering hose" or can I have hydraulic hoses custom made with the correct psi and fittings from a local hydraulic shop?

 

[kidfreediver]

Pictures would be nice

 

[Dawgs]

Pictures of what?

 

[kidfreediver]

Pictures of the front helm pump I think I would just buy a new one if the fittings are not the right size

 

[miketheserviceguy]

If you purchase the 2nd station as a kit from a Parker dealer I believe it comes with everything you need to install the 2nd helm including the balance hose. The problem is that the kit comes with hose fittings that need to be crimped or swedged onto the existing hose. If you have Hynautic steering hoses on a Teleflex helm it may not work because if memory serves me, the wall thickness of the Hynautic hose is different AND it is a different ID. Good times.

 

[Dawgs]

Ok here's the problem. My existing hoses are hynautic with 3/8 tube thread. The hynautic hoses I just acquired are 3/8 flare fittings. I cannot find the correct fittings or tees to fit theses into the tee

Can anyone help. I need an adapter that will convert a 3/8 mip thread to 3/8 female tubing thread

Or an idea what to do

 

[miketheserviceguy]

Ok here's the problem. My existing hoses are hynautic with 3/8 tube thread. The hynautic hoses I just acquired are 3/8 flare fittings. I cannot find the correct fittings or tees to fit theses into the tee

Can anyone help. I need an adapter that will convert a 3/8 mip thread to 3/8 female tubing thread

Or an idea what to do

Any good hardware store (not Lowes or HD) should have a selection of fittings and adapters to re-use what you have. You can also try Grainger or McMaster-Carr for the fittings.