steering question

[Beaches]

It seems that I have developed quite a bit of play in steering when leaving the dock after launch. I am guessing the fluid may be low as it eventually does catch up. What is the best process for adding fluid? I was told to use automatic transmission fluid. Is this correct? The screw cap seems to be on the steering column. What is the cleanest/easiest process for adding fluid? How will i know i have added the adequate amount?

Thanks

 

[miky2884]

The fill is most likely located at the helm on the steering column. Use seastar steering fluid. Fill until the level comes close to the top, turn the wheel slowly back n forth the oil level should drop fill again and then you should be good.
Check the cylinder in the stern for any possible leaks you have a seal going bad.

 

[warthog5]

I was told to use automatic transmission fluid. Is this correct?

NO! Only in a emergancy and then drain it and fill with the proper hyd fluid. ATF will also make it harder to steer.


This info is as per the Teleflex site.

This is something I threw together. Note the Male & Female air fittings. In the configeration it is in now...I use it to put ATF in Bennett HPU's.

Then I take the spout off the qt container and remove the female fitting from the Male fitting. Then you can screw the male fitting into the helm. Note: ONLY FINGER TIGHT. NO Wrench!

Then screw the nipple cap onto you bottle of the correct Hyd fluid. Turn the bottle upside down. Now turn the helm back and fort....Lock to Lock. This will put fluid in and burp the air out of the system.

They sell a hose kit like you see for about $10 or $12.

 

[Brent]

here is diagram showing the optional fill port
http://www.seastarsolutions.com/product ... ount-helm/

I use SeaStar fluid. Dale wrote a nice review of do and donts on fluids
see
viewtopic.php?f=19&t=9425&p=66300&hilit=seastar+fluid#p66300

 

[Lucky John]

If your engine is between 5-7 years old I bet you need to change the seals. Last 2 Yami 150's needed this repair at around this time frame.

 

[DaleH]

Use of ATF:
Per SeaStar Solutions (note the new name, they have separated from Teleflex)
In Emergencies only. ATF will void the warranty and decrease the efficiency of the steering system. SeaStar Steering Fluid can be replaced by any Hydraulic fluid with Mil Spec H5606.

How to properly check and fill your steering system:
See: viewtopic.php?t=1424

FWIW I don't bother with any fill tube, but as with anything, there's more than a few ways to get the job done.

 

[DaleH]

A picture is worth a 100 words ...

NOTE their new website, as Seastar is no longer part of Teleflex. Teleflex is now a biomedical company (my guess is that there is more money to be made there than with boats ...) and they sold off ALL of their marine-related assets.

http://www.seastarsolutions.com/

 

[Brent]

I have a remote fill tube bc the helm is behind the dash and makes it easy to fill

 

[joecap]

You most likely have a Sea Star system that I would replace. I did alot of research and found a hydraulic system built by Uflex in Sarasota Florida, I visited their showroom and was given a comparison demo. I was very impressed and purchased a ProTech 2 system. Helm, front mount rack, 20' hoses and fluid for $749.00. Just my opinion and the best money spent.

 

[DaleH]

... found a hydraulic system built by Uflex in Sarasota Florida, I visited their showroom and was given a comparison demo. I was very impressed.

Whereas the helms are really just manual pumps in disquise "that simply push fluid", did they say if you could mix and match 1 of each brand in a multi-station install? I bet they could be ...

 

[joecap]

Uflex made their system to be compatible with Sea Star, mix and match any part. They have a very nice web site that i believe is uflex.com.

 

[warthog5]

I have started the replacement to UFlex with the new Steering Ram.

No your not gonna get "This" one in what was listed above. This is designed for big Hp motors and is Extra HD.

 

[Brent]

that is super duty rated
Who makes the cables?

Are you repalcing the helm pump?

 

[DaleH]

Bobby, I like the rigging of that steering ram, but be aware you really should ADD strain reliefs to the 1st 4" or more of the hoses exiting the ram. They will work fine now and for the next 10-years, but believe me when I say that sooner or later, they will start to bend on top of themselves instead of moving across the swim platform to move along with the ram.

Constant UV exposure makes them less supple ... so plan ahead ...

 

[warthog5]

that is super duty rated
Who makes the cables?

Are you repalcing the helm pump?

There are no cables.....hyd hoses......yes.

Those are the old Teleflex hoses and so is the helm. I actually like having bulkhead fittings and then shorter 3ft hoses from the fitting thru the transom to the motor.

The hoses & Helm will get replaced. Probably when the 2nd station goes on.

 

[Fishaddict]

I have a question to all "steering experts"

Parker 2120 2004 with Teleflex system. There are no visible leaks of fluid around joins and negligible consumption of fluid, judging by level in steering column. If you lift the outboard and tilt it to the side, it will go completely to the side overnight. Also, first few minutes of steering you have to do some additional 1/4 or so of a turn to get the engine turning. I am planning to bleed the system tomorrow, do you think I am wasting my time and the problem is with seals. If it is, how much work it is and is it DIY type of task?
PS: Raymarine 6002 autopilot was installed 4 years ago and it has been working for about 700 hours by now ( additional work to seals by the engine).

Mike

 

[Fishaddict]

Just to update on my diagnostics. The problem appeared to be in check valves sticking and after bleeding 1,5qt of liquid to clear fluid, problem was fixed. The reason I figured it was check valves problem, it when autopilot was engaged, helm wheel was moving instead of an engine. After extensive reading about Teleflex system and fluid I think replacing fluid should be part of winterizing.