Hydralic Steering Fluid

[Solittle]

My neighbor is outfitting his project boat after a year of replacing transom, floor, etc. etc. etc. It is a 29' Wellcraft with 2 OMC 225s. The boat has a SeaStar hydralic steering saystem. The SeaStar directions call for a special $12.00 a bottle hydralic steering fluid. He figgures that he will need 4 bottles or $48.00.<br /><br />We were wondering what other boaters use. I have a small bottle of Merc hydralic steering fluid for my boat and it looks like regular auto transmission fluid which is like dirt cheap. His directions say that auto transmission fluid can only be used in an emergency.<br /><br />What do you use??

 

[MrBill]

Re: Hydralic Steering Fluid

You don't say what year the boat is but power steering systems older than 1990 should do well with Dextron II, it meets or exceeds systems of that vintage. Any brand meeting that spec s/b fine. But try to determine the spec of the type that is recommnended and meet or exceed it. With many older craft it's tough to find out or find the type that s/b used. The newer spec stuff beats the heck out of most older vintages.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Hydralic Steering Fluid

SoLittle, I just installed a SeaStar system on my boss's boat last week and I'll be dang'd if'n I can remember the other optional fluids other than ATF for emergency use only.. <br /><br />Bottom line, go with the recomended SeaStar hydraulic fluid... I did... And your bud is right on the money with needing four quarts... It probably won't hold all four quarts but you'll use the fourth quart in the bleeding process...<br /><br />A little trick I learned... After you've bled it as best you can at the cylinder, take the last bottle of fluid and hook it up to the helm like an IV drip... Somehow hang the bottle above the helm with the hose connected to the helm and then run the wheel back and fourth to let anymore air out of the system, then just let the bottle hang there for a few hours... The rest of the trapped air will just work its way up and out...

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: Hydralic Steering Fluid

SoLittle---There is a quest for you on "Nothing To Do With Boats."