Power Steering Leak @ Actuator

[cyauch]

Yep, got a fluid leak at the actuator. But i have a fluid question as i'm completely confused on the fluid to use, and if that's actually the root cause here.

No leaks at all last year. Removed engine to replace transom seal over winter. First trials last week noticed PS pump noise. Fluid was foamy and low. So wife went to gas station at corner and got a pint of PS fluid (synthetic). put that in and rest of trials was good. i figured i had air in line from hose removal over winter.

Yesterday went out on another trial to check out other fixes. 30 minutes in PS pump making noise again. Yikes! PS fluid in bilge!

So my question is i've read synthetic oil is thinner than conventional and could leak past seals. I've also read a steady back and forth between PS fluid and ATF fluid. My ignorance in thinking PS fluid should be used for PS systems But i didn't have a manual at the launch and may have just cost myself some wasted money. Should i just suck out as much of the existing PS fluid and refill with ATF or are my seal's in fact shot since i used regular PS fluid...and synthetic at that?

I don't have the actuator pulled yet, but using an inspection mirror, I can confirm it appears the he leak is not coming from the two hose connections on the left, nor from the big cylinder on the left. So my assumption is it has to be the rod seal itself. Once i it get it removed, the exact location should be visible.

But is it worth it to just put the right fluid in (like i should have done and read before i added the wrong fluid). Again, didn't leak a drop last year. I guess it is possible it crapped out on me now (thanks Murphy) and is just a coincidence and not directly related to the transom seal fix.

 

[RobRoller]

Everything I have read recommends atf only. If it was me i would evac what i could out of the system and give the atf a shot. But most likely the seals are shot. I just did this on my 96 four winns with the volvo penta actuator and it was actualy pretty easy with the seats and engine cover removed.

 

[cyauch]

Everything I have read recommends atf only. If it was me i would evac what i could out of the system and give the atf a shot. But most likely the seals are shot. I just did this on my 96 four winns with the volvo penta actuator and it was actualy pretty easy with the seats and engine cover removed.

yea, i wish i had read that before i added. but i do think the leak was before i added. i thought it was low from engine removal over winter. i think i checked PS before trials, but i dunno. i do know it wasnt leaking at all last year. so im sure i screwed something up or its just Murphy kicking me in the raisins.
also dunno why pics didnt attach on first post.

PS pump is dry as us hoses to and from oil cooler. did notice wetness on large actuator on left. rod it self had an oily feel too. have it pulled and think i'll just order new instead of rebuilt

dumb question. common sense tells me there should be no leak by if i plug one of the PS fittings to the actuator. yet if i close off one port i can hear air escaping, slowly, out the other port. i'd figure it shouldnt budge an inch. course its the puston inside the large actuator and doesnt appear rebuild kits supply that o ring or seal.

any idea how much psi the PS oump generates? also, no water separtion in remaing fluid i was able to get out os PS pump but i may still pull the oil cooler just to make sure no holes there.

 

[cyauch]

Been a while. But to update, PS leak resolved. Kept going back and forth to send off to rebuild or just buy new. After a week of back and forth noticed on the Bay an actuator was posted....and to my surprise, the seller was 5 miles away from me! Stopped by the following day, inspected and compared to mine, then bought. Half the cost of a rebuild for a 4 year old unit that was removed because they were converting the boat to run an outboard! Told me come back if it does leak and he'll make it right.

Installed and went on trials this past weekend. Was going to take a short trip the river that's usually a 15 minute or so run. Instead, we ended up putting a little over an hour and a half on the meter, dropped anchor for a while, and just relaxed and enjoyed the ride. Not a single leak, no overheating, and the manifold / riser joint gasket replacement is working.

Thanks to everyone who chimed in on this issue, as well as the underwater strike repairs, the overheating issue, and the thoughts on the numerous pics i posted up. Firmly believe without the help i wouldn't call this is success.

PS - I still have a random pop in the arrestor once in a blue moon when first started, but isn't reproduceable, and seems to stop 5 minutes after initial start of the day. Sure i'll be back after i collect more data and info to see if i can determine a pattern. Dropped some SeaFoam in the tank first.