Put wrong brand of Steering Fluid in - What should I do?

[KYLakes]

I'm new to the list and not much of a mechanic. Have a 2002 18" Larson I/O with 3.0GS engine with Volvo SX outdrive. Last week while on Dale Hollow Lake, I checked the Steering Fluid reservoir attached to the block and it was a bit low. I didn't have any of the recommended fluids and couldn't find any at the local lake shops. We were preparing to go for a long cruise and didn't want to have any problems on the lake so I bought and added about 120ml of Sea Star hydraulic fluid. Soon after the trim gauge started randomly bottoming out - I didn't even realize the trim and the power steering systems were connected (shows how naive I was). I'm feeling pretty darn stupid really and coming to the list for advice.

What should I do now? Have I screwed up my boat? I read some posts about damaging seals, but would such a small amount of the wrong oil in the system cause damage? We'd like to take the boat out again soon, but I'm nervous about causing further damage. Should I take it to a mechanic?

I would really appreciate some advice!
Thanks
KYLakes

 

[sailingseven]

Re: Put wrong brand of Steering Fluid in - What should I do?

Definitely take it to be serviced unless you feel confident that you can bleed the system and fill it with the proper grade of fluid. I've had to replace auto brakes (anti-lock systems) because of people using the wrong grade of fluid causing the system to fail.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Put wrong brand of Steering Fluid in - What should I do?

Soon after the trim gauge started randomly bottoming out - I didn't even realize the trim and the power steering systems were connected (shows how naive I was).

Ayuh,... I truly Doubt they are connected...

 

[boatguya1]

Re: Put wrong brand of Steering Fluid in - What should I do?

Ayuh,... I truly Doubt they are connected...

Unless he leaned on the trim sender wire while checking the power steering fluid.

Bondo, what do you think the chances of the sea star hyd fluid (assuming for hydraulic steering system) doing any damage?

James

 

[Bondo]

Re: Put wrong brand of Steering Fluid in - What should I do?

Unless he leaned on the trim sender wire while checking the power steering fluid.

Bondo, what do you think the chances of the sea star hyd fluid (assuming for hydraulic steering system) doing any damage?

James

Ayuh,... little to none....