Funky steering last weekend on my 225

[Glock Diver]

Trailered the boat over to Ft. Lauderdale for some ocean diving with friends, and after I launched at the 14th St. boat ramp in Pompano Beach, I noticed ALOT of play in the steering.  So much that I almost turned back to the dock, fearing that I could lose the steering altogether.  I usually have someone else steer while idling down the ICWW, so I can rub on the sunscreen, etc, but I didn't feel comfortable turning the wheel over to anyone.

However, throughout the morning the steering improved, and was back to normal by around noon.  Is this normal for hydraulic systems?  It stayed nice and tight the rest of the weekend (we were out Fri, Sat and Sun).

Gracias Amigos!  :)

[John Jones]

Could just need fluid.  Did you feel a clicking when it was loose?

[Glock Diver]

I didn't notice any clicking, but I know what you mean.  Is it difficult to add steering fluid?  Never done it before.

[seabob4]

I didn't notice any clicking, but I know what you mean.  Is it difficult to add steering fluid?  Never done it before.

Mike,
Remove the fill cap on top of the helm pump, add until she is topped off.  Very simple, but place a couple of rags around the base to catch spillage.  Turn the wheel hardover to hardover.  If the wheel moves and the motor doesn't, she'll need to be bled.

If she is low on fluid, you want to find out where it is going...

[Glock Diver]

I didn't notice any clicking, but I know what you mean.  Is it difficult to add steering fluid?  Never done it before.

Mike,
Remove the fill cap on top of the helm pump, add until she is topped off.  Very simple, but place a couple of rags around the base to catch spillage.  Turn the wheel hardover to hardover.  If the wheel moves and the motor doesn't, she'll need to be bled.

If she is low on fluid, you want to find out where it is going...

Picked up an 8 oz. can of steering fluid- ATF right?  Says it's not for systems using SAE 0W-30. Hopefully this will rectify my problem. Sure will make docking easier.  

D'ya reckon I'll need to add all 8 ounces?

[gran398]

You will be surprised how little fluid is need. Add/turn as stated both ways 'till spins as normal.

[seabob4]

Mike,
NO!!!  Teleflex Seastar systems need a specific hyd oil, they list the type-acceptables in the install manual.  ATF is not one of them, although can be used in an emergency, then flush the system after you get back home.

Let me see if I have the manual in PDF.  Can't post it here, but Shell Aero-7 is what we used in your boat...

[gran398]

Shell Aero-7 is specified for high-grade hydraulic systems. Is spec'd in the owner's manual for the 1964 Hatteras Sportfish.

Presume that its the standard fill for quality steering/hydraulic systems...thanks SB.

Edit: Was locally available only at the airport.... private-plane supply house, only in gallons at $80/gallon....used around 4 ounces. They did not have it in stock. Special order here. Have most of a gallon left.

Maybe should take this to classifieds but, you guys let me know (PM) if you need some.

[John Jones]

Mike,
NO!!!  Teleflex Seastar systems need a specific hyd oil, they list the type-acceptables in the install manual.  ATF is not one of them, although can be used in an emergency, then flush the system after you get back home.

Let me see if I have the manual in PDF.  Can't post it here, but Shell Aero-7 is what we used in your boat...

Hydraulic Fluid Acceptable and recommended oils for your steering system are:
Seastar Hydraulic Fluid, part no. HA5430, Texaco H015, Shell Aero 4,
Esso Univis N15 or 513, Chevron Aviation Fluid A, Mobil Aero HFA
Fluids meeting Mil H560SC specifications.
Automatic transmission fluid Dexron II may be used in an emergency. In cases of extreme emergency any non-toxic, non-flammable fluid may provide temporary steering.
Seastar hydraulic oil is not available from your local gas station. Order a spare bottle from your Teleflex/Seastar dealer.
Never use brake fluid. Any non-approved fluid may cause irreparable damage, loss of steering, and cancellation of warranty.

http://ww2.seastarsteering.com/FILL_PUR ... urge.htm#1

You can pee in it to get home but the wrong stuff will either corrode the internals or destroy the rubber parts.

[seabob4]

Mike,
NO!!!  Teleflex Seastar systems need a specific hyd oil, they list the type-acceptables in the install manual.  ATF is not one of them, although can be used in an emergency, then flush the system after you get back home.

Let me see if I have the manual in PDF.  Can't post it here, but Shell Aero-7 is what we used in your boat...

Hydraulic Fluid Acceptable and recommended oils for your steering system are:
Seastar Hydraulic Fluid, part no. HA5430, Texaco H015, Shell Aero 4,
Esso Univis N15 or 513, Chevron Aviation Fluid A, Mobil Aero HFA
Fluids meeting Mil H560SC specifications.
Automatic transmission fluid Dexron II may be used in an emergency. In cases of extreme emergency any non-toxic, non-flammable fluid may provide temporary steering.
Seastar hydraulic oil is not available from your local gas station. Order a spare bottle from your Teleflex/Seastar dealer.
Never use brake fluid. Any non-approved fluid may cause irreparable damage, loss of steering, and cancellation of warranty.

http://ww2.seastarsteering.com/FILL_PUR ... urge.htm#1

You can pee in it to get home but the wrong stuff will either corrode the internals or destroy the rubber parts.

JJ,
Thanks for posting the info...with the correct call-out for the Shell fluid!  Was trying to remember off the top of my head after 10 years!  At Stamas, we used the Texaco fluid, only Proline was dumb enough to pay the extra $$$ and use the Teleflex fluid!!

[Glock Diver]

Mike,
NO!!!  Teleflex Seastar systems need a specific hyd oil, they list the type-acceptables in the install manual.  ATF is not one of them, although can be used in an emergency, then flush the system after you get back home.

Let me see if I have the manual in PDF.  Can't post it here, but Shell Aero-7 is what we used in your boat...

Hydraulic Fluid Acceptable and recommended oils for your steering system are:
Seastar Hydraulic Fluid, part no. HA5430, Texaco H015, Shell Aero 4,
Esso Univis N15 or 513, Chevron Aviation Fluid A, Mobil Aero HFA
Fluids meeting Mil H560SC specifications.
Automatic transmission fluid Dexron II may be used in an emergency. In cases of extreme emergency any non-toxic, non-flammable fluid may provide temporary steering.
Seastar hydraulic oil is not available from your local gas station. Order a spare bottle from your Teleflex/Seastar dealer.
Never use brake fluid. Any non-approved fluid may cause irreparable damage, loss of steering, and cancellation of warranty.

http://ww2.seastarsteering.com/FILL_PUR ... urge.htm#1

You can pee in it to get home but the wrong stuff will either corrode the internals or destroy the rubber parts.

Well, I'm sure as hell glad I asked!   Thanks fellas.  

Can't blame this one on the wife.  She works for Bass Pro Shops, and I sometimes ask her to pickup a gallon of 2-cycle oil on her way home from work.  This time I asked her to get a bottle of hydraulic steering fluid too, but I didn't even know that such a specific type was needed.    Glad I asked the experts!

[John Jones]

I think someone told me you can find one of the hydraulic fluids at Tractor Supply but the containers I saw there are like 5 gallons which an individual would never use in a lifetime.  I would bet a NAPA auto parts would have it or can get it.  I know if you go to West Marine and get the Seastar fluid it is high $$$.

[seabob4]

I think someone told me you can find one of the hydraulic fluids at Tractor Supply but the containers I saw there are like 5 gallons which an individual would never use in a lifetime.  I would bet a NAPA auto parts would have it or can get it.  I know if you go to West Marine and get the Seastar fluid it is high $$$.

Last I saw it was $18/qt at Worst...

[John Jones]

Wow.  That's actually not bad.  I think when I first got my CCP it was around $30.

They have come around somewhat on their prices in the last year, on some things anyway.  That includes the filler hose and fitting too.  They were extra when I bought mine.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sNum=10472

[wingtime]

I'm not sure about the mil spec #H560  The current aircraft hydraulic fluid used is H-5606 C.  If you look at the West marine link description of the Seastar fluid it says it meets the 5606 standard.  Be careful 5606 is is some nasty stuff and will take paint off bigtime.     Here is where I get it for my plane:  http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/l ... l_bflu.php