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ryane7 · #1 08-22-2011, 11:10 PM

I have slack in steering wheel ordered new kits for both engines and helm does anyone have experience doing this also anyone know of cheap hydraulic steering oil

Loneshark · #2 08-23-2011, 07:56 AM

Have you tried adding fluid and bleeding out your lines?

I have used a coffee filter in the past to reuse my old fluid.

Loneshark · #3 08-23-2011, 08:10 AM

Have you tried adding fluid and bleeding out your lines?

I have used a coffee filter in the past to reuse my old fluid.

ryane7 · #4 08-23-2011, 11:42 AM

No didn't try to bleed but seals are 12yrs old don't want to go to cheap and regret when I'm in middle of gulf

Montauk17 · #5 08-23-2011, 12:44 PM

First you have to determine what style of helm you have. They have changed them a few times over the years and each have their own procedure to bleed it the right way. Marpaq makes some cheaper fluid,but it is still over 10 bucks a quart. If you can take a picture of the helm I can help you out further.

ryane7 · #6 08-23-2011, 03:58 PM

here is pic of my helm it is sea star tilt helm hh5741

Montauk17 · #7 08-23-2011, 07:46 PM

I assume you need info on how to bleed it? Changing the helm seal is very easy. Changing the end caps on the cylinder is fairly easy as well,the rebuild kits should have instructions in the pack. Make sure you have PLENTY of shop rags to put under the helm and cylinders it will be messy with the hyd fluid.
To bleed it you will need two people....you will need to buy a filler tube made for seastar helms.
First take the cap off the helm and thread the filler tube into the helm.
Now open a bottle of fresh fluid and thread it onto the other end of the filler tube. I usually take a thumb tack and pop a hole in the bottom of the bottle. Makes it easier to fill the helm,put the tack back in when you need to add more fluid to the bottle so you don't get fluid all over the place.
Squeeze the bottle softly untill the helm is full and the fill tube fluid level meets up with the bottle.
Now turn the steering wheel clockwise untill the cylinder rod is full extended on the right side of cylinder. Next you need to open the right side bleeder.
Next step is where you will need another person to help you.
Hold the cylinder rod with your free hand to keep it from moving back into the cylinder,turn the steering wheel counter clockwise untill you get a solid stream of air free fluid coming out the bleeder,usually takes about 1/2 a bottle of fluid.
Have your helper continue turning the wheel counterclockwise and close the bleed valve.
Keep turning the wheel counterclockwise untill the cylinder rod is fully extended to the left.
Now bleed the other side of the cylinder the same way you did the right side.
Repeat the same steps with the other engine.
You might have to bleed it more than once if the system has alot of air built up from the leaks on the end caps and/or helm seals. You can re use the fluid you bleed so have something to put the fluid in while you are bleeding it and refill your bottle you use to fill at the helm side. Sounds like alot but it is pretty straight forward.