Hydraulic steering fluid

[5th Tuition]

My steering is getting a little "bumpy" (not smooth). Can I just add some sea star fluid to the helm (using their Kit with adapter hose).

Or do I have to go through the pain of Bleeding the Lines.

Anyone ever just add fluid?
5th

[davem251]

Yeah, I have fought with this issue. Here is my procedure:

Buy a 6 pack of beer, some fluid and the seastar adapter. Go to your boat, apply the adapter and fluid. Repeatedly turn the wheel from left to right while drinking the beer. The air will eventually go away, hopefully before the beer is gone.

What I eventually figured out is that it might be time to think about how the air is getting in there. The seals on the ram are the most likely suspect.

[Mako mike]

Marty, you know me and my antique boat. I have added steering fluid to my helm several times over thirty years. I use to use the kit but switched over to the squeeze tube of wich I found much easier and less messier to use. If you have any questions you got my number.

[garlien]

Have to admit when I have done mine is just bought the kit and added the oil.

No bleeding the lines.

As Dave said I turned the wheel a crap ton and it works fine.

[5th Tuition]

Originally Posted by Mako mike

Marty, you know me and my antique boat. I have added steering fluid to my helm several times over thirty years. I use to use the kit but switched over to the squeeze tube of wich I found much easier and less messier to use. If you have any questions you got my number.

OK
I'm intrigued. Looked online at the usual places (amazon, west marine, boating warehouses) and can't find a squeeze tube of fluid for refilling.
Where do you buy this?

I see the quart size filling kits
5th

[Skip]

You can add fluid and work air from system by turning wheel.

One trick - if on trailer - trim engine up and crank trailer landing wheel all the way up. Might need to put 6x6 under to get high enough.

BEWARE - don't go too high - depending on how trailer is set up - tipping point might be reached :eek

Idea is to get good angle so air goes to helm faster.

[5th Tuition]

Ok, saw Mako Mike today at the CBA committee meeting for rockfish tournament. Got the low down on how to do this.
1) Buy the Power Tilt/Trim/Steering squeeze tube from West Marine
2) Place motor in center position (ram tube in middle)
3) Add fluid slowly (use hose if necessary)
4) REPLACE CAP ON STEERING HOUSING
5) Turn wheel left and right several times
6) perform steps 2,3,4,5 again if necessary

Thanks Mike
5th