Pathfinder

My hydraulic steering is sticking in the cold weather. It will free spin and I have to go one way and jerk it back to get it to catch. Any Suggestions?

sosmarine

Sounds like it needs to be bled. What color is the fluid? If it's red, ATF, that could be your problem. Should be clear if it is Sea Star fluid.

Pathfinder

Thanks SOS I'll try and see.

Pathfinder

Fluid is clear also.

sosmarine

Then i would recommend a good bleed. Get a bottle of Sea Star Fluid and the hose to screw in the helm. Turn fullright while someone opens the left bleed valve. Keep turning until there is no air. Close that valve, turn wheel full left and open the right valve until no air.

X-Shark

That's good. Outstanding chance that it has the factory Sea Star fluid in it now.



People will put ATF in them. Cause they are lazy and don't want to go to the store or don't want to pay $12qt for it.



The Teleflex SeaStar site says you can do this, BUT Only in a emergency and recommend flushing the system when available.



I've found like SOS said that it makes the system a little harder to turn and it's not as good for the seals in the system.

sosmarine

ATF is a solvent base and that's why it affects the seals. A FWB dealer, no longer in business, would use ATF in steering systems and Trim systems in every boat they rigged. Then when the customer had trouble they said seals were not covered under the warranty.

X-Shark

Lovely. Glad they are not in business anymore.

Magic236

My Sea Star Steering (Sailfish boat)had the same problem. The mechanic bleed the lines and filled it with fluid several times. Ultimately the helm had to be replaced. Fortunately, Sea Star did not charge for the helm. It has worked extremely well since. On the Sailfish Boat forum, this sound like a fairly common problem.

Get'n Wade

Ihad the same problem, bled it, replaced seals,but I still needed a new helm. Luckily Sea Star has a 3 year warranty. Mine was leaking fluid underneath. Good Luck.