hydrolic streering leek

[peter devine]

I noticed a yellow oily fluid that turned out to be steering fluid coming out from the seal where the stainless steel rod moves horizontilly to steer the engines. The rod has no pits as far as I can see. There is definately a slow leak in the seal.
Are these rebuildable? Also can the slightly above average DIYer remove the piece, cap the fluid hoses, replace unit, reattach and bleed system.
One last question, if I do need to replace, where would the best place to buy one.
Thanks for all you help.
Peter

 

[catch22]

Assuming that you have Seastar, (Teleflex)... yes, you can get a seal kit for the steering cylinder. It's not unusual for the cylinders to leak after a few years.

Parts list, (click on Seastar cylinder) - http://ww2.seastarsteering.com/REPLACE_ ... eplace.htm

Your cylinder should have a number on it. A majority of the cylinders use seal kit # HS5157. It includes a spanner wrench.

Not a real big deal to do yourself. You only have to remove one of the end brackets, (either side) and the entire cylinder can be removed. However, you should remove both end brackets and thoroughly grease them when re-assembling. The end brackets are bolted to the cylinder shaft and the tilt tube. They can be a tough to get off, if it's on an older motor, or they haven't been removed and greased in a long time.

You will also have to bleed the air out when your finished. A little tricky, but again, not too bad.

Follow the "fill and purge" instructions - http://ww2.seastarsteering.com/OUTBOARD ... urge.htm&1

Here's one source for the seal kit. Search around and you might find it cheaper. - https://www.surplusunlimited.com/Mercha ... _Code=70-1

 

[TBone]

YUP! You can buy all the new seals and replace them, I think the kit for the ram at the motor is aroud $100 bucks. I did mine and it was a breeze.

Also order the Quad ring for your helm while your at it , its only a few bucks.

 

[CJBROWN]

I did mine last year and noticed there is a chip on the rod. The instructions say to replace it if damaged as it will wear out the seals again. However to stave off the purchase of an $800 unit I just replaced the one seal and let'er ride. It's working fine.

The local dealers wanted anywhere from $115 to $140 for the seal kit which comes with a wrench. Boatersworld had it for $99, shipped, no tax. Look up your part number on the factory site and then shop for it local or online. Some of the larger dealers carry them in stock, most order them, or they'll have every other one but the one you need.

One thing that helps with the bleeding process is a length of bleed hose long enough to route back to the helm. That way you can just keep turning on each side 'till there are no bubbles. Somebody on here or THT made that suggestion and it was a good one.

You'll need a quart of SeaStar fluid too. Stupid expensive stuff, like $20.

When the cap/seal comes off only a small amount of fluid comes out. It's really a very easy fix.

EDIT: BTW, thought of something else....I fabbed up a filler fitting for the helm from an air chuck, a length of 1/2" tubing and a funnel. The threads on the chuck fit the helm perfectly. Saved me a bunch of $$ buying their fill kit and you don't have to ruin a whole bottle of fluid by punching a hole in it.