Hi All, happy summer! It looks like I'll need to replace my Seastar helm this summer. I already had new hydraulic hose and rear piston assembly replaced last year. I'm thinking this should be a pretty straight forward replacement but we all know thinking that going into a project is the kiss of death. I'm going to check the hole pattern etc on the existing one to compare to the new. I'm thinking it's the original unit so 1991 vintage. If anyone has ever done this before would love to have a straight forward assessment of what it took and scale of difficulty. Thanks all!
Replacing a Seastar Helm - Anyone Done it?
- Thread starter Green Mountain Grady
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It is not that bad. Make sure you is which style will work the best. Helm behind the dash or mounted on top. The bleeding is easy if you follow a certain technique. If you decide to tackle this one, I will be happy to post the bleeding procedure for you. If you post some pics, it will help.
SkunkBoat
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Since he installed new lines on the old helm and assuming qrb fittings on the helm, will he need adapters for the hoses?
I just replaced my helm and it wasn't that bad, as far as bleeding the lines goes this you tube link is how I did it and it worked great!!
Thanks for taking the time to respond. I posted a few pictures that I took this evening. After taking a look please let me know what you think.
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SkunkBoat
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I have the same copper tubing in my 88 offshore. I’ve had the new style hoses for a year now and haven’t gotten around to replacing them yet. I need to do that soon myself.
It looks like the new tilt style helm would fit in there nicely. Then you could do away with the spacer and gain some room behind the wheel. Also you will be able to install o ring hoses and remove the copper.
It looks like the new tilt style helm would fit in there nicely. Then you could do away with the spacer and gain some room behind the wheel. Also you will be able to install o ring hoses and remove the copper.
I replaced mine last year. I have the tilt style. It took 2 of us about 2-3 hours to complete.
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being take it to the f*%$ing shop) it was about a 3.
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being take it to the f*%$ing shop) it was about a 3.
I just did mine and my son and I bled it . It's easy. Just take your time. We bought 3 quarts of hydraulic fluid as I flushed all the old stuff out. It's a good job and bleeding is easier with a helper .
SkunkBoat
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You can get a gallon of fluid cheap on Amazon. X/C mil5606 Hydraulic fluid
Great for flushing out a system..and filling...and still having some left....
Great for flushing out a system..and filling...and still having some left....
I use sea star fluid only. Had problems with other brands over time. Eats the seals. I am also doing it for customers. I am responsible for the overall outcome so I always use what I know has the least problems. I can bleed a complete system with 1 quart of fluid once some fluid is added to prefill the system.
wrxhoon
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Same here I will only use Seastar fluid I used 1.5 bottles to flash when I installed auto pilot. You maybe able to find the exact fluid in some other brand but not worth the hassle to save a few $$.
Fellas, Seastar does not make hydraulic fluid. Any hydraulic fluid made domestically that meets military spec 5606 works fine and is compatible with all components of the Seastar system. That's the reason Seastar mentions that spec, because they know the bottles with their name on them is not available everywhere.
Great stuff. I've been trying to figure out why it seems so tight between the helm and the seat, there isn't much space when I'm standing which is usually how I drive. I thought it was just me getting larger! 
Seastar/Teleflex has a good informative website, will all sorts of available adaptors and fittings. If your helm is leaking there is also a repair kit for it. Simple stuff get some old towels, its a little messy. No surprise on the above post with Aeroshell fluid, Teleflex makes the steering systems for aircraft also.