Steering and trim tab fluid

[wlewis]

Is the Sea Star steering fluid the same as that used in Bennett trim tabs?

 

[DennisG01]

Tabs use ATF... any old ATF will do. Steering systems are pickier. If you need to add fluid to the Bennett - sure, you can use Sea Star - but not other way around. However, if either is losing fluid - there is a leak.

 

[seasick]

!!!!! I made a error in responding. What I meant to say was;
In addition, using Seastar fluid in the TRIM pump is a waste of money. The Seastar fluid is expensive.
(What happened to my promise to proof read before posting?)

 

[Hookup1]

I'm always worried about the compatibility of the fluids with the seals. For the SeaStar and my auto. I would use the SeaStar fluid. Yes it's expensive ($30/quart or $80/gallon) compared to generic ATF. But a steering pump isn't cheap either.

 

[Ky Grady]

I agree. I'll continue to use the SeaStar fluid in my steering system. New helm installed a year or so back, flushed the entire system with all new SeaStar fluid, at least I know it was done right and the fluid is compatible with my steering system. Trim tabs are topped off with ATF.

 

[wlewis]

Thanks. My senior memory is slipping a bit.

 

[SkunkBoat]

MilSpec 5606A Hydraulic fluid for steering. If its good enough for airliners its good enough for me. Works great and is red so you can see it.
idk what seals you are worried about. there nothing but the same rubber orings in every hydraulic system.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GP3GDDE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cheap enough to change evry couple years which is a good idea so your helm doesn't rust.

 

[blindmullet]

Use the ATF on the tabs and fill from the rear. Much easier than taking that pump out or messing with syringes and droppers. Stick the hose in the quart and run raise the tab on that side.

 

[DennisG01]

Use the ATF on the tabs and fill from the rear. Much easier than taking that pump out or messing with syringes and droppers. Stick the hose in the quart and run raise the tab on that side.

Huh? If you pull one of the hoses out of the rear of the pump, how does that work?

 

[blindmullet]

Huh? If you pull one of the hoses out of the rear of the pump, how does that work?

No - hose from the stern before the bulkhead fitting. The pump will draw the fluid out of the quart.

 

[DennisG01]

No - hose from the stern before the bulkhead fitting. The pump will draw the fluid out of the quart.

Oh, OK, gotcha. I've never had a boat where doing that would be less time consuming than filling directly into the reservoir. But, hey, to each his own!

 

[blindmullet]

Oh, OK, gotcha. I've never had a boat where doing that would be less time consuming than filling directly into the reservoir. But, hey, to each his own!

Ya, Grady decided to put the res under a compartment. It has to be removed to fill. Tabman before his passing gave me that tidbit. He said it is usually far easier with only needing fluid and a wrench.