hydraulic steering

Factory? I didnt realize they put hydraulic steering in them back then. Yes, you should be able to check fluid level at any motor positiion. The design is such that the reservoir and pump are one unit and as the fluid is pumped into the lines to turn the motor fluid from the other line refills the reservoir. No matter where you have the motor the same amount of oil is displaced and replaced. The level should never change..

it does not take much oil to top it off. Words of advise. put a trash bag and a rag on the floor so if you over fill or drip it will not get on your carpet. I have seen guys get it on there carpet and it not only makes a mees it will eat the glue. Do not over fill. the housing gets hot in the sun the fluid expands and leaks out again messing up the carpet.

Mike, you can add fluid to that fill tube till you see the fluid. If you have to add more than a few ounces, bleeding the steering might be necessary.

btrotter, you are looking for the Sea Star Pro series in the tilt steering for an older P2 model. That cylinder number is the HC5345 from memory, though you may want the HC5342 if yours is older. It offers more room and you can mount the pivot bracket back to the rear holes in the pivot assembly. We think there are four holes per side on the 5342 cylinder. You need a trim stop on the hydraulic steering set up, and that is a Mercury part also. It is a mercury switch on a bracket mounting inside the engine cowling. BCB

I had this very same issue last year. Low on fluid. Had a leak develop in one of the fittings back by the engine. Had it replaced and no issue since.

The end caps become loose on mine and lost all of the fluid, so you might want to check yours to make sure they are tight!! Steers one minute , then not the next, on plane!!! puckery feeling for sure!!! lucky for me nothin bad happened!!! Took quite a awhile to get back to ramp!!!!!Pete

Teleflex Sea Star Pro with Kevlar hoses. HC 5342 cylinder for most. What seems to be your issue?

Nice weekend overall! The steering only relates to fluid. It is a swage pump system, with only a fluid flow through the helm as you rotate it. No fluid is no flow and air is no steering. Check the level of fluid, and try to determine if it is loosing fluid on the driveway when you apply lots of steering pressure to the helm. Dont worry as the steering only works on a few hundred pounds of pressure. Most often it is a small leak. Hydraulic Steerings have been in use since the mid to late 90s with some amount of volume. There was and remains a thought that they are safer than cable. They are less maintenance, though still have issues if not maintained. Try to look over everything on the ends of connections, fittings, hoses and elsewhere for leaks. Then try to figure out how much or if you need fluid also. Though if you have air in your system, there has to be a leak somewhere. BCB