Topic: Sea Star Streering Problem

This topic has 4 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 18 years, 1 month ago by joebags.

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April 24, 2008 at 12:56 am #274748

joebags
Participant

I have a 98 Pantera II that is finest boat I have ever owned. When I took it out for the first time this year there was a problem with the Sea Star hydraulic steering. It felt as if there was a void that is the steering wheel moved about 20 – 30 degrees before responding. The Sea Star trouble guide recommended opening and clean the valves at the rear of the boat. I did that and air shot out of the left side valve. I was certain air in the line was the problem. I removed the reservoir cap on the dash and I could not see any fluid. I ran to the local Basscat dealer a purchased the Sea Star steering fluid and to my surprise it is almost clear. The fluid that came out of the purge was red and smelled like transmission fluid. Can I add the Sea Star fluid to bring up the level or do I need to bleed the whole system?

April 24, 2008 at 5:16 am #274749

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

You are right it is tranny fluid in that system they used it in the factory installed steering for years and may still it works just as well as the clear seastar fluid and is a lot easier to see if you develop a leak in the system. You do need to figure out if you can where the fluid was lost at and it will be a lot easier to take it to the dealer and let them bleed the air out it is a 2 man job at best, whatever you do do not fool around if the system has a leak get it fixed cause losing steering is a very bad ride or worse. Good luck Larry P.

April 24, 2008 at 12:50 pm #274750

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

It is hydraulic fluid from the aircraft industry and is mil spec fluid. The red is a tracer dye. They mix fine, though the Teleflex fluid is a tad different spec and not mil spec. We stepped up on this one and your question is very common.

April 24, 2008 at 2:20 pm #274751

gclayfam
Participant

BCB You never cease to amaze me in the research you do to provide a quality product even down to the hydraulic fluid that is used! I am proud to own a Basscat! If somebody has the aircraft fluid in their steering system and wants to stay with it you can purchase “5606” red fluid at most any airports where they work on aircraft. It is more expensive and Im not sure if you can buy it less than a gallon can. Some repair shops will sell you some if you bring a clean container to store it in. It is used in my company jet from the brakes to steering to spoilers to reversers. georgeGeorge

April 24, 2008 at 11:42 pm #274752

joebags
Participant

Thanks so much for your replies. I will add the Sea Star fluid and see if that corrects the problem. If not Ill have the system bled.
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