24' helm pump leak help

[McBoater]

I posted the following in the 24- 35' boat forum. 49 guys viewed, no replies, hoping I can get help here... I have had a very slow leak on the upper helm, where the nut fittings meet the pump in the back of the console. I loosened and took the three lines off, discovered two were a bit loose, may be the cause of the leak. It was questionable how loose hence I'm not sure. I drained the reservoir. First, I don't have any manuals and I'm a rookie at mechanical issues, so please excuse my ignorance. So, I'm going to try a cheap fix first, put liquid plumber on the threads, and re tighten them to see if I have any luck. My questions... is it ok to try liquid plumber on the threads? And two, once hoses are back on, how do I bleed the system, there are no valves that I see? Three, how much fluid do I put back in, I drained about a 1/4 of a quart, but it's been leaking for a while, so I have no idea. On the helm, shows it's a Teleflex, and to use Shell tellus 10 or Exxon univis 13. Is one better than the other? And can I get it at an auto parts store? Thanks for any advise, Donald

 

[fwebster]

The helm pump fittings are usually compression fittings that squeeze the ferrule tighter as you tighten t he nut. Inspect the end of the tubes and look for damage or burrs then insert them and tighten to a little more then hand tight and they should seal without then need for a thread sealer.

Teleflex/Sea Star now sells its own steering fluid/oil. It has anti corrosive and anti foaming additives and it the best choice, but is a tad expensive:

http://www.jamestowndistributors.co...805&familyName=Teleflex+Seastar+Hydraulic+Oil



Here is a copy of the fill and purge instruction in the Teleflex/Sea Star manual


http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/document.do?docId=1088



Please note that I just happened to find these on a the Jamestown site. I haven't done business with them and don't necessarily recommend them as a source. They may be great, prices may be ok, etc. I just don't know.

Hope that helps........good luck with it.

 

[Gary Hill]

First, you don't want to use liquid plumber on the threads. Go to an auto store and get some hydraulic sealant. I don't know about your system but normally to bleed the system you hook up a clear hose between the bottle of oil and the fill hole. You then hold the bottle upside down and rotate the wheel all the way left and all the way right and look at the clear hose. You keep doing this until no air bubbles are seen in the clear hose any more. I'm sure if you go to the Teleflex web page you will find more information. On the oil, 50/50 on finding it at an auto store and either on is fine.
Hope this helps.

Gary

 

[McBoater]

Frank and Gary, Can't thank you enough for your speedy and knowledgeable replies. I'll get on that and hopefully I save a little dough by trying this first.