Red fluid in bilge - Axius Steering High Pressure Filter Conversion Kit -

Boater71

Boater71

Member
Mar 5, 2018
321
Boston, MA
Boat Info
2008 Sea Ray 310 Sundancer
Engines
MX6.2 MPI Bravo III DTS with Axius and SeaCore
Kohler Genset
Anyone did this? I have AXIUS gen 1 and was wondering about this upgrade. I have Red fluid in my bilge and the steering reservoir is going low on my starboard engine - can't find the leak. I also have the steering Pump pulley ceasing on initial start.

Where do i start here? I was also reading about the upgrade as it is cheaper than filter replacement (in case I need to).

Once the boat starts, cruising and operation is fine, I don't notice anything nor hearing ceasing.
 
I have the Gen I Axius system.

I had/have two slight fluid leaks on my port engine. One is the hydraulic actuator which has a very slight leak at the wiper seal on the cylinder. I considered addressing it but it appears the entire actuator must be replaced as there are no seals or sub-components available per the parts manuals. The loss of fluid is currently undetectable in the reservoir--only evident by the residue.

The other leak was on the bottom of the pressure pump. This was a hose connection that required tightening.

I am looking for information on the high-pressure conversion kit, too. From what I can find online, it replaces the current filter and hose circuit. The service manuals for Gen I indicate the system should not require opening or fluid replacement--and in the event you do breach the system, you must call Mercury for instructions in handling restoring it (presumably for bleeding instructions?). This gives me pause. I don't currently have any issues and certainly don't want to introduce any unnecessarily. But, I would like to know why there's a conversion kit and what it's benefits are...?
 
My issue was on the starboard engine. There was a hose leaking which was causing the leak, MM sent a tech and replaced it. Here are my findings/learning:
  • Tech found a loose connection as well (required tightening)
  • Tech did not do anything special to ensure bleeding, just replaced the hose and filled the reservoir. (maybe because it was just a hose). The tech asked me to steer left and right to gets the fluids flowing
  • According to Mercury Marine, the upgrade kit was due to vendor replacement (no other reason). From my initial research, it is around $1000 in parts for each engine - not necessary. The oil filter type (which is what i have) is a much cheaper replacement than the high pressure filter installed!!! I believe to replace the filter, it may require bleeding the system to replace the filter.
I would appreciate a copy of the service manual (if you have a digital copy).

Hope this helps.
 
Boater71 said:
  • According to Mercury Marine, the upgrade kit was due to vendor replacement (no other reason). From my initial research, it is around $1000 in parts for each engine - not necessary. The oil filter type (which is what i have) is a much cheaper replacement than the high pressure filter installed!!! I believe to replace the filter, it may require bleeding the system to replace the filter.
I would appreciate a copy of the service manual (if you have a digital copy).
Click to expand...

Great info, thanks! If the conversion kit is in fact only due to vendor replacement, then I agree, I'm not interested in "upgrading" as I see two obvious disadvantages to the upgraded system:
  • From the nomenclature used, the upgraded system is "high pressure"--leading one to assume the current system is not. From my experience, high pressure generally comes with a cost in terms of wear/tear/stress on system components, especially one that wasn't initially designed for it.
  • The filter for the new system is listed at $650 (in fact it's the majority of the cost of the system). I don't know the service interval for this filter but it would need to be a "forever filter" to gain my interest.
My Axius service manual is a paper copy that I purchased on Ebay. It covers Gen I and II and has been an interesting read for evaluating system design, likely failure modes, etc. I'll see if I can find the section on "call Mercruiser to bleed system" and post relevant info.

I'll also post the specific manual title so you can find a copy if interested (it's inexpensive).
 
stephenm27 said:
Great info, thanks! If the conversion kit is in fact only due to vendor replacement, then I agree, I'm not interested in "upgrading" as I see two obvious disadvantages to the upgraded system:
  • From the nomenclature used, the upgraded system is "high pressure"--leading one to assume the current system is not. From my experience, high pressure generally comes with a cost in terms of wear/tear/stress on system components, especially one that wasn't initially designed for it.
  • The filter for the new system is listed at $650 (in fact it's the majority of the cost of the system). I don't know the service interval for this filter but it would need to be a "forever filter" to gain my interest.
My Axius service manual is a paper copy that I purchased on Ebay. It covers Gen I and II and has been an interesting read for evaluating system design, likely failure modes, etc. I'll see if I can find the section on "call Mercruiser to bleed system" and post relevant info.

I'll also post the specific manual title so you can find a copy if interested (it's inexpensive).
Click to expand...

Thanks - I pretty much to the same conclusions as yours. the Existing filter replacement is about $150. My biggest concern is the pump, it's around $1800 + install.
 
Any resolution to the leaky wiper seal on cylinder? I have same issue. Very little leak but it’s a leak. I bet there’s someone out there that can rebuilt it.
 
So I pulled the steering cylinder off and went to a hydraulic repair place to see if they could replace the seals. 1st place held onto it for a week then said they we scared to pull it apart because of all the valves an sensor this thing has. 2nd place said they wouldn’t touch it either. 3rd place said sure no problem and within a hour had all seals on the shaft replaced. Will be reinstalling this week. We’ll see if the leak is gone.
 
Rob WIcha said:
So I pulled the steering cylinder off and went to a hydraulic repair place to see if they could replace the seals. 1st place held onto it for a week then said they we scared to pull it apart because of all the valves an sensor this thing has. 2nd place said they wouldn’t touch it either. 3rd place said sure no problem and within a hour had all seals on the shaft replaced. Will be reinstalling this week. We’ll see if the leak is gone.
Click to expand...

hi Rob,

Out of curiosity, did you go this route because the Gen I steering actuators are impossible to get? I have a starboard actuator failing, causing my steering to misbehave, and we can’t find the part.

thanks!
Curt
 
Yes. Not only are they not available but if they were is was almost $10000.00. The place I took it to fix it and it works perfect.
 
Rob
I have the same issue with the axius gen 1 seal leaking, am desperate to fix versus replacing the unit. Can you share with me the repair shop that you used?
If needed you can pm me at dwwoodfishing8595@gmail.com or call me at 9186161846
Thank you
David Wood
 
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