Sluggish Steering

[Searaybio270]

Ron,

Only b/c I have a mixture of the red and the clear. I am thinking that the Red is ATF. Based on what you sent me, Some other fluids, even ATF, will cause leaks at the seals. In fact, SeaStar says use ATF in an emergency but that you must drain and purge the system with SeaStar fluid as soon as possible. That was why I wrote about changing it. Your thoughts, please.
I do agree with "Go Boating".!!!!!!!!!

 

[Pietro]

Still trying to get an owners manual. I thought they were here on CSR but I can't find one. I tried SR but they are more a sales brochure. Any ideas please chime in. Thanks.

And thanks to all of you for your help and insight.

If you buy me a beer next time I'll come to USA... I might try to remember to scan my manual :grin:

 

[Searaybio270]

If you buy me a beer next time I'll come to USA... I might try to remember to scan my manual :grin:

Beer, Chianti, Persecco - whatever you like. My brother-in-law wants to go to Rome next year. I have been to Italy many times so for me it would be to see your boat. Ciao!!!

 

[tdschafer]

If the fluid is red the PO might have used "Power Steering" fluid. I was told that in an emergency that would be OK but, then the system would have to be bled out and replaced with the Seastar. The amount you required will definitely affect performance. I think that the steering wheel is some sort of pump for the system and when the reservoir drops just a little bit you are pumping air instead of fluid and getting little response from the system. I had a situation last fall as I was running the boat over to the marina that I winter store it at. I couldn't get the rudders more than 15 degrees. I stopped the boat and added fluid. I took about 1/3 of a bottle max that time.

Todd - good info. I agree that the steering wheel is a pump possible of some sort. Headed there now to check it and then test it with a run on the Bay.



Gary - thanks didn't know that either but like Todd I have autopilot as well. However it is red? Hmmm....

Still trying to get an owners manual. I thought they were here on CSR but I can't find one. I tried SR but they are more a sales brochure. Any ideas please chime in. Thanks.

And thanks to all of you for your help and insight.

Pietro,
That request was actually from Joe!! It's funny how the quote came out with my name on it!! I guess because he quoted me then you qouted him, it looks like my quote! Wow, my head is spinning now....:grin:

 

[tdschafer]

Ron,

Only b/c I have a mixture of the red and the clear. I am thinking that the Red is ATF. Based on what you sent me, Some other fluids, even ATF, will cause leaks at the seals. In fact, SeaStar says use ATF in an emergency but that you must drain and purge the system with SeaStar fluid as soon as possible. That was why I wrote about changing it. Your thoughts, please.
I do agree with "Go Boating".!!!!!!!!!

Joe,
As per Ron's post:
" To confuse us all, Teleflex/SeaStar has changed from red to amber to clear fluid, but as long as the bottle says its for SeaStar /Teleflex systems it is ok to use."
You may have original Seastar/Teleflex fluid in there. If your autopilot is factory installed there is even a greater chance that the red fluid is correct according to the info provided by Gary & Frank (via Ron). I say Don't fix it if it ain't broke!

 

[Searaybio270]

Ok. I will leave it for now and just go boating and have fun. Wow. that sounds good!!! Thanks

 

[Pietro]

...and I'll be glad to welcome who ever from CSR will come to visit Rome!!! :thumbsup:

 

[rondds]

Joe, what Todd said, which is what I said, quoting what Frank said (Did you get all that??) My system is all red but I'm pretty sure that's the original fluid. Top off and enjoy yourself. Now you'll have PINK fluid!

 

[Searaybio270]

Guys - I got it. Fluid is fine Go Boating!!! You don't have to tell me 10 times.

 

[tdschafer]

...and I'll be glad to welcome who ever from CSR will come to visit Rome!!! :thumbsup:

Pietro,
Be careful, I may take you up on that!! My in-laws go to Rome about once a year now and RAVE about it. It sounds like a beautiful place to live. They've got me and the wife thinking of joining them next time!