Bay Star hydraulic steering maintenance

[Iron Horse]

Is there any pm due on a Bay Star hydraulic steering other than looking for leaks and servicing the fluid level?

What color should the fluid be? From what I have seen on Youtube the steering fluid should be clear if you are using Sea Star hydraulic fluid. What is in my system is red.

[RSWORDS]

Is there any pm due on a Bay Star hydraulic steering other than looking for leaks and servicing the fluid level?

What color should the fluid be? From what I have seen on Youtube the steering fluid should be clear if you are using Sea Star hydraulic fluid. What is in my system is red.

The mercury/Quicksilver fluid is red.

Watch for leaks and watch for hose failure

[flabum1017]

Red can also be ATF, best to replace the fluid every couple years due to contamination and moisture intrusion.... ATF will work in the system, but can swell the seals and make the system steer more stiff. Seals on the cylinder will fail, so I recommend replacing them at least every three years, wash the cylinder every time you use it and keep a coat of CRC 656 on the cylinder rods to help prevent electrolysis and pitting.

[Iron Horse]

Thanks Flabum

Got it all cleaned up inspected and fluid changed. And yep previous owner was running ATF. I kinda understand why, Sea Star fluid is 25 bucks a quart. We'll see what happens it's has the correct fluid in it now.

[Whaaaaat]

I started using oil I get from my local airport. I forget exactly what it is, but it's the same mil spec used in landing gear and aircraft hydraulics. It's also red, easier to spot leaks in aircraft but may stain white gel coat. I use it on commercial boats. Big bonus is that it's only about $25 a gallon.

[Iron Horse]

Whaaaat
That would be Mil-H5606 they use it in aircraft shock struts. Seem to me I saw that milspec when I was researching hydraulic steering but I could find it again to verify it. I can get 5606 easily from several different sources. Only wish I could found it and verified the milspec.

[Whaaaaat]

That does sound right. I had a can of it still around before Irma threw the connex box it was in 500 yards across the lot.

[Paul]

406211

[phillnjack]

seastar oil is a big rip off, there is loads of oil around with same spec, even green oil ...
a coloured oil is better to see any leaks and get it sorted straight away.