Hyd steering slop

**RedBusDriver** · 04-30-2021, 07:32 AM

Originally Posted by XstreamVking

Where's it leaking from? A fitting under the dash, or from the helm shaft seal?

Im not 100% but I think it may be one of the fittings or it could be the end of the hose.
After work today I will go down there again and clean it and try to find the leak, I think I have the right orings at home.
If I remember correctly the Quicksilver/Merc system uses ORFS fittings. (oring face seals)
This is one of those situations where even if its right my brain still wont accept it.

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**RedBusDriver** · 04-30-2021, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by Soikku

For installation I used Loctite 542 pipe glue no leaks

Ill grab some of that today.

**Whaaaaat** · 04-30-2021, 08:41 AM

Those plastic plugs don't seem right? I don't use seastar so not familiar with there setup, but I wouldn't have plastic port plugs in anything under pressure. That needs metal.

**RedBusDriver** · 04-30-2021, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by Whaaaaat

Those plastic plugs don't seem right? I don't use seastar so not familiar with there setup, but I wouldn't have plastic port plugs in anything under pressure. That needs metal.

I think those are just to cover holes, My Tritoon with the Verado Power Steering has them too.

**XstreamVking** · 04-30-2021, 10:36 AM

You can see fluid in the 1st pic on the fitting with the white mark, right at the connection to the hose.

**Soikku** · 04-30-2021, 11:07 AM

provides leakage hose and connector connection. plastic connectors last yes. glue to each joint. degreasing brake cleaner

**Joe90** · 04-30-2021, 12:56 PM

This is just a FYI for SeaStar systems, I had similar issues with my Sea Star, had to put the boat severe nose down and tech guy said turn the wheel to the stops and crank on the wheel farther for a turn, and pop the reliefs. Makes a nasty noise. got more air out. Not sure if that will apply to you but might help SeaStar owners out.

**RedBusDriver** · 04-30-2021, 07:44 PM

I found my spare ORFS seals, from 2 boats ago. I will go down to the boat tomorrow replace seals on hoses at helm and do a thorough bleed and will try to over power the relief valves.
I wonder if the previous owner ran the helm low on fluid and caused some wear in it. There is no way this steering should be such an issue.
Ive done 2 scratch installs and both have turned out amazing.

Thanks for the tips everyone.

**tnelsmn** · 05-02-2021, 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by Joe90

This is just a FYI for SeaStar systems, I had similar issues with my Sea Star, had to put the boat severe nose down and tech guy said turn the wheel to the stops and crank on the wheel farther for a turn, and pop the reliefs. Makes a nasty noise. got more air out. Not sure if that will apply to you but might help SeaStar owners out.

+1 for this. Been fighting mine for a week. Forced past the stops for one full turn, heard the nasty noises, more air came up. But it's solid now.

**Joe90** · 05-02-2021, 08:55 PM

Glad that worked for you!

**XstreamVking** · 05-03-2021, 05:57 AM

Sometimes removing the cylinder from the engine allows full stroke of the cylinder it couldn't get when attached. Depends on the application. I bleed mine before install, since you can raise the cyl up high and get full stroke. jm2cts

**RedBusDriver** · 05-03-2021, 07:23 AM

Looks like the fluid is coming from top port with plastic plug. Im thinking a relief valve is weak/worn causing my issues.
Dealer is getting me a new helm pump then I will try everything suggested to bleed this out. I think the helm pump has been my issue the whole time.

**Whaaaaat** · 05-03-2021, 07:46 AM

Plastic plugs in the garbage can. Then just have your dealer hook it to there power bleeder. Power bleeder takes 10 minutes.

**Joe90** · 05-03-2021, 07:47 AM

Just guessing but is that a helm pump for dual helms??

**Joe90** · 05-03-2021, 08:01 AM

Just FYI on steering pressures, when my boat wouldn't like to turn right the dealer was calling me an idiot. Ok, Gauges it is, over 1500 psi at the steering cylinder to turn the boat right and only 5-600 to turn left. Now on shore I am putting my 75 lb fish scale on the steering wheel and put the engine full lock right and tried to pull 1500psi. The scale wasn't big enough. Think my wife can pull 80lbs to turn the boat??