Sea Star Steering Oil/Fluid

**TLH101** · 01-14-2025, 08:52 AM

OK, we all know Sea Star fluid is around $30/qt + shipping for those of us in the boonies.
The Sea Star MSDS states the product is a High VI, ISO 15 Hydraulic Oil.
Any reason I cannot pick-up some hydraulic oil from my local tractor supply?
I have also read that Mercury/Quicksilver steering and trim fluid is a suitable oil.
I will be installing a used system that has been drained of all oil at this time.

**KIRCHNER** · 01-14-2025, 09:23 AM

i use whats available, off brand trim fulid or pwr steering. btw i once bought av fluid from aircraft spruce. no 30$. was told do not shake, causes micro-air cells. the AV fluid is red.

**rjdubiel** · 01-14-2025, 11:11 AM

We have been using
PRO SELECT 1-Gallon AW-32 Hydraulic Oil - Anti-Scuff, Anti-Wear, Corrosion Protection - Hydraulic Oils - 1 Gallon Size

**racervboat** · 01-23-2025, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by rjdubiel

We have been using
PRO SELECT 1-Gallon AW-32 Hydraulic Oil - Anti-Scuff, Anti-Wear, Corrosion Protection - Hydraulic Oils - 1 Gallon Size

Yep at lowes,under 20.00 a gallon.No problems what so ever for years.

**rjdubiel** · 01-23-2025, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by racervboat

Yep at lowes,under 20.00 a gallon.No problems what so ever for years.

Running in weather from summer at 100+ degrees to our fall run where sometimes is only in the 30's in the morning! No issues at all as Racervboat stated.

**racervboat** · 01-23-2025, 04:25 PM

Chit mine even stopped leaking.haha

**rjdubiel** · 01-23-2025, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by racervboat

Chit mine even stopped leaking.haha

haha, that damn seastar oil is like water!

**racervboat** · 01-23-2025, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by rjdubiel

haha, that damn seastar oil is like water!

Whiskey water on the rocks please.

**KIRCHNER** · 01-23-2025, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by racervboat

Whiskey water on the rocks please.

ill have a beam n ginger double tall,thank you sir

**rjdubiel** · 01-24-2025, 08:27 AM

just Windsor boys, cheap and effective!

**racervboat** · 01-24-2025, 09:22 AM

What ever accelerator on hand works also.

**leaky** · 01-24-2025, 11:18 AM

A benefit of Seastar fluid, other than you just know it's right, is it's not flammable. For the small cost, I buy it online when/where it's discounted and that's all I put in my boats.

**racervboat** · 01-24-2025, 11:40 AM

Guess i would be more concerned about the fuel and oil and an electrical fire then the small amount of steering fluid.All that would have to happen way before the flammable steering caught fire.

**leaky** · 01-24-2025, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by racervboat

Guess i would be more concerned about the fuel and oil and an electrical fire then the small amount of steering fluid.All that would have to happen way before the flammable steering caught fire.

All true. Is more of an applicable concern with inboards, maybe power steering, auto pilots, etc - though similarly for the small amount of it involved, nice to run what seastar says to run in their pumps and cylinders.