Upper helm leaking steering fluid

[MCADRG]

I have a 1991 3608 aft cabin and noticed my upper helm was leaking fluid at the steering wheel stem location externally and also beneath the helm when I pulled off the back board of the front bench. Does anyone know what model of helm this boat would have or how I can find out? My marina mechanical services says I will likely need to replace the upper helm as a replacement seal kit will not be available. Thank you.

[Merkinbrumsky]

My guess would be that it’s a hynautic H-50. The number should be stamped on the back. If so, seal kits are readily available, even on Amazon. I rebuilt mine a couple years ago and just bought a spare seal kit to have onboard last spring. It isn’t that tough of a job if you take your time and take plenty of pics as you take it apart. There are a couple how to vids on YouTube as well.

[Merkinbrumsky]

Here’s mine. You can see h-50 stamped on the back

[Merkinbrumsky]

https://www.seatechmarineproducts.com/h ... pumps.html

[Viper]

Ya Hynautic or Seastar. Seal kits are available for both brands.

[MCADRG]

Thank you both for your advice this will be helpful.

[Cooler]

There is a reservoir in the engine room. You are probably losing fluid somewhere, and the level got low enough to blow the seals out of the upper helm. You can rebuild it, but you need to find that leak first, or it will happen again. The steering arms are notorius for that leak location. I replaced my Hynautic helm with a Seastar, so I could refill fluid at the helm location. Also eliminated the tank, converting to a 2 line system instead of 3. The steering arm can also be rebuilt by any good hydraulic contractor. Good luck! er

[quickdecision]

Try Southern Charm near Tampa. They have rebuilt many helms for me in the past. Quick turn around.

Ron

[Cooler]

Another reminder. When you fill your steering reservoir, make sure you use Hydraulic Steering fluid. Do not use the fluid made for power steering refill. They are similar but different. The container will say Hydraulic Steering fluid on the bottle. If you make these repairs yourself, see if you can find a bleeding kit when you need to put everything back together. The kit will save you a lot of time when you fill the system. Good luck! er

[MCADRG]

It looks like my upper helm is Hynautic H-52 model. The reservoir is located at the stern of the boat in the aft cabin below the small seat next to the bed. I have searched for a leak/failure and cannot find anything. Could it be possible the upper helm seal simply failed due to fatigue? Thanks Cooler for the fluid advice.

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