Sea Star Steering question

[RussL]

Hi Everyone,

My 2000 396 has dual SeaStar tilt wheel helms, but I am not sure of the model. Last weekend the upper help became more difficult to turn and it stick a bit at about 20 degrees left or right of center. You can turn though the hard spot and then the pressure releases suddenly and you can turn again more normally. It does this same thing a to a lessor degree in a couple of other spots. The lower helm is what I would consider a bit stiff as well but doesn't stick. Also, I have had the boat less than a year don't ever use that station, so I can't say if that is normal or not... I admit I don't know a lot about hydraulics, so I am hoping some can help. Does this sound like air or some failure of the helm?

Thanks,
Russ

[Viper]

Could be a few things. Check fluid levels, check for leaks at the helms and the steering cylinder, ensure there is nothing interfering with the steering hardware at the transom; cylinder, rudder posts, tie rod, etc. so they are allowed to move freely. If the fluid levels are right, turn the wheels back and forth several times to help bleed any air that might be in the system, this could take quite a few turns. If you have a pressurized system, make sure it is pressurized to the correct pressure as indicated on the reservoir.

[RussL]

Thanks, Pretty sure it is just a sealed system. I haven't seen a reservoir anywhere.... anyway.... the boat is tight so it is hard to say 100%. The transom looks clear and the new lower helm doesn't stick the same way.... It is hard to really check the fluid. the fluid port is nestled back in a bit. I can try to add. Maybe that is the next easiest step.... I will report back.

[Tireless]

I just filled mine last weekend. Get yourself a syringe with a length of tube on it. Take the top off the reservoir and inject in the fluid, after you have drawn it into the syringe, until you can see it. Use a flashlight to look into the reservoir with the wheel tilted all the way down. When you see the fluid at the bottom of the opening, put the threaded cap back on.

Turn the wheel from left to right and back a few times and it will smooth out.

Greg

[RussL]

Thank you! I will give it a shot this weekend.

[Cooler]

RussL - the fill spot for SeaStar systems is at the helm, the small cap on top of the actual pump. Make sure you use hydraulic "helm" fluid. The instructions Tireless gave you are spot on. Hard to see the top fill level on those helms, the flashlight at an angle is the easiest. Make sure you put the cap on before you turn your wheel back and forth, or there is going to be fluid all over the place. er