Steering Hydraulics

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

Can anyone confirm what “oil” I should use to top up my steering hydraulics, they feel as though there isn’t nough resistance? Is it a car power steering oil or something more specific?

Thanks

Rgds

Nick

[Anonymous]

Nick,

I use Shell Donax TF a tranmission fluid, only because a bottle came with the boat several years ago. Seastar Capilano systems recommend Dexron ll ATF (Castrol), which you can buy in Halfords.

 

Alan

[Anonymous]

Thanks Alan, I will get some. Is it obvious when it is full? There isn’t a reservoir that I can see?
Rgds

[Anonymous]

The original systems did not have an overflow or vent system, so hard to judge when full, other than the obvious that it wont take any more, which means that its too full. In the mid 90’s a modification was introduced, which fitted a overflow in the reservoir which was connected to a plastic bottle located some where in the lower part of the boat to collect any fluid due too expansion or over filling.

[Anonymous]

Attached picture of bottle installation on a NA 33 under pilot house step.

Alan

[Anonymous]

Thanks Alan, no sign of that on mine I am afraid so a bit of investigatin followed by experiemtation.

Regards
Nick

[Anonymous]

Baltic Cloud – Finmar 361 (nauticat 36)

I have a filling point near the outside helm possition with a sight pipe undeneath.
It is always losing oil out of the the filler cap but never needs filling up.
I have had the marina check the system and they conclude nothing wrong !

[Author]

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