how much hydraulic steering fluid?

[coreynov902]

I wound up having a seal on my SeaStar hydraulic steering start leaking towards the end of this past season, so before the ice comes off in a few months I'm going to drain the fluid, replace the seals, and then refill and bleed. I have ordered everything I need, but I only wound up buying 1 quart of the SeaStar hydraulic fluid. Anyone know if this will be enough? I'm estimating the line going from the steering column back to the steering system is around 8-10 feet, if that helps. As expensive as the SeaStar hydraulic fluid is, I don't want to purchase another quart unless I know I'm going to need it since whatever doesn't get used will most likely go to waste. Having never done this project before, I have no idea how much fluid it actually takes. The video I watched of a guy replacing the seals and refilling and bleeding, the guy appeared to get by with only one quart, but that could have just been editing. Any help would be appreciated.

[TampaJim]

Next time, purchase AeroShell Fluid 41. Retail it's gonna probably be about $12-13/quart.
Will let one of the DIY guys to come along to assist with a proper service procedure.

[swamprat]

If you are just replacing the outside seals,Both sides you can get away easy with less than a quart.
Probably a pint

[Striperaddict]

I replaced the cylinder seals on my seastar system last spring and didnt even use half of the quart. I didnt turn the wheel at all until it was time to bleed and lost very little fluid.
Hope this helps

[billnorman1]

I gotta change my fluid. Accidentally added L.U oil instead of steering fluid, steering effort quite high in the cold, as could be expected with 80/w/90 instead. Couldn't find the aviation fluid locally so ordered Quicksilver Power trim and steering quarts.

[TampaJim]

For future reference, anyone wanting/needing it ...

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...shell_bflu.php

Another option ...

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...s66XC5606H.php

[coreynov902]

Thanks for the help guys. I am replacing the two end caps and seals, but the seal kit I bought is also coming with some other seals, like the bleeder valve seals, so I’ll probably replace them as well. Considering that I have no idea if/when any maintenance was last done on the hydraulic steering (I’ve owned the boat for 5 years and haven’t done anything during that time), I plan to drain the existing hydraulic fluid out completely and replace it with new.

[billnorman1]

For future reference, anyone wanting/needing it ...

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...shell_bflu.php

Another option ...

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...s66XC5606H.php

I was at their website earlier but they wanted me to set up a password etc. and I'm just topped out on that stuff, so I just ordered Quicksilver. My shipping's free and I didn't check theirs.

[paulrodbender]

If it helps and if I remember correct, new system comes with 2 quarts and I believe I used a little over one quart when I installed mine new and after filling and bleeding.

[Gotfish?]

Thanks for posting these links, got 2 quarts shipped for price of 1 quart of seastar fluid.