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  1. #1
    Member bassinman215's Avatar
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    BayStar Steering Issue

    Have a BayStar system on my Stratos. Came from the factory with the system (2009 285 ProXL with a 150 carbed Yamaha).

    Noticed that if the steering is at full lock left, it will turn past full lock with additional pressure. Does not due that if I turn right.

    Fluid level looked fine, but a little dark. Going to try topping off. No issues with looseness, tightness etc. when operating. No leaks that I can find.

    Suggestions on how big of an issue this is or how to fix? Quick research indicates a sticking or stuck valve in the helm.

    For what it's worth, I have a SeaStar helm that I got from my father when he got rid of one of his projects. It's near new, but I need hoses and the cylinder for my Yamaha. Planning that upgrade when I get some downtime.
    Wishing I was Fishing

  2. Member 06 SB's Avatar
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    #2
    The Baystar system is not to be used on bass boats. Do the Seastar upgrade now.

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  3. Member bassinman215's Avatar
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    #3
    Quote Originally Posted by 06 SB View Post
    The Baystar system is not to be used on bass boats. Do the Seastar upgrade now.
    Yes I know that. Would still like to get the BayStar straightened out,
    Wishing I was Fishing

  4. Moderator Fishysam's Avatar
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    #4
    I'm guessing there is a seal going out on the motor end and will soon not steer left worth crap so for safety reasons get it figured out.
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  5. Member bassinman215's Avatar
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    #5
    Quote Originally Posted by Fishysam View Post
    I'm guessing there is a seal going out on the motor end and will soon not steer left worth crap so for safety reasons get it figured out.
    No leaks on the motor end, and all parts there look to be in good condition. My understanding is that cylinder issues manifest as either a leak or being able to move the motor without the steering wheel.
    Wishing I was Fishing

  6. Moderator Fishysam's Avatar
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    #6
    Quote Originally Posted by bassinman215 View Post
    No leaks on the motor end, and all parts there look to be in good condition. My understanding is that cylinder issues manifest as either a leak or being able to move the motor without the steering wheel.
    Well on my sea star it looked good too but the inner seal was leaking giving me identical issues to you. Outer seal was keeping it together but not really.

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    #7
    Quote Originally Posted by Fishysam View Post
    Well on my sea star it looked good too but the inner seal was leaking giving me identical issues to you. Outer seal was keeping it together but not really.
    Crazy thing is that the fluid isn't low. Overflowed when I first took off the cap to check the fluid.
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  8. Moderator Fishysam's Avatar
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    #8
    Quote Originally Posted by bassinman215 View Post
    Crazy thing is that the fluid isn't low. Overflowed when I first took off the cap to check the fluid.
    Mine wasn't low either, I thought it was and as soon as I added fluid it just poured down the dash as there was fluid to the top. May be good and there have. Been some more responses saying it's normal, but in my opinion your steering to the right is normal. Not left.

  9. Member bassinman215's Avatar
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    #9
    Just looked through the SeaStar system that I have. My dad bought it for a sterndrive, so the cylinder will not work and will get sold off to recoup costs.

    Helm is a HH5271-3. Hoses are either 16 or 18 feet, 5/16" ID, part number 136329. Looks like I need the HC5345 cylinder for the Yamaha. Should be a significant upgrade from my current Baystar setup.
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  10. Member bassinman215's Avatar
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    #10
    And at the risk of resurrecting an old thread...there's an arguement that the issue I'm seeing is a normal operating characteristic of a hydraulic system.

    http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=1029650

    It's not easy to move when you get to the stop...noticed it because I had the wheel chocked all the way to the left at the marina and used the wheel to prop myself up to get a better view. Noticed the wheel would move if I put about double normal force on it. You can push it if it goes all the way to the right, it just takes more force.
    Wishing I was Fishing

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    #11
    Normal
    Not rare for one direction to leak past a little more than the other side. When you hold pressure against the stop they all leak a little. The older they are the more they will leak by.
    Last edited by gehol; 08-26-2021 at 03:47 AM.

  12. Member cwilt's Avatar
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    #12
    Sounds like a helm issue or fluid is leaking past the steering cylinder. I have a baystar with the same motor. This is my second helm cause the original leaked at the fitting. Ended up having a hairline crack. I stuck with the baystar cause i never had a steering issue.
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    #13
    Bleed the system and check it again.

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    #14
    It's supposed to do that, and should do it both directions, at least according to the instructions for the SeaStar installation.