hydraulic steering help

[dustin191]

anybody use a generic hydraulic steering fluid other than teleflex brand? when i add the fluid do i just unscrew the cap on the steering wheel and add fluid till its full, or is there some special method?

[Ranger519VS]

Here is the teleflex manual. Basically just fill the helm till its just below the threads on the hole. If the helm is too low, you may have to bleed the system to get air out of it. I have always used teleflex oil. The maual says you can subsitute aviation hydraulic fluid (page 14 for spec). It says you can use Dexron II in an emergency.

I recently bled my system because I installed a new motor and relocated the steering lines through the transom. It had not been bled since it was installed at the Ranger factory. I used Teleflex oil, which is nearly clear. The fluid I bled out was reddish in color and I believe it was probably Dexron II.

[EuropeanAM]

Teleflex fluid recommended... you CAN utilize Mercury or Quicksilver Power Trim and Steering Fluid also.

Here's a link to the information for the System Manual:

http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=785760

[dustin191]

thanks for the info. quicksilver is the kind of oil that i have. i have just never noticed my system low enough to add fluid to. it looks like its about 2 inches low. do you have to bleed the system everytime you top it off?

[EuropeanAM]

Not necessarily... but if it's indeed 2" low, I would strongly recommend bleeding the system properly, just to be sure.

Steering is not "optional".

[dustin191]

Will do.... Thanks for the help.

[Fisher Man]

I just using power steering fluid in my seastar system. Its pretty much the same thing as transmission fluid when it comes to using it in marine steering applications. For the application, it might be cheaper than a transmission fluid.

I ran power steering fluid in my Fisher for 14 straight years with no issues at all. So I know its safe to use!