Hydraulic steering ram leaking???
 

I've got one last trip out on the boat coming this weekend and I noticed that my port side ram for the hydraulic steering is leaking. My fluid reservoir is low so I figure I better add some just not sure what it takes. Also can the ram be rebuilt or does it need to be replaced. Or should I not boat with it leaking at all until rebuilt/replaced?

I would find a local hydraulic shop they should be able to rebuild the ram. I went thought the same thing last year and it was around $200 per ram here in north Texas.

Shouldn't be very hard to rebuild. Easier than a shock, no shim stacks to deal with, just o-rings and seals.

Fill reservoir and go boating.
The ram can be rebuilt/resealed by the manufacturer or most likely locally.

Thats the answer I like. But will probably look around to see who can rebuild it. What kind of fluid?

Funny how I noticed it must not be real bad. I lowered the drives to get the boat to fit in storage so gravity must be helping. Then I wondered why I didnt see a leak when it was in the water? Must be enough water pressure 12in down that doesn't allow it out.

I took mine to a local heavy equipment / agricultural cylinder shop.
Very basic prcedure to rebuild a hydraulic cylinder.
75 bucks each. New seals and o-rings and a test when done.
Hardin wanted considerably more.

Just noticed you are in Ohio. The guy I used is just north of Ashland.
Small mom and pop shop in an old barn but they know their stuff.

What kind of fluid should I use?

Hydro supply in zanesville can do it. Or they probably have the parts if you want to tackle it yourself. It's not difficult at all.

My latham uses ATF. The old steering on the cig uses 10wt hydro oil... Is the fluid red?

Seemed more brownish. Worse case scenario I put ATF in to get me through the weekend. Kunkels marines said they use Valvoline synthetic ATF.