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Hydraulic steering leak (steering problem) ?????????????????????
New to me boat (diesel 400ss) with a strange steering problem.
In order to keep the boat running straight I have to continually adjust the wheel clockwise. In a 20 min run I must have rotated the wheel 10 complete revolutions. I also noted what appears to be a small leak under the helm of an oily residue. Unfortunately we were leaving the boat 1.5 hrs away for a family gathering so really didn't have time to investigate further. |
What’s the helm? Capilano? Sea Star? Given the fact that it may be leaking, I’d check fluid level first, hoping it just needs a fill and bleed..... but because it’s drifting, if it’s not low on fluid, suspect a stuck check valve or the ram bypassing internally. |
http://www.seastarsolutions.com/wp-c....L-165025L.pdf Page 15 for filling/purging instructions (assuming it’s a Capilano). |
Hynautic fill/bleed instructions... I’m guessing, but this may be the system used in your Formula. http://www.hypromarine.com/userfiles...ne%20bleed.pdf |
It's a Seastar unit. Wish I could "tinker" with it during the week but the boat is just too far away.
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My SeaStar helm on my last boat leaked from the seal at the steering shaft. The seal is easily replaced with a steering wheel puller and Phillips screw driver, but you’ll need the helm model number to get the seal. Still, if it’s low, you’ll probably have to bleed it to get the drifting to stop. http://www.seastarsolutions.com/wp-c...5/200017-B.pdf Troubleshooting section also talks about pulling the big plugs on the back side of the helm to clean the check valves to cure drifting. |
1 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by Speedracer29
(Post 4642075)
My SeaStar helm on my last boat leaked from the seal at the steering shaft. The seal is easily replaced with a steering wheel puller and Phillips screw driver, but you’ll need the helm model number to get the seal. Still, if it’s low, you’ll probably have to bleed it to get the drifting to stop. Attachment 575938 Troubleshooting section also talks about pulling the big plugs on the back side of the helm to clean the check valves to cure drifting. |
If it does not appear to stop (when turning) it;s usually a stuck valve inside the helm. You can try to jamb it real hard when you first feel the stop and sometimes it unsticks, mine does this and I am planning on getting a rebuilt one from boat steer.
Where did you end up keeping it? I'll look out for you around hampton roads, |
Originally Posted by Pete280
(Post 4642118)
If it does not appear to stop (when turning) it;s usually a stuck valve inside the helm. You can try to jamb it real hard when you first feel the stop and sometimes it unsticks, mine does this and I am planning on getting a rebuilt one from boat steer.
Where did you end up keeping it? I'll look out for you around hampton roads, We're supposed to run to Smithfield station friday afternoon/evening, then run to Hampton docks Sat evening to meet a large group this weekend. Otherwise not sure I'll be in H.R. the rest of the year. |
just looked it up, looks like a cool spot , definitely secluded up there, probably a nice ride over to Cape Charles.
Check out boatsteer.com, my guess is the valve in the helm that locks full STBD is stuck open, Sea star will not sell full rebuild kits they have to be done at a factory authorized shop. |
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