Latham Steering leak
 

I have a leak on my Latham Steering where it connects with a 90 degree fitting on the cylinder. This is not on the flexible hose but where the metal fitting connects into the cylinder. Can I just take it apart and reinstall it with teflon tape? And will I need to bleed the system? Thanks for any input.

Greg

Hey DonziZX,

I just repaired my leaky fitting, same problem. I was recommended by the manufacturer (Marine Machine) to use Loctite 545 to seal it. It worked great, the only problem is that it is very expensive. $30 for a 50ml bottle. It is supposedly specially formulated for hydraulic systems so it does not contaminate the fluid. Steering systems are not cheap so I followed their recommendation. Teflon tape would probably work just as well.

Dave M.

at least you are able to find your leak :(
I have had a leak in mine that I have never been able to find.
I see the fluid in the water, always have to add a pint every weekend, never have water in the pump, but cannot find it on the trailer. :(

Wish i could. getting tired of refilling it.

DO NOT USE TEFLON TAPE on your hydraulic system. The smallest bit of tape gets into the system can cause problems down the road. Stick with the safe [expensive] solution recommended by the manufacturer.:cool:

Thanks guys, I won't use the tape. Incorrect guess.
So, all I have to do use the correct Loctite sealant and reinstall
the fitting? No air will get into the system and cause a problem?

Not too many places carry the Loctite 545. If you go to their website you can find a distributer in your area. After sealing the fitting I topped off the fluid and that was it. The system bleeds itself. The partial systems do anyway. I lost about a pint of fluid.

DaveM, I will track down the Locktite 545
tomorrow. Thanks so much for your assistance.
Greg

MnFastBoat,

Regarding the leak in your Latham system. Possibly the seal in the external hydraulic ram is bad? I've had this happen where the boat stayed in the water for a couple of days and minor galvanic activity coated the exposed ram. When steering and the ram moved in and out of the seal, the roughness of the galvanic action ate the seal.

To check your application, on the trailer, run the engine and have someone turn the steering wheel lock to lock. You watch the seal on the transom hydraulic ram for any oil leakage.

If that's not it, do you have access to the helm cylinder? If so, check all of the fittings on the cylinder. There are usually 2 to 4 90 degree brass fittings and many times one of them will work loose if not loctited at initial assembly.

Good luck,

Steve