Can I use Power Steering fluid for Trim Tabs
 

One of my Trim Tab reservoirs was low last weekend and my Tab stopped working. I didn't have any ATF Fluid on board so I put some power steering fluid in it and it started working again. I know they are both hydrolic type fluids so can I just leave what I have in there or should I pump it out and go with straight ATF?

Thanks

TC G

I use 30wt motor oil

You can....just keep in mind that different hydraulic fluids have different viscosity's, so by mixing fluids and changing the mixture you may get one tab working faster or slower then the other since the pump will be pumping the fluid easier/harder....

You will be fine.

If there is any change in the speed of the the tabs, that will be short lived until the fluids gets all mixed together.

Chances are you won't notice any difference.

ATF and power steering are pretty close in viscosity, 30wt motor oil is way more viscous.

If you needed a lot of fluid, your tabs would probably be slower with the 30wt.

Ken

That is what my Dana tabs call for.

Padraig

Thats what I got.

That's what I've always used. It really slows the tabs down. When your running 80-90+ it's nice to have slow tabs (atleast that's what I like). Sometimes I run it in the drive pump also. Depends... My Old Baja would lay over on the port side of the V if you had it trimmed out and then tucked the drive back in to fast. But that was 24ft long.

There are differences in how power steering or trans fluid and motor oil react with seals. Never use motor oil when ATF or Power Steering Fluid is called for. Also motor oil doesn't have the anti-foaming agents that ATF or power steering fluid have. which can make your hydraulics spongy. Just saying.

I run 10-30w in my 280s.

I've always wondered how vegetable oil would work... I had a hydraulic clutch setup back in 98 that called for vegetable oil for fluid. The thought has always lingered in my mind how it would work.

I believe merc specs motor oil for their trim pump...pretty sure its in my 575sci manual.

I agree with the above post. Don't have my manual in front of me but I seem to remember 10w-30 for drive trim and tab pumps. Maybe i'm thinking of the older ones on my 10 meter , not sure, I would check the manual.

Dana recommended 30w for my HP1000 tabs. I've also run it in my trim pumps for the past 20 yrs with no problems.

My manual calls for ATF/Power steering fluid or 10w30 as a substitute. I used ATF.