I need to top of my resovoirs, is 10-30 motor oil the proper fluid? One res has fluid the color of vegetable oil, the other looks like motor oil?

Also, what kind of transmission fluid are you guys putting in the Merc power steering res (Mercon, MerconV, Dexron)?

Straight 30 is fine for tabs and use Dexron or regular power steering fluid in the Ps.

Mercury makes a power trim and power steering fluid for the tabs and power steering pump.

I used Merc's power trim and steering fluid before. My mechanic has since put ATF in the resevoir. I heard ATF is better than power steering fluid. Thanks for the responses.

I switched from 30W to ATF in my last boat w/280 K-planes and can't say that I noticed any difference.

Hydraulic fluid or Atf will work in most of those applications, also 5/30 & 10/30 will also work as will straight 30. Personally if you were going to go with oil instead of the hydrailic fluid or atf, the lighter weigh stuff will usually work a little better and be faster. If flows easier. Remeber you dont have the same issues to deal with that engines do such as a lot of heat or thermal and viscosity break down. Jamie / Lakeside

Just my 2 cents worth. I think the one with a clear fluid may have pwr steering fluild in it. If you don't know for sure what's in them I would drain both put some 30wt or your fluid of choice. Just don't mix fluids!
TS27

Thanks all, I'm going with Dexron in the PS and 30 or 10-30 in the K-planes. Now can anyone tell me how to drain the K-Planes?

This came from another thread about the same thing. The following is what US1 Fountain suggested along with a link to explain the procedure.
"I have tranny fluid in mine. Try to flush out all the old fluid so not to have 2 types of fluid. Might even remove the tank and flush it out too.Read ' to bleed' http://www.insta-trim.com/install.html"
When I bought my "new to me" Fever it had PS fluid in one pump and oil in the other. I drained them both and put 30wt in both...I think it helps them both trim at the same rate also.
Hope this helps...TS27