Power steering fluid temperature. anyone know the acceptable operating range?
thanks
Steve

I run trans fluid in mine, took the lame little cooler off and ran it all summer without any issues. My guess is the operating range would be in the 175* for the fluid itself.

never checked temp..know it gets hot...was told only to use the non-foaming GM high performance fluid when I did the full Hyd conversion...

My helm gets hot enough that you can't put your hand on the base after it is warmed up. I use the tiny stock merc cooler, Also after coming off plane the helm makes a hissing sound when turning the steering wheel until the fluid cools a bit. I bought a larger stand alone cooler, and plan on installing it before I go boating again.
My set up: Stock GM pump with single ram full hydraulic on twin Arnesons. Crossing my fingers that the bigger cooler will do the job. As far as temp is concerned, just guessing, close to 150 degrees.

I have small cooler and I have been spitting push lock hose off on the return to cooler. No apparent blockage or restrictions
Thanks

Steve

you need to keep the cooler...

imo,the cooler keeps the pump&cylinder seals alive.i use atf,dexron.

Given you are inquiring about power steering temps as they relate to marine applications, why not do a small study and find out what your tenps are. Maybe include another friend as a control...

The statement that every marine application needs a cooler is false IMO. Many synthetic p/s fluids can tolerate 275 degrees continually without issue(as can the modern seal materials like Viton and other Synthetic seals utilized in ps systems). The most overlooked thing in a power steering system of any application besides NEVER changing the fluid is FILTRATION. All that unfiltered, old fluid builds up contamination which increase wear... Which also wears SEALS! Yes, heat kills them too, but with today's fluids this is unlikely. Do you ever wonder why many engines start to leak after 100,000 miles??(not referring to real old ones here). Abrasive wear is a big contributor! Power steering systems often leak for this very reason.

Indeed, most systems have some sort of rudimentary cooler, however some systems do not. And without a small study with temperatures and varying rpms and lengths of time, we can only surmise can't we!?

One of the reasons to cool the oil is to keep the line temperatures of the hoses and helm cool because they can be in close proximity to other items that may not like 180 degree plus temperatures.

You are speaking on hydraulic steering. The OP is referring to standard power steering or assist style with a cable.