Play in hydraulic steering while underway

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djohnson52

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Hi everyone,

I took my 268 Islander home yesterday from Connecticut to Rhode Island. While under way I noticed there is a little play in the steering(twin outboards). How can I tell what the level of fluid is the in the reservoir? If I need to add some fluid does the system need to be bled and how? Thanks!
 
Not sure what you consider a little play, but some play is normal. Having said that, you can check the level by removing the cap just forward of the steering wheel . If you need to add any fluid I found an eyedropper was an easy way to do it. If your problem is just needing to add fluid then you shouldn't need to bleed the system. The real question is....where is the fluid going. If any of the seals are leaking then you will need to bleed the system after replacing the seals.

Good luck.
 
You don't say what you have, but my experience relates to Teleflex SeaStar hydraulic steering. The first step would be to simply top off the helm and see if the steering becomes satisfactory. If not, top it off again if the fluid level has again become low after some use. Bleeding the system would follow as the next order of business. Small leaks at the cylinder are to be expected, and topping off the helm is normal maintenance. After a cylinder rebuild and a quick return to substantial leakage, I have learned to live with it and top off before every trip. Others would no doubt opt for either another rebuild or an entirely new cylinder.
 
Thanks for the advice.

The steering unit is a teleflex seastar. I will start with adding some fluid and hopefully that will resolve trhe issue. I like the eye dropper idea, smart thinking.
 
Ocnslr,

Thanks for the advise on this as well. I just checked out the website and it gave me an alternative that I already have on hand. My 2 year old son had a recent prescription that came with a very similar syringe. I must have a dozen of them laying around. Thanks again.
 
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