SeaStar Helm seal

[Hookup1]

Changing the front seal can be a real pain. If you have a SeaStar helm pump and a tilt steering option do yourself a favor if you have it out for repair. The plate on the front is closed so you can't replace the front seal, which is usually the problem, without completely dropping the pump.

Last time I changed the seal I used a hole saw to cut the front plate out. Changing the seal now is no drama.

Not sure if this works on non-tilt installations.

 

[Meanwhile]

Now that is an interesting idea. I had to replace my pump this summer and getting the new one in is always a pain. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Fishtales]

X2. I did the power assist pump and the aft bulkhead lines this year and it was easy. Check those aft hydraulic lines. They can chafe where the plastic sleeve is placed and if they go, you basically loose steering.

 

[Hookup1]

Blew aft flex hose 3 years ago in FL doing heavy wheel work getting turned in the canal. Fortunately it was a safe landing. Later that year I installed bow thruster!

 

[seasick]

I learned the hard way) something when I replaced my seal. I removed the screws but couldn't pry the seal out so I tried turning the shaft. The pressure of the pump blew out the seal (good) and a mass of fluid all over the dash and me!(Bad)
So if you try that approach , wrap a rag around the shaft and seal.

 

[Fishtales]

That is one way to do it and gain experience. Yuk...

 

[seasick]

Fortunately, no-one was watching!

 

[Fishtales]

The fluid residue dissipates fairly quickly in the hot sun so clean up isn't bad. Don't ask me how I know....