Unplanned repair!

Ky Grady

Ky Grady

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Location
Berea, KY/Cross, SC
Model
Seafarer
After all the fuel tank work and finally getting it all back together, finally hit the lake yesterday and the steering was about non existent. It would steer but you needed to turn it almost 2 full turns to get it to respond. I had seen hydraulic fluid on the floor but wrote it off to my overfilling and hose removal and thought this was residual from that. Not the case. I guess I blew the 15 year old helm the last time I bled it trying to get the play out. It's always had a catch in it since I bought it and had play at the motor, just not as tight as it should be.

Seems Seastar has changed the helms from my old HH5741 which is now obsolete, to the new HH6541-3.

I'm looking at 2 options, 1 of course, is go new helm as long as it is a direct fit into the old footprint. Was going all new, helm and ram, when I repowered. Guess I'll have part of it done now.

2, get a remanufactured HH5741 from Boatsteer.

Price wise, Boatsteer is a little over half the cost of new. I'm thinking about sucking it up and invest in new and be done with it, unless I'm missing something.


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You would think the universe would give you a break after completing a major project.....seems boats are the exception.

I just replaced both my seals on the seastar steering cylinder of my 228 a few months back. They were both leaking oil, and same as you, steering was sloppy because air was getting in the system.

I think your logic is correct in getting a new helm=peace of mind and because the work involved in these projects, It's just not worth the thought of having to redo/replace a rebuilt part anytime soon.

On the positive side least it is a fairly easy fix.

I bought a bubble purge kit that allowed me to fill and bleed the lines by myself. It was a HUGE help. Tyler the owner was also very helpful. He will answer any questions you have about the hydraulic steering system if you ever need.

https://outboardst.com/product/bubble-purge-hydraulic-steering-bleed-and-purge-kit-ost-pbb-001/

Good luck,

Lee
 
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The bubble purge looks interesting. I've used the Power Purge but hadn't seen this.
 
I would be inclined to fit a new helm KY unless I new the guys that did the rebuild or I done it myself .
If I was in USA I could sell you a brand new tilt helm, probably same price as a rebuilt, that I bought a few years ago when I was in UK and our $ was very high. I bought it just in case the one in my old boat played up .Normally they last a very long time here, freezing conditions in your part of the world may effect the seals.

Good luck with whatever you decide .
 
Did you end up ordering from Boatsteer?

They are an authorized SeaStar service center....you can get one with the exact footprint, and they are substantially cheaper. I think I'm headed in the same direction......
 
Parthery said:
Did you end up ordering from Boatsteer?

They are an authorized SeaStar service center....you can get one with the exact footprint, and they are substantially cheaper. I think I'm headed in the same direction......
Click to expand...

I didn't order yet. On the fence whether to go new or remanufactured. I did contact SeaStar and the HH6541 is an exact replacement for my old HH5741, same footprint.
 
Order a new one.

On the bright side this better than an unplanned pregnancy. Just say'n
 
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wrxhoon said:
I would be inclined to fit a new helm KY unless I new the guys that did the rebuild or I done it myself .
If I was in USA I could sell you a brand new tilt helm, probably same price as a rebuilt, that I bought a few years ago when I was in UK and our $ was very high. I bought it just in case the one in my old boat played up .Normally they last a very long time here, freezing conditions in your part of the world may effect the seals.

Good luck with whatever you decide .
Click to expand...

I agree. Just not worth it to take a shot on a rebuild.
 
Just been there and just done that. I had put a new o-ring kit in and dropped it trying to put it back together..jammed 2 pistons in the rotor.....
Off to West Marine I went!

the -3 helm fits old holes no problem. It sticks out a little farther I think.
I had problem that the steering wheel rubbed the plastic when seated fully on the shaft. Had to put some tape on the shaft as a spacer.

I sold the old one on ebay for parts, got $25 plus shipping.
 
New helm install complete!! Didn't realize how bad my original one was. Super smooth now! Very simple install.


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Looks like you did a super job. Get that floor cleaned up and then have a cold beverage for a job well done.
 
Good work KY , you will not regret installing a new one. Extra $$ but after a while you forget about the cost.
 
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