I have a 1993 Robalo with a 150 Merc Black Max. It has Teleflex SeaStar
hydraulic steering, which works perfectly, but there is a very, very
slow leak of hydraulic fluid right at the very end of the cylinder -
the part in front of the motor that slides back and forth over the
chrome plated rod. It's not much - maybe 2 or 3 drops a day, right
where the rod goes in and out.

I'm pretty good with tools and repairs (I just changed the gears in my
trucks differential, for example), and this is unexplored territory for
me. Just looking at it, though, it doesn't look like anything I
couldn't figure out. Is this something I can fix myself cheaply, say
with a little washer or seal or something? Can somebody refer me to a
web site or part number?

Thanks a bunch,
Ron M.

The cylinder is most likely repairable. I would think there is one or
more o-rings where you are having the problem. Or a regular seal. To
replace it probably requires considerable disassembly of the cylinder.
You may be able to find generic o-rings at lowes or a plumbing supply
place. I can't think of any "quick" fix as once the oil has leaked
past what ever is sealing it it is past it and there is nothing you can
do. Sounds pretty slow. I might be temped to wait for it to get worse
:-)

wrote:
I have a 1993 Robalo with a 150 Merc Black Max. It has Teleflex SeaStar
hydraulic steering, which works perfectly, but there is a very, very
slow leak of hydraulic fluid right at the very end of the cylinder -
the part in front of the motor that slides back and forth over the
chrome plated rod. It's not much - maybe 2 or 3 drops a day, right
where the rod goes in and out.

I'm pretty good with tools and repairs (I just changed the gears in my
trucks differential, for example), and this is unexplored territory for
me. Just looking at it, though, it doesn't look like anything I
couldn't figure out. Is this something I can fix myself cheaply, say
with a little washer or seal or something? Can somebody refer me to a
web site or part number?

Thanks a bunch,
Ron M.

I have the exact same problem on my 88 Sea Ray.
I checked the manuals on the teleflex website and the procedure for filling
and bleeding the system is downright frightful. (I never did find the exact
manual I needed). A mechanic would probably need hours for this. I'm going
to wait until I can't keep fluid in it anymore. I'm using a small bottle
per season. I'm not happy about the leak because it winds up in the lake.

What fluid are you using? I'm using quicksilver power steering fluid and
I'm worried it may be the wrong product.

--
Denis Roy
D. Roy Woodcraft
www.ideasinwood.com
"jamesgangnc" wrote in message
oups.com...
The cylinder is most likely repairable. I would think there is one or
more o-rings where you are having the problem. Or a regular seal. To
replace it probably requires considerable disassembly of the cylinder.
You may be able to find generic o-rings at lowes or a plumbing supply
place. I can't think of any "quick" fix as once the oil has leaked
past what ever is sealing it it is past it and there is nothing you can
do. Sounds pretty slow. I might be temped to wait for it to get worse
:-)

wrote:
I have a 1993 Robalo with a 150 Merc Black Max. It has Teleflex SeaStar
hydraulic steering, which works perfectly, but there is a very, very
slow leak of hydraulic fluid right at the very end of the cylinder -
the part in front of the motor that slides back and forth over the
chrome plated rod. It's not much - maybe 2 or 3 drops a day, right
where the rod goes in and out.

I'm pretty good with tools and repairs (I just changed the gears in my
trucks differential, for example), and this is unexplored territory for
me. Just looking at it, though, it doesn't look like anything I
couldn't figure out. Is this something I can fix myself cheaply, say
with a little washer or seal or something? Can somebody refer me to a
web site or part number?

Thanks a bunch,
Ron M.

wrote:
I have a 1993 Robalo with a 150 Merc Black Max. It has Teleflex SeaStar
hydraulic steering, which works perfectly, but there is a very, very
slow leak of hydraulic fluid right at the very end of the cylinder -
the part in front of the motor that slides back and forth over the
chrome plated rod. It's not much - maybe 2 or 3 drops a day, right
where the rod goes in and out.

I'm pretty good with tools and repairs (I just changed the gears in my
trucks differential, for example), and this is unexplored territory for
me. Just looking at it, though, it doesn't look like anything I
couldn't figure out. Is this something I can fix myself cheaply, say
with a little washer or seal or something? Can somebody refer me to a
web site or part number?

Thanks a bunch,
Ron M.


Teleflex sells an end cap and seal assembly along with a special tool for
removing the caps. This kit can be ordered from various marine stores and
dealerships. You can also contact the folks at www.bluewaterboat.com for the
kit by mail.

Look closely at the chrome rams on each side of the cylinder for any knicks,
pits, corrosion, etc. as they will tear up a new seal very quickly. If the
ram is bad, then you have to buy a new cylinder. Keeping a film of grease on
the rams monthly will keep them from pitting and corroding.

Bill Grannis
service manager

Thanks as always, Bill.. the rams are flawless, no problem there. I'm
thinking I can just replace a single part - a washer or seal or
something - that kit from Teleflex costs $120....

Ron M.


Billgran wrote:

wrote:
I have a 1993 Robalo with a 150 Merc Black Max. It has Teleflex SeaStar
hydraulic steering, which works perfectly, but there is a very, very
slow leak of hydraulic fluid right at the very end of the cylinder -
the part in front of the motor that slides back and forth over the
chrome plated rod. It's not much - maybe 2 or 3 drops a day, right
where the rod goes in and out.

I'm pretty good with tools and repairs (I just changed the gears in my
trucks differential, for example), and this is unexplored territory for
me. Just looking at it, though, it doesn't look like anything I
couldn't figure out. Is this something I can fix myself cheaply, say
with a little washer or seal or something? Can somebody refer me to a
web site or part number?

Thanks a bunch,
Ron M.


Teleflex sells an end cap and seal assembly along with a special tool for
removing the caps. This kit can be ordered from various marine stores and
dealerships. You can also contact the folks at www.bluewaterboat.com for the
kit by mail.

Look closely at the chrome rams on each side of the cylinder for any knicks,
pits, corrosion, etc. as they will tear up a new seal very quickly. If the
ram is bad, then you have to buy a new cylinder. Keeping a film of grease on
the rams monthly will keep them from pitting and corroding.

Bill Grannis
service manager