Sea star system developed air in system

dsiekman

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Jul 7, 2010
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I took the boat out tonight and quickly realized I had no steering above idle speed. There were no stops in either direction. It was fine two weeks ago. No visible leaks. One fitting had a little oil on it but that may have been from the install a couple months ago. The only thing I can think of is that it was 90+ degrees when installed. Now we’re in the low 40’s. Any ideas?
 

dingbat

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Nov 20, 2001
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Pretty common problem. Hear it every fall.

Seals/tolerance/material issues

Biggest reason I haven’t installed hydraulic steering to this point
 

dsiekman

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This is my first season with it. If I refill and bleed can I get another month before I pull it and then rebuild?
 

dingbat

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Depends on how it failed.

If its short circuiting internally you’ll have to rebuild. It the fluid leaked out you will need to find and repair the leak.
 

Grub54891

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Is this a new or used system? If new, all you have to do is locate the leak, and fix it properly. If it's a used setup, pretty much the same thing. Most any system I've ever serviced just had a small leak. One needed a new helm, one I rebuilt the helm, and one needed a new ram. Dozens of others just needed a fitting tightend or replaced.
 

dsiekman

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Used. We rebuilt the helm before install but did not do the cylinder. Hoses are new.
 

Grub54891

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Bleed it again. Could have been a small air bubble. Now that it's cooler out may have affected it. Some have autopilot attached to the same lines, you have to bleed that also.
 

dsiekman

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I went out this morning. The leak is at the helm. The post above just reminded me that I had installed a plug where either autopilot or an accessory of some sort was installed. Wonder if that was it.
 

Grub54891

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I went out this morning. The leak is at the helm. The post above just reminded me that I had installed a plug where either autopilot or an accessory of some sort was installed. Wonder if that was it.

I think you found the issue!
 

dsiekman

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I’m not supposed to use Teflon tape or thread sealant, correct?
 

dsiekman

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798
I’m also reading that pressure fittings are supposed to have tapered threads. I just matched up the thread on the nipple I took out with a brass plug from my local hardware store. I wonder if that is also part of the issue.
 

dingbat

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Love You would know if you had a tapered vs. straight thread issue.

No no problem using tape on hydraulic connects. Makes a good thread lube in NPT connections
 

dwco5051

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Sep 14, 2008
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No no problem using tape on hydraulic connects. Makes a good thread lube in NPT connections

Some companies will not recommend Teflon tape for fittings because if improperly applied pieces can get in the system. It is a lube, not a filler so just a little over one wrap is all that it needed. Start one or two treads from the end of the fitting when you wrap and none will get in the system.
 
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