How to - change power trim & power steering fluid

[alexvelarde]

I just bought a 2013 Chaparral SSI 206 with a 260 HP Mercruiser 5.0L MPI
Engine Serial Number: 2A047298

I would like to change the power trim & power steering fluid, but I don't know if it's just as simple as pumping the fluid out and adding new fluid in or if I have to bleed it?
I don't know how to bleed either (trim or steering) or if it's necessary to bleed one and not the other.

Thank you for your help!

 

[superbenk]

Is there a reason it needs changing? Generally it just needs checking unless there is a problem (as far as I know).

 

[alexvelarde]

Just for my peace of mind since I bought the boat used and I don't know what fluid has been used.

 

[alldodge]

Oil doesn't wear out it just can get to dirty and then needs to be changed. IMO yours shouldn't have an issue but understand your due diligence. Changing will be a bit messy, have rags and a container to catch the oil. Your not going to get it all changed without a lot of flushing. The oil in the rams (power and trim) some will remain

The power steering reservoir has two hoses on it, one which screws into the back and the other which uses a hose clamp. See item 1 in link below
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/31855/15322/305

Easiest way to drain the power steering is to remove the pump and empty. Without pump removal, loosen the hose clamp and remove the hose. Drain what you can and you can pour more fluid in to rinse out the old. Working the steering without running the motor will help.

DO NOT run the motor without oil in the pump

The Trim can either be done from the outside by loosening trim lines and using the pump to push the oil out, or remove the pump inside and drain, flush and refill.

The one which should be drained and clean every few times is the drive lube bottle

 

[Leardriver]

I just changed out my PS fluid to make it synthetic

. I always have one "sacrificial" shop vac. The $30 version that I use only for oil, brake fluid, etc. I store it inside a trash bag when not in use, to control dribbles. Duct tape a smaller clear plastic tube, the size you would use to bleed brakes, into the bigger opening of the shop vac.​ Slurp out the PS fluid, refill with new stuff. Start the motor on the muffs, turn the wheel a couple of times, and turn it off. Slurp and refill again. It usually takes about three times for a complete fluid change.
You can do all of this in less than 10 minutes. Doing the trim fluid would be even quicker.

 

[alexvelarde]

Leardriver, How much PS fluid did you use doing it that way?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... For the P/S oil, disconnect the return hose on the pumps tank, catchin' the oil,....
Direct the return hose into the catchcan, open a fresh quart of oil, 'n hold it in yer other hand, with the cap off the tank, have someone start the motor at idle,....
Pour the fresh oil into the tank, as the ole oil runs into the catchcan,....
When ya see fresh oil comin' outa the return hose, shut off the motor, 'n button things back up,....