SeaStar Fluid??

[tharris003]

Steering was not feeling right yesterday, checked the helm and no fluid... My question is do you have to use the Seastar brand or can you put another kind of hydraulic oil in it? New to the whole hydraulic steering system, any info would be greatly appreciated..

Thanks,
Tommy

 

[whipper]

I would, though theres some that might put other fluid in there. Just top it up with a syringe because chances are it wont need much. Most marine stores will have small bottles of it.

 

[F2008]

I'm not normally one who cheaps out, especially something as important as steering but there's no reason for the branded stuff to sell for $20 a quart (or more).

If you have a small airport nearby you can ask about getting aviation hydraulic oil (that meets SeaStar specs) $8 a quart at my local airport.