Baystar hydraulic system. Helm and cylinder about 5-6 years old, hoses 2 years old and fluid/system check 2 years ago when installed.
I first noticed that the motor doesn’t hold itself straight when trailering anymore which means the steering was losing pressure, but haven’t noticed any leaks. The cylinder sits way back off the transom so any fluid wouldn’t get noticed, but haven’t seen any drips coming from the helm. Went out for the first run of the summer and the steering will not hold straight. Engine powers it to a right turn constantly. Going to check the fluid level, but is there any common part, or seal that I should go ahead order now to save me some time? Trying to get it sorted out before this weekend. Common sense tells me losing pressure/leaking at the cylinder, but not sure.
I had a problem with my helm leaking by. It didn’t lose fluid from the system, but I could always turn the wheel either way. The motor would slump to one side or another when towing, like you said.
I did a rebuild on the helm that didn’t seem to even correct it. So, I replaced the cylinder and that didn’t correct it. Eventually I replaced the helm and it went away. Something was wrong with the check valve seats I guess.
Helm rebuild wasn’t too bad, but I didn’t have success with it, so it probably is more work than I experienced.
It still steers very smooth. No slop or jerkiness. It just won’t hold and I constantly have to turn the wheel left to go straight. The steering wheel used to be very tight, and you could feel it holding the tension until you made a movement and it would kind of “break” free and turn the engine. It would hold straight for days before.
I would start by purging the fluid first. See if you can get your hands on a “power purge” instead of trying to do it with bottles at the helm.
You could simply have a loose fitting somewhere at the helm or at the cylinder. Introduce air and you get slop with no spills. You will know as soon as you bleed the system.
“If you had to tell someone how good you are, then you probably aren’t that good”
Holy cow. That power purge system looks awesome. I hate doing it manually, even though the wife and I have gotten a pretty good system down. I might go ahead and buy one of those. I am sure I will need it again, and since power boats will be in our future for a long time I am sure it will get used. Maybe I can make some money back loaning it to a few buddies.
Never mind, that is pretty pricey for such a basic little setup. Maybe I will call a service shop and see what they charge to purge the system. Since it only takes 10 minutes, I imagine most of the fee is recouping the $1000 cost of the equipment.
Holy cow. That power purge system looks awesome. I hate doing it manually, even though the wife and I have gotten a pretty good system down. I might go ahead and buy one of those. I am sure I will need it again, and since power boats will be in our future for a long time I am sure it will get used. Maybe I can make some money back loaning it to a few buddies.
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
They work incredibly well…and SOOOO simple to use.
I have a friend with one that does the same thing you’re suggesting. He’s made his money back already in a year and a half.
if you need to add fluid, it leaked somewhere
find the leak before you keep adding fluid.
the most common place is where the rams move back and forth at the motor.
Thanks Chris. If I end up needing to bleed the system, do you all do the power purging? If so, about what does it run if I have it all ready to go with fluid and just need it to be purged?
Had that problem with mine and fixed it with Lucas hydraulic repair that I have used for years in my backhoe and skidsteer and forklifts
That’s been years ago and have not had any problems yet!
Mine did exactly what yours was doing. Had to steer left to go straight. Replacing the ram fixed it. There is a non user replaceable center seal that needs to be fixed.
If Teleflex used a non rebuildable ram, that’s just stupid. The only non servicable rams I have run across working on heavy equipment have been cheap Chinese units. If Teleflex used something like that, and is selling these systems for the premium they are, then shame on them.
Gonna check the fluid level, and if low, go the Lucas oil route. Thanks all!
run your finger under the ram where the cylinder ends.
if you have oil residue, your seals are leaking.
inspect the shaft. you will likely find pitting on the shaft. that’s what causes the seal to leak.
if you have pitting, you need to replace the cylinder. if you don’t have pitting you can re-seal.