Well after a year I have almost got the boat together. I discovered a leak in the steering si I sent it to Boat Steering Rebuilders in Florida for a rebuild. They did great work and had it back to me in less than 1 week. My question is I am still finding fluid on the deck under the helm. I have not fully purged the air out yet and used teflon tape on the helm to hose connections. Could the tape be causing the connections to not seat properly. Will air expansion cause fluid leakage? The helm comes to a nice stop full port/starboard, but then has “give” and will slowly continue to turn.
The “give” that you have is because of the air. Also the Teflon tape could be causing the leaks. Never use that stuff. Only use pipe sealant. It comes in a tube.
Also you need to purge the system before you can test for leaks. A leak test is performed once the wheels comes full stop and you build the pressure by pushing it harder. IF nothing gives, or leaks, you are good to go. Hydraulic steering is a pain, but works great when done right.
I just refilled my system the other night. Actually did it by myself. It took some ingenuity, but works great.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
Geronimo is correct. Teflon tape is a thread lubricant allowing the fitting to be tightened better, it is not a sealant. Common misconception.
Key West 196;150 Yammie
Life Is Good…Gotta Love It!!!
Teleflex has a great website and online support for everything they make. They specifically state not to use a tape type sealer of any kind on hydraulic fittings.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Thanks Guys. I had a suspicion that teflon tape might not be the way to go. Dang that fluid is messy! But at least it smells better than hydraulic fluid.
the give is definitely air
to the best of my knowledge, you shouldn’t use anything on the connection between the hoses and the helm or the hoses and the rear cylinder.
they are a flare type fitting
That is correct on the hose connections. I replaced my cylinder fittings and had to use sealant. Right out of the box you don’t need any, just connect.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
I may be wrong but thread tape is a sealant + thread lubricant. I prefer “pipe dope” or the liquid style. I have used it on fuel lines but never on any connections used for oil or hydraulic stuff.
My thought was it was mostly for water and air connections. ? Just remember to wrap it opposite of the thread pattern.
Thread tape is a lubricant. Biggest misconception. Fuel line is low pressure so the threads are sealant enough. If you do use teflon on any metal fitting you have to be sure to leave the first few threads clean. That is what seals and the tape lubricates the thread so you can get it tight enough for the threads to make the seal. Also Teflon tape works on PVC threads so you can thread it on enough to seal.
Ever use Teflon tape on air compressor fittings and then wonder why you hear hissing all the time? I keep tape, blue and red loctite and pipe sealant in the tool box. Each one has a purpose.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
I usually consider myself pretty dang educated on most things mechanical ,but I never knew that about teflon tape. I guess growing up I saw everybody’s Dads using the stuff on pipes etc. " Don’t forget to wrap that thing in teflon tape before ya put it together !" echoes in my mind. Of course I also remember hearing " Make (**() sure ya crossthread that thing so you screw it up the first time" quite often from a buddy of mine’s Dad.