Hydraulic FAQs (Cont.)

®

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What kind of oil should I use in my SeaStar system?

ANY NON-APPROVED FLUID MAY CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE STEERING SYSTEM RESULTING IN

POSSIBLE LOSS OF STEERING, CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR DEATH.

Due to recent upgrades in our steering system components, SeaStar Solutions recommends use of SeaStar

Steering Fluid ONLY in our hydraulic steering systems. SeaStar Steering Systems have been engineered

and validated using our proprietary SeaStar Hydraulic Steering Fluid. SeaStar Steering fluid is engineered

with a special additive package that contains anti-foaming and anti-rusting agents, anti-oxidants, viscosity

stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, wear additives as well as water emulsification additives. It is highly

recommended that SeaStar Steering Fluid be used to ensure optimum system performance and safety.

Use of any non-approved fluid may result in the following;

• Higher steering effort, particularly at ambient or lower temperatures and/or over time due to oil

degradation and breakdown.

• Increased steering slip and/or drift resulting in lost motion.

• Foaming or air entrainment causing a bumpy feel during steering.

• High rates of moisture absorption causing internal component corrosion.

• Scratched steering cylinder bores and shafts due to contamination or elevated wear rates.

• Seal degradation – incompatibility with various proprietary seal compounds used in our products.

Is there anything special I need to know about SeaStar hoses and fittings?

When installing Hydraulic Hoses make sure that the bend restrictor is located at the Steering Cylinder.

Use the shortest, most convenient path for routing hoses without exceeding a minimum bend radius of

2-1/2" (6 cm), but provide sufficient hose length to allow full, uninterrupted steering motion, including

trim and tilt.

Route hydraulic hoses with a gradual rise from SeaStar Helm to Cylinder(s) along gunwale or builder-

installed conduit.

Hydraulic hoses must be protected from chafing and should be secured wherever possible. Prevent hoses

from hanging free in an area where they could become a safety hazard.

Install hoses in such a way that they will not come in contact with sharp objects, such as fasteners or

edges.

Leave protective fitting caps on until connection of hose fitting to helm and cylinder is complete.

Prevent mix-up in hose connections by marking one hose on both ends with tape or chalk.

Do not use nylon tubing for outboard steering installations. Use the appropriate type of hose or tubing

specified by SeaStar Solutions for your type of system.

Use a pipe sealant, such as Loctite P.S.T. or equivalent, on all pipe threads. Do not use “tape” sealers.

Replacing our nickel plated brass fittings with brass or cad-plated fittings may cause cylinder threads to

corrode.

Refer to SeaStar installation illustrations for the correct connection of hoses from helm pump to cylinder.

Note that in dual cylinder installations, hose connections to balanced cylinders are different than

unbalanced models.