How do you fill Steering Reservoir

[amungarro]

Does anyone know how to fill the reservoir?

 

[divert00]

Release the pressure at the schrader (air) valve. Remove shader valve and fill with a very small funnel. Simple, but kind of a pain. Replace valve assembly and pressurize.

John McCarley- USCG 100T Master
Water Colors
Wrightsville Beach NC

 

[drewread]

Does anyone know how to fill the reservoir?

1. Remove pressure by releasing from Schrader valve (green arrow), but it already looks like you have no pressure.
2. Then unscrew the cap below the Schrader valve and fill through that port using the sight gauge below. It's the part that looks chewed up, probably from channel locks. You can find adjustable wrenches that fit this and don't chew it up.
3. Replace cap (check o-ring before reinstallation.)
4. Re-pressurize the system with a small bicycle pump, it doesn't take long. Suggested pressure in the manual is 20-30psi, but I run mine around 15psi after bleeding is finished.

The manual is available in the Reference section of this website.

 

[rustybucket]

After fiddling with small funnels and spilling more than I got in (not much head clearance on my install) I picked up one of these at an auto store. Works fantastically, makes filling a breeze and mess free. The only catch is what you do with it once you are done. I ended up storing mine in a heavy duty plastic zip lock bag. Life span on these is about a year or two and the vinyl hose starts getting hard and kinky. So I keep a new spare on the boat for when the in service setup gets too crusty.

I use a normal wrench to pull the plug/cap off. And I use a milwaukee m12 air pump to re-pressurize the system. I run 15-20psi.

If you sucked air into the system you may have to bleed the system refer to the manual for that proceedure.

 

[drewread]

I'm able to pour mine from the quart container directly into the hole. No mess so far, no funnels, pumps or other tools.

A small double action bike tire hand pump is stored right above it and pressurized it in a few easy strokes.

 

[brettportzer]

I do as Drew does and have taken off the big plug. However, it was wildly tight the first time I took it off (not pressurized, just super tight) and I wasn't sure it was going to come off, but it did. Had to brace the reservoir so I didn't twist anything or pull it off the wall...

 

[divert00]

I do as Drew does and have taken off the big plug. However, it was wildly tight the first time I took it off (not pressurized, just super tight) and I wasn't sure it was going to come off, but it did. Had to brace the reservoir so I didn't twist anything or pull it off the wall...

Exact same experience on the big nut. It must seize over time.

 

[MadHatter53]

What is everyone filling it with ?

 

[drewread]

What is everyone filling it with ?

As per the manual:

1. Aircraft MIL-0-5606 Hydraulic Fluid (preferred)
2. Type "A" Automatic Transmission Oil

I'm using the Seastar fluid.

Here is a thread on steering system oil.

 

[brettportzer]

I have been using the 5606 fluid, sourced from Aircraft Spruce.

 

[Jimn53MY]

Here’s what I topped off with:

 

[Captain Ralph]

I am not a fan of mixing different brands of hydraulic fluid. Any ships records of what is already in there?
Red, pink or clear may help in the SWAG.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Milspec is said to be a lot better- because it's thinner, the effort at the wheel is less. FWIW

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Milspec is said to be a lot better- because it's thinner, the effort at the wheel is less. FWIW

In theory maybe but others report no change in steering effort with ATF. I tend to believe it wouldn't change much, if any.

 

[warrenw]

ATF is what is in the 1973 Hynautic system in my Chris-Craft and I haven't found evidence that it was filled with anything else.

 

[Hatty53]

My Hynautic manual says ATF also.