200 HP Johnson Hydraulic Steering Fluid Question

[tvtech]

I have a Sea Star Model HH5570 Hydraulic steering unit on my Stratos. The fill cap is on the column just behind the steering wheel. In Googling it it seems that the recommended oil is Teleflex Hydraulic Steering Oil HA5430

My question is can I substitute something I can find locally and I'm assuming you just top it off at that fill cap I mentioned?

I have the full sevice manual but I beleive this is an add on system because I have no steering pump or belt on this motor.

Another dumb question. How is this hydraulic system pressurized? I can't seem to find a pump. In addition it's easy to turn at idle or still in the water (or out) but gets relatively tough at speed. Is this normal?

Boat is new to me.

As always appreciate any assistance.

 

[F_R]

Re: 200 HP Johnson Hydraulic Steering Fluid Question

I don't want to comment on the oil, although I have an opinion.

The steering is not part of the motor. I suppose you could say it is part of the boat.

It is NOT power steering. It is manual hydraulic steering. Therefor, no pumps and stuff.

The Sea Star system is not pressurized.

Since it is not power steering, the effort increases with the load put on it. They say there is no such thing as a free lunch. Increase the steering torque required, and the effort has to go up. But one advantage is that it locks at wherever it was when you stopped turning the wheel. It doesn't feed back and spin the wheel if you take your hands off it.

 

[tvtech]

Re: 200 HP Johnson Hydraulic Steering Fluid Question

Thanks. That makes sense. And yes it does stay wherever you point the boat. I thought I was nuts when I could not find a pump. You have restored my sanity

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 200 HP Johnson Hydraulic Steering Fluid Question

If you look at the owners manual, there are several alternative fluid choices. One is a MIL SPEC (i.e. Aeroshell Fluid 4) hydraulic fluid available at most small airports (and way less than the Sea Star stuff). The other is standard ATF, available at any auto parts store. It's slightly more viscous than the Sea Star fluid, but works fine and is inexpensive.