Hynautic Steering Leak-Will Sea Foam Help This?

Stumedic

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 4, 2006
Messages
81
I swear by Sea Foam for my engine. Now I developed a slight leak in my Hynautic steering ram. Sea Foam makes a hydraulic oil additive. Can it help or is a ram rebuild my only out? Stu
 

Coors

Captain
Joined
Dec 8, 2006
Messages
3,367
Re: Hynautic Steering Leak-Will Sea Foam Help This?

napa has the good stuff.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: Hynautic Steering Leak-Will Sea Foam Help This?

What brand of steering do you have? Whatever, I would be very surprised if any such additive is going to help beyond very short term.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: Hynautic Steering Leak-Will Sea Foam Help This?

Sorry, I didn't notice the "Hynautic" in the subject. The rod seals are o-rings. As I said earlier, I don't think you are going to fix it with any magic potion. If fact, I would be concerned about the potion swelling seals where not desired, like in the helm.

You need to replace the rod seals. Depending on which model you have, they may be difficult to find at your local hardware store. You can get seal kits at http://www.charment.com/ but check here at iboats first.

The seals won't help if the rod is scratched. Polish it up with some 400 grit paper and then get it immaculatly clean.

21 years working at Hynautic and retired.
 

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: Hynautic Steering Leak-Will Sea Foam Help This?

I have the same condition with my steering. Seal kits are available and I bought one. I was adding a couple of ounces of ATF every day. After looking at what it would take to do the seal job i decided to put it off for a while. That was four years ago. I still have the kit and still add a couple of ounces every day. If it gets worse maybe I'll do the job but for now - - - - .
 

Stumedic

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 4, 2006
Messages
81
Re: Hynautic Steering Leak-Will Sea Foam Help This?

I found the problem. At the very end of the steering ram there is the smallest pit in the chrome. Must be enough to have damaged the gland seal though. Anyway, the only time the seal makes it to the pit is with the wheel cut hard over. I guess I can live with the leak as I just filled the helm for the first time since last April and it took about 4 ounces. Thanks for the input guys. Stu
 
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