Power Steering Fluid

[hal2814]

I have a 1990 4.3L Mercruiser with Alpha One Gen I outdrive. I recently dropped a battery on my power steering system's high pressure hose and it sprang a leak. I replaced the hose already but haven't refilled the fluid yet. According to the manual (Merc Service Manual #7 pg. 7A-3), I'm supposed to use only the Quicksilver Trim and Steering fluid or Dexron ATF. But the fluid that leaked out doesn't look like either of those. It looks like clean motor oil. Is it possibly motor oil? If so, do I need to flush it out before refilling the power steering system? I'm pretty sure mixing the two would be a bad thing.

 

[gustaria]

Re: Power Steering Fluid

did you ever resolve this. I posted the same scenario and got no responce also?

 

[hal2814]

Re: Power Steering Fluid

From searching, it looks like either ATF or 10W40 will work, but I don't have any confirmation from that through any Merc documentation or for my specific setup.

 

[gustaria]

Re: Power Steering Fluid

I just was up at the dealer talking to the mechanic. all he could tell me was "put power steering fluid in there' Mine was red so I think I can use power steering fluid, dextron 2 or 3. But I am still researching. the hose was 135 from the boat guy. I did see one one boat.com for 89, but after shipping...... anyway he has been helpful. the power steering fluid he had was 14 bucks a bottle maybe 16 ounce. this should be an easy thing and not so time consuming