Sea Star hydraulic steering, lost port steering, no leaks

[DonB4Lori]

Probably 1998 Sea Star two outboard system, rams look good, no leaks, steering fine and suddenly lost port steering at the wheel. Wheel spins like "free spool" in that direction, can feel pressure to starboard. I have removed the helm unit no leaks anywhere, fluid level was OK.

Is helm internally damaged? Or would rebuild kit, seals & O rings essentially be a possible fix.

Thanks

 

[alldodge]

Which model do you have and does it have power assist?

 

[DonB4Lori]

HH5261, rear mount, 1.7 cubic inch

Thank you!!

 

[alldodge]

In my non-expert opinion I would say that your check valves are sticking.

http://www.comstedt.se/pdf/manualer/seastarsterndriveinboard2.1.pdf

The valves are inside the helm, the cylinder(s) contain nothing other then open channels ports to each side of the cylinder. To fix, it needs to be cleaned and/or repaired. If it was mine I would attempt to take it apart and clean the check valves (ball bearings, springs and seats)

 

[DonB4Lori]

Thanks again, I opened helm, heavy sludge in relation to pics on Google, cleaned well all Pistons, springs, & check valves, reassembled confidently knowing that would fix the helm. Reassembled, drained ram cylinders, added new fluid, same problem, no port. Bought new helm, installed, now 5 turns hard over to hard over, stiff though, next ,I'll work on the Rams.
Thanks for your replies!

 

[alldodge]

Slug is pretty bad on everything. Good to hear your working, should have it up to snuff soon with what your doing