What fluid is used in a Mercruiser power tilt?

[hotrod53]

This is a little odd.. but I have 2 Mercruiser cylinders on my hotrod for tilting the front end. I have a hydraulic pump that provides pressure to the cylinders and it currently has hydrauilic jack oil in it. The seals leak a tiny bit around the shaft and I have to top it off about once a year. I'm wondering if I even have the correct fluid in it? I heard once that they use Dextron... is that possible?

 

[enginepower]

Yes, you could use dexron (transmission fluid) in place of hydraulic oil but it may not be a good idea in your case. Trans fluid has additives that may clean any residue you have around seal and make it leak more. I'm not sure if adding a conditioner to it would hurt anything in there or not.

 

[Fun Times]

The OEM fluid is called Mercruiser power trim and steering fluid. Aftermarket fluid is available here on iboats if interested. http://www.iboats.com/Star-Brite-Pr...4811691--session_id.266734382--view_id.729980

If the pump is a Mercruiser type pump, you could use 30w engine oil, Dexron 2 or 3 ATF or Dexron 2 or 3 power steering fluid will work as well.

Engine oil will just run the pump a bit slower is all due to it's thicker weight oil. If possible, it's not really the best idea to mix the oils.

 

[Starcraft5834]

30wt oil

 

[hotrod53]

The pump that was used is a universal pump similar to what I have seen in farm store catalogs. It has an integrated reservoir with a rubber plug at the filler.