Napoleon due for more steering system work

matt_unique

Toward the end of last season I noticed my engines would slowly fall hard over when raised. Meaning, I would trim them up at the end of the day (straight up) and when I arrived the following weekend for example they were hard over.

Over the course of this winter fluid has run out under my port engine ram as well as out of the helm pump.

So she's due for the third fix of the steering system prior to the start of season #4. I would appreciate suggestions from the crew about how to direct a dealership to fix it. Clearly the Teleflex system installed is insufficient, what are my options? Can I get a 'beefier' system, perhaps another brand, or will that result in serious costs for a retrofit?

Perhaps the path of least resistance is a replacement of the seals?

Thanks for the suggestions.

srbaum · Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 8:30 am Post subject:

Capt'n Matt,
A system that I have been purchasing recently for my boats at work with far fewer failures than the Seastar is U-Flex. The U-Flex is much more robust, including the sealing surfaces and the ram. Interestingly enough, though the components are more stout and have proven more durable, the price of the Seastar vice the U-flex are comparable.
Steve

thataway · Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 5:25 pm Post subject:

The Bay Star system on my Caracal occasionally lets the engine flop over--but I don't worry about that, since the steering works fine.

In your case, it sounds as if just a set of seals should fix any cylinder leakage--you can also get a rebuild kit on the helm. So far my Sea Star is holding up fine (after the initial failure). The seal kit is not that expensive..I am sure that labor will be more than the seals.

matt_unique · Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 7:46 pm Post subject: Seals

Thanks for the replies.

I've never tackled the seals myself, is it a tough job?

Thanks

srbaum · Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 9:17 pm Post subject: Steering seals

Capt'n Matt,
Do you have the Seastar or the Baystar?
Steve

thataway · Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 9:49 pm Post subject:

The Tom Cats have the Sea Star. In hour instance, backing down moderately hard, blew the seals on the pump. (no problem with the rams).

I have used Hynautics and Wagner hydraulics on larger boats, and they were heavy duty. Not sure if they have anything in the outboard line.

BrentB · Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 8:11 am Post subject:

Where is it leaking at the helm pump? I was lucking b/c it was leaking at the top O-ring and not at the bottom or hose connections and needed only one O-ring. The ram was previously rebuilt.
Seastar (Teleflex) has excellent manuals showing the rebuilding process. Your need the model number of the pump and ram
ex HS5152 SEAL KIT FOR O/B FRONT MOUNT CYLINDER
http://www.marineengine.com/products/accessory.php?in=3469528
You need to purchase or borrow a special tool to remove the end fittings

Online tutorial for the helm
http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/310594-seastar-helm-pump-rebuild-pics.html

You need to inspect the hoses for leaks and cuts.

For our helm, the onlu problem was removing the autopilot from the shaft. It was stuck and took some effort and vocal coaching... more entertainment for the neighbors. On re-assembly and i applied some purple water proof
grease.

best

Discovery · Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 8:28 am Post subject:

The seals on our port motor leaked a couple of years ago. It was during the winter, while the boat was in storage. I contacted Teleflex and they sent me a seal kit. Since it was winter and cold, I didn't get around to fixing it. Spring came and Lake Powell beckoned, we used the boat and the leak stopped. It has never leaked again, and I still carry the seal kit as a back-up. I think the cold allowed the rubber seal to shrink and leak a small amount of hydraulic fluid. The seal replacement looked straight forward with the included wrench and a few tools I carry on the boat anyway.

Brent

matt_unique · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 9:51 am Post subject: Update

I reached out to Seastar to explain my problematic steering history, two pumps, etc. and they decided to send me a brand new steering system complete with new rams and a new, beefier helm pump (Pro model). The Pro model apparently displaces 2.0 cu. in. compared to the standard model that displaces 1.7 cu. in.

They said the Pro model should also address the reverse back pressure issue.

That is some great customer service...I will let you know how I make out.

Captains Cat · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 9:56 am Post subject:

Great news Matt! Unlike you, I have the same original pump you had and have had zero problems. Looks like it may have been defective in some way from the start...

Charlie

matt_unique · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 10:34 am Post subject: Pumps

BrentB · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 10:52 am Post subject:

I also had good success with SeaStar Teleflex company. My 1994 Seastar helm pump was leaking before Xmas weekend and I contacted them for new front seal. The rest of the pump was not leaking just the front. They offered to overnight it but had none in stock that the tech guy could find b/c warehouse crew was gone for Xmas holiday. Tech support called and sent email, too to use a O-ring as a substitute and sent the O ring number which I bought them at Ace hardware and it worked fine.
Good luck with your new helm

best

thataway · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 5:42 pm Post subject:

I'll chime in with my story about Sea Star/Teleflex. My pump failed on a Friday PM. I called and ended up with a VP of the company. He made sure that the new pump was sent out Overnight express. I had it Monday AM. By then the factory had arranged for Wefing's Technician to come up and put it in place and use their power bleeder to clear the system. Pretty hard to beat that type of service.

Captains Cat · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 5:50 pm Post subject: