Help on TC255

[Gene Morris]

There are a couple things going on with my TC255.

1: Bilge pump: My port side pump is not working, I removed pump and tried to
make it run by direct wiring to the ground and power post. It did not work. Purchased new pump and wired it to exisiting wires in lazarith Would not work but did with direct wiring as before, Pump ran well. Used multi meter to test hot wire used with pumps, very low voltage unless I wiggled leads into stranded wire then it came up to voltage. I tested wiring from switch at helm and all was ok there. The fuse panel at the helm is very difficult to access so I didn't test it from there. I was planning on running new wiring from the helm switch to the pump. What is the opinion of those who have had to deal with this?

2: The Seastar steering will not keep the motors aligned and parallel. At times I need to manually align them. What is going on? I do have to add steering fluid from time to time.

[Pacificcoast101]

I had a leaking helm that caused my motors to get out of alignment from time to time. I replaced the helm and now only need to top off fluid once every few months.

I check my bilge pumps occasionally and they work, although in nine years, I've only gotten water in the bilge once when my shower hose leaked under the sink.

[thataway]

Gene,
My best guess is that the factory spliced the wires to the bilge pump--at one or more places (mine was that way in many circuits). The butt connector has corroded--gives resistance. Abandon that wire--pull it if you can to look.
Run new wires.

The leak could be at the helm or the rams. (or connections). try and find out where by visual exam. Sea Star fluid is almost clear. I use a Phillips Mil Spec identical fluid--and it is red--easier to see. (also get a gallon for what Sea Start wants for a quart!). The helm seals are fairly easy to replace. I did that on my 22 about a year before I sold it. Dog hair, sand, salt all can cause wear on the ram seals--these are also easy to replace--just need the correct (or adjustable pin wrench. I made one way back with a piece of steel stock

[ssobol]

[thataway]

[Gene Morris]

Thanks for the advise. I have started to pull the switched wire and replace with new one. Do I have to worry about putting neg wire to grounding block near the pump. And, also install the automatic wire to the power block in same area? All three wires run to the forward helm.

[thataway]

I would replace all wires at this time. The boat is 12 years old--and 12 years use in Salt water is about the time you can begin to see some failure in connectors. Also clean all terminal blocks with a wire brush, and then use an anti corrosion, dielectric grease under each terminal when tightened.

[Gene Morris]

Thanks Dr. Bob etal.

I did replace the wiring and I always use a dielectric grease and corrosion block. HOPEFULLY this will last another 12 years.

Now I need to work on steering hydraulics. Halibut and rock fish seasons start May 1st and Salmon on May 25th. Tuna won't be far behind. I am flying to Elfin Cove Ak in July for a couple of weeks and to Chicago in June for a week. So I need to get them here while I can.

Thanks again
Gene

[colbysmith]

Gene, not sure what our schedule will be, but while in Elfin Cove, you might check to see if I'm there in Midnight Flyer. I'm joining another couple and we will be cruising the Inside Passage June-August. The only definitive schedule we have is Petersburg July 18-23. Colby

[Gene Morris]

Colby;

We will be at the Cove July 15th till Aug 1st. We will be in the inner harbor at Bud Keeney's house and running the TC255 "Tootsie". Everyone there knows Bud's yellow house, inner harbor with long steep ramp with Handicap Accessible sign at bottom (LOL) Look for us. We have some great halibut fishing areas.

Gene