Sea star question

W

Westie

New member
Hi - I could use more advice on my steering controls.

I have noticed that I need to adjust my engine position every couple trips. When I'm washing down and have the engine up and to one side, I use the t bar valve to drop the starboard engine to align with port on the sea star bar. These are probably not the right terms. Bottom line, my engines seem to turn inward over time.

Any ideas how to prevent?
 
There is some controversy about the amount and direction of "toe" on cats. What I have read is to have slightly toe in (inner lower units both point in slightly).

Issues with the "liquid tie bar" (a system with a valve which connects the two outboards hydraulically, rather than with a steel bar) include: air in the system; low fluid. Cylinder bypassing (seals leaking), or bypass valve leaking.

I would bleed and purge the system, preferably with a power bleeder--(does not have to be SeaStar). You can get fluid much cheaper than SeaStar, as long as it is Mil Spec: MIL SPEC H-5606-G. I got a gallon for about $40 on the internet. Fixed base operators can have it for less, if you have your own container.

I would see if there is bypass, by deliberately leaving one engine toed out, and putting the engine to the stops with pressure on the helm and see if it drifts in (suggests either seal in the cylinder leaking or the bypass valve leaking...Also look to see if any fluid leaks from around the cylinder.

It might be interesting to leave the tie valve open (large body of open water) and see where the engines align naturally.

On edit--do the engines seem to drift inward more with time, or stay at a certain amount? Have you measured the angle?
 
If you bleed the system use MIL-PRF-83282( MIL-H-83282 ). It's the non-flammable replacement for MIL-H-5606.

Either is the dyed Sea Star equivalent. A small point, but the only way to go.

For a bleeder use a Motive Power Bleeder 0101. Adapt it to the Sea Star fill cap. Push the fluid through and capture it in a clean can.

Boris
 
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