Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 03-17-2017, 04:47 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
City: Blaine
Vessel Name: Slow Bells
Vessel Model: Marine Trader 38
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 327
hydraulic steering question

Does anyone know what kind of hydraulic fluid goes into a 1987 vintage Vetus hydraulic wheel steering unit? There was a quart of Sea Star Hydraulic steering fluid on the boat left by the previous owner. That stuff is sort of golden colored. However, the fluid currently in the hydraulic steering lines is much darker. I'm starting to question if the fluid in the hydraulic steering lines is just very old, discolored "golden" type fluid, or if there is red hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic steering lines (similar to what is in my transmission), or heaven forbid some combination of both. I see I also have a small leak on the back end of the lower steering station Vetus unit. The hydraulic fluid level in the upper steering station Vetus unit is wayyyyy low.







seattleboatguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2017, 08:05 PM   #2
Guru
 
C lectric's Avatar
 
City: Gibsons, B.C., Canada
Vessel Name: Island Pride
Vessel Model: Palmer 32'
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,414
Can,t tell you which oil. Would suggest contacting Vetus and ask. If possible get a manual.

Often the oil is a 5w hydraulic which can be a pain to find or as a second. Dexron atf.

But best ask.

That oil looks old but also could be a reaction between two different oils.
C lectric is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2017, 08:32 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
City: Blaine
Vessel Name: Slow Bells
Vessel Model: Marine Trader 38
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 327
Quote:
Originally Posted by C lectric View Post
Can,t tell you which oil. Would suggest contacting Vetus and ask. If possible get a manual.
Hi C lectric. Thanks for the feedback. I found a technical specification on the Vetus web site for a pump similar to mine, but they did not include hydraulic fluid info, though I see they market their own transmission fluid. I sent them email, asking which fluid I should buy for my steering system.

What's the difference between something like West Marine Hydraulic steering fluid for $23 a quart, and universal hydraulic fluid for $20 a gallon? It doesn't look to me like my 1987 vintage steering system is anything close to being a state of the art hydraulic steering masterpiece.
seattleboatguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2017, 09:18 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
City: Blaine
Vessel Name: Slow Bells
Vessel Model: Marine Trader 38
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 327
Quote:
Originally Posted by seattleboatguy View Post
Does anyone know what kind of hydraulic fluid goes into a 1987 vintage Vetus hydraulic wheel steering unit?
Hey, I finally found the Vetus recommended hydraulic fluid spec:

"Vetus hydraulic oil or a similar quality of oil with a viscosity of 2.5 - 3 deg E / 50 deg deg C and a V.I. which is more than 100. Solidification point must be -30 deg C."
seattleboatguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:59 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012