I have transferred this topic from the WhatsApp group so it doesn’t get lost.
Good day,
I just discovered a ‘hidden door’ in the cupboard above the sink. Behind the door is the steering wheel gear with a small white reservoir on top. There is no oil in there.
I like the idea of the retainer string.
Topping up the reservoir can be done in a couple of ways.
You could remove an instrument at the helm (IMO: only worth it if you are doing a complete oil change/maintenance)
You can try to use a small jug/bottle to top the reservoir up.
I was recommended by KYC to find a small plastic squeezy bottle like a sauce bottle, add some plastic tube and keep it handy - it has been invaluable. I keep it full of the hydraulic fluid we use and can top up easily with a squeeze and getting to the line.
I have a marked “gauge” on the side of my reservoir that I can monitor and have a 3 monthly maintenance job (plus before big crossings) to check the level.
As far as hydraulic oil is concerned I was also told by KYC that they use Shell Tellus - but I have never seen this in containers smaller than 25L…
Last time I refilled I used Seafirst Hydraulic Steering Oil which seems good (and comes in 1L bottles)
This is the email I received from KYC:
Good day.
Thank you for the mail.
Do you know, if oil is supposed to be in there and how much? (Yes there needs to be oil in the reservoir, we usually fill it half way. Never fill it to the top as oil expands in heat and will leak on your wiring and equipment)
What oil did you fill in the factory and which alternative oils can be used? (Oil used-SeaStar)!
Do you have an electronic manual for the steering wheel gear? (Will forward you one)
Please check all your hydraulic fitting at the steering cylinder’s in the sugars scoops and on the autopilot and helm wheel. If the fittings are leaking this might be the reason why there’s no oil in the reservoir.
Please let me now if you need any more info or assistance.
Kind regards.
Hi there.
I have attached a PDF file for your reference if you need to bleed the hydraulic system. The manual shows outboard engine but the system is exactly the same.
Kind regards.
seastar-outboard-cylinders_9130001022_113649.pdf (3.3 MB)
The link at the bottom explains why we have the two recommendations from KYC. It looks like the newer boats are fitted with SeaStar hydraulic rams and therefore use their fluid. Not quite sure exactly when the change-over would have been but it would be about mid 2023.
The older boats (ours is end 2022) used Lecomble and Schmidt hydraulic rams and auto-pilot drives - and therefore the different oil as standard.
